EFL 10/3 Acca | Gab Sutton

In different circumstances, Norwich’s injury-hit December drop-off of one point from four could have really held them back in the play-off scramble, but the bar for the play-offs is low this year.

By current PPG projections, just 68 points would secure a top six berth, the lowest since Leicester snuck in with that tally in 2012-13, and given that the Canaries have responded well to the drop-off, they’re now just two points and places off, with key players back, and a relatively favourable last third of the season in terms of fixtures – on paper, at least.

Johannes Hoff Thorup’s men might look a midtable side when they’re without their influential spearhead, Josh Sargent, but the US international is back from injury, has hit the ground running straight away and, predictably, they look comfortably a top six side once again.

Visitors Preston North End aren’t to be discounted, having lost seven in 28 since Paul Heckingbottom was appointed manager in August – they’ll probably rely on that healthy points return they’ve banked to keep them away from trouble, as the Lilywhites approach an awkward point in the calendar.

After a recent 5-1 drubbing by Lincoln, Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson described his group of players as the softest he’s ever worked with in his entire managerial career.

In the unlikely event that the Scot is wrong about his players, he’s just effectively told them he doesn’t believe in them, but even if he’s right, they’re not going to be the type of people likely to respond defiantly to being insulted.

It seems surprising that a manager of Ferguson’s experience has attacked his players’ character, and while they did beat Wigan 2-0 the following Tuesday, they couldn’t follow up that response, losing 3-1 at Bristol Rovers.

The timing of the fixture seems convenient, then, for play-off contenders Charlton, who have accrued a whopping 23 points from their last 10 games, helped by returns from injury for Kayne Ramsay and Miles Leaburn.

Carrying on the theme of frustration from experienced managers, Gillingham boss John Coleman said his side’s 3-0 loss at Barrow was one of the three worst performances he’s been responsible for in 25 years of management.

The former Accrington Stanley manager suggested his players had been treated too well, that there haven’t been enough consequences for lack of effort, and he took responsibility for his part in that.

As such, we can infer that Coleman will be looking to shake things up for Tuesday’s trip to Walsall in search of a response, but the leaders need one of those themselves, having taken just one point from their last four games.

The Saddlers are rebuilding their attack, somewhat, after the loss of star Stoke loanee Nathan Lowe, and will be hoping Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley can return to the squad to bring a much-needed range of qualities to the front-line to partner target man Jamille Matt.

* Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ only. GambleAware.