It's perhaps the most bitterly-fought relegation battle in the whole of the country, four teams drop out of League One and this season is proving to be more exciting than ever.

In a tightly-packed contest the four spaces at the bottom are being fought by a huge number of teams, so we've turned to FLW writer Gary Hutchinson to give us a six point opinion on the dreaded drop zone.

How many teams are involved?

Only six points separate Bradford City in 22nd and Southend in 12th, it's that tight. There's only ten between Fleetwood in tenth and Bradford, so right now there's any number of sides still nervously looking over their shoulder.

Realistically, you'd expect any of those sides in the bottom half to be concerned for their future. With such small margins of error, a couple of bad results will see you plunged right into the thick of the trouble.

Who is looking likeliest to go down?

Wimbledon haven't had a good season, they're nine points adrift of safety and looking odds on for the drop. It's interesting though, they've been playing decent football recently and there's an air of optimism around the place. If they pull survival out of the bag though, it would be a miracle.

Shrewsbury have been dragged into it recently and they're second from bottom, but they've been in the mid table area for much of the season. The real battle begins with them.

Which fringe clubs could be drawn into the battle?

There's a couple who haven't been around the bottom four much who might be a bit nervy. Walsall started well and looked to be top six candidates, but their recent form has been poor with seven defeats in ten across all competitions. They might be one side to be dragged into the mix.

There's also a huge question mark over Burton in my opinion. They've only won one in eight, although that run did see them play Man City twice, but they're not one of the sides seen to be in any danger. They've only got two league wins since December 8th and face three away trips now, with Shrewsbury and Wimbledon next. Win those and they'll confirm mid table obscurity, but drop points in either and they could be dragged down.

Which of the current bottom four are most likely to survive?

Both Bradford and Oxford have spent much of the season in the bottom four, but both have the skills to get out. Bradford had enjoyed a run of good form, but have slipped in recent weeks. They've got quality within the ranks though and they should have enough to get out.

Oxford are a side in a false position, but they've struggled for goals. They've only won one in 2018, but have drawn with Barnsley recently and show enough promise to get out of the bottom four.

Which sides currently in the mire shouldn't be down there?

Accrington Stanley are 15th, just four points above the drop zone but they've no business there whatsoever. They've not got the budget of most clubs, but they've got top six character and should get away from the relegation battle. They've only played 28 matches too, so they've got games in hand.

Which four team do you think will go down?

It's looking very bleak for Wimbledon and Shrewsbury have struggled to get any rhythm to their play. I think they're both on the cusp of League two football. Bristol Rovers got rid of Darrell Clarke but haven't improved and muted transfer window business has seen their squad lose ground compared to their rivals.

I'm also concerned about Rochdale in the middle of the pack. They're two points outside the drop zone but have played a game more and they might be about to see their spell in the third-tier brought to an end.