Which teams can be been promoted and relegated this week? Championship, League One, League Two races explained

One automatic promotion spot is up for grabs in League Two, while the relegation battle is up in the air in League One.
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Northampton Town and Stockport County are battling it out to secure automatic promotion from League Two.

The EFL sides both go into the final day with hopes of being promoted to League One. But who will be going the other way?

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Reading were relegated to League One on Thursday (4 May) evening following Huddersfield’s shock victory over Sheffield United. Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle have been promoted to the Championship with one match to spare.

Sheffield United waved goodbye to the English Football League (EFL) as they became the latest team to achieve promotion. The Blades victory over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday (26 April) night confirmed their return to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

They follow champions Burnley who had sealed promotion with a win on Good Friday at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. Leyton Orient will be playing League One football after they were confirmed as League Two champions last weekend (22 April). Forest Green Rovers were the first team to be relegated across the top four divisions following a 5-1 defeat to Barnsley on 15 April, bring end to their tough season in League One.

Rochdale have been relegated to the National League, bringing an end to a 102-year spell in the Football League. Wrexham will take their place in League Two after they were confirmed as National League champions.

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Most teams have just two games left to play in the 2022/23 season across the EFL, meaning that there is a lot to play for over the next two weekends. Here are the teams who could be promoted and relegated:

Championship

Promotion

Burnley and Sheffield United have been promoted, claiming the two automatic promotion spots. Luton and Middlesbrough have secured two of the four play-off spots but the race for the remaining slots is fierce.

Coventry City will guarantee a Play-Off spot on the final day on Monday (8 May) with a draw at Middlesbrough. Millwall will join them if they beat Blackburn Rovers. But Rovers would stand a chance of reaching the top six if they win at the Den, as do Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion with victories at Preston North End and Swansea respectively.

Relegation

Blackpool have been relegated to League One after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Millwall on Friday (28 April). Wigan Athletic have been relegated after a late equaliser meant they drew 1-1 with Reading, the Latics needed to win to keep their hopes of survival alive.

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Reading were later relegated on Thursday (4 May) following Huddersfield’s victory over Sheffield United.

It means Blackpool, Wigan Athletic and Reading have been relegated to League One.

League One

Promotion

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Plymouth Argyle boss Steven SchumacherIpswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher

Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle have been promoted to the Championship with wins on Saturday (29 April) to confirm promotion.

Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Bolton are guaranteed Play-Off spots.

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Derby County will take the last spot with a win at Sheffield Wednesday on the Sunday’s season finale. Peterborough United would ususrp the Rams though if they beat Barnsley and Derby lose, or if Derby draw and Posh win by three or more goals.

Relegation

Accrington Stanley boss John ColemanAccrington Stanley boss John Coleman
Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman

Forest Green Rovers have already been relegated. The Gloucestershire side’s instant return to League Two was confirmed earlier this month following a 5-1 defeat to Barnsley.

Accrington Stanley, Cambridge United, Morecambe, MK Dons and Oxford United could all be relegated on the final day. MK Dons will stay up as long as they match (or better) Morecambe, Cambridge United and Accrington’s results and scorelines.

Morecambe need to better MK Dons’ result (barring any unlikely goal swings), at least match Cambridge’s result and not see Accrington win andcreate a 16-goal swing.

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Cambridge need to win and hope Morecambe or MK Dons drop points. A draw for the U’s and defeats for MK Dons and Morecambe could see Cambridge survive, but they would need MK to lose by eight.

Accrington need the other three teams to lose (or Cambridge draw) and need a 16-goal swing.

League Two

Promotion

Leyton Orient were confirmed as League Two champions and secured their promotion to League One on Saturday, 15 April. Stevenage have been promoted! They will play League One action next season.

Northampton Town will be promoted if they win at Tranmere Rovers. Stockport County will be promoted if they beat Hartlepool and Northampton drop points.

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A point on final day is enough for Carlisle United, Salford City and Bradford City to finish in the Play-Offs. Mansfield Town need one of those three teams to lose and see a swing in goal difference if they are to finish in the top seven.

Relegation

Rochdale have been relegated to National League. It brings an end to an 102-year stay in the Football League and was confirmed on 15 April.

Hartlepool have been relegated despite a 3-1 victory on Saturday. They needed Crawley Town to lose but they drew 1-1, consigning Pools to a return to the National League.

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