League One Preview: Promotion rivals Walsall and Millwall clash, leaders Burton desperate for a win over Bradford

After suffering their second loss in three league games, table toppers Burton need to get back to winning ways when Bradford visit this weekend or risk getting knocked off their perch.

Forward Nasser El Khayati was rejoined with former Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at QPR on deadline day, a deal which boss Nigel Clough said was “good enough for a player that wanted to go.” The leaders are ahead by a single point, on 57 after a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale.

City remain in the hunt for the final play-off position in 11th, 16 points behind Burton and three off of sixth. The Bantams have been boosted with the signing of 23-year-old striker Jamie Proctor who had been on loan with them in January.

Burton lost forward Nasser El Khayati to QPR on deadline day for an undisclosed fee.

Walsall will continue their push for top-spot with a visit against high-flying Millwall. Unbeaten in four, the Saddlers are just a point behind on 56 and will be happy they were able to hold onto key assets like top scorer Tom Bradshaw.

The Lions are also without loss in four and have an impressive away record with 24 points taken, only the top-two have more on their travels. The London club will want to bounce back after being denied a trip to Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Gillingham are also in action against a Swindon side at risk of being dragged into a relegation battle.

The Gills are three points off first in third place, having only taken four points from a possible 12 they failed to capitalise on the leader’s poor form and risk falling down the order with Wigan just two points behind with 52 and unbeaten in eight. Town are winless in three and are seven points above the drop zone. The Robins re-signed midfielder Louis Thompson on loan from Norwich for the third time.

Norwich City midfielder Louis Thompson has re-signed for Swindon Town on loan until the end of the season.

On Sunday, in the drop Fleetwood have the chance to get themselves out the drop with a visit from Shrewsbury, who are just one place and a single point above their opponents and the bottom-four.

The Cod Army signed defender Marcus Nilsson until the end of the season to help turn their fortunes around. In 21st on 28 points, Steven Pressley’s men have only won once in their last eight games. The Shrews have only picked up six points in as many games, and are on 29 points. After drawing Manchester United in the FA Cup, The Blues need to focus on their relegation battle this weekend.

Bottom club Colchester will want to end their wretched form and avenge their cup exit with an Essex derby at Southend.

Now seven points adrift and demolished 4-1 by Spurs last weekend, there is little good news at the Colchester Community Stadium who are without a league win since October 20th. The Shrimpers also have a lot to play for as they are out of the top-six on goal difference only. The Blues also have a Norwich player in their ranks with forward Jamar Loza joining on loan.

Nothing but a win will do for sinking Oldham who are five points from safety. Manager has targeted nine wins to secure safety, but with only four from 27 it will be an incredibly tough ask. Unbeaten in four Blackpool are the visitors, after denying Gillingham top-spot last weekend with a win they are now five points above the drop.

A faltering Coventry side travel to a resurgent Port Vale in the early kick-off on Sunday.

City have lost their last three matches but have bought in Jack Stephens and Baily Cargil on loan until the end of the campaign. The Sky Blues are nine points off Burton and eight off of automatic promotion. The Valiants are a point off of the top-six in eighth place on 43, only five away from their opposition.

Saturday’s League One fixtures (15:00 K.O):

Burton vs Bradford

Chesterfield vs Peterborough

Crewe vs Rochdale

Gillingham vs Swindon

Oldham vs Blackpool

Scunthorpe vs Doncaster

Sheffield Utd vs Wigan

Southend vs Colchester

Walsall vs Millwall

Sunday’s (15:00 K.O)

Port Vale vs Coventry (14:00 K.O)

Barnsley vs Bury

Fleetwood vs Shrewsbury