Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers are level on 12 points at the top of Group A, with Sheffield having played one fewer game. Cardiff Devils, on eight points, face both leaders this weekend: they host Sheffield on Saturday and visit Nottingham on Sunday. Two wins would lift Cardiff to 12 points and put them firmly in contention for qualification.
Nottingham host Cardiff in their final group game. A win would take the Panthers to 14 points, while a defeat would leave them on 12 and reliant on results elsewhere. Guildford Flames and Coventry Blaze, on eight and seven points respectively, meet in a double-header; both need wins to strengthen their qualification hopes. Manchester Storm have no game this weekend and have three fixtures left.
In Group B, Belfast Giants need a win at home to Glasgow Clan on Sunday to guarantee top spot and direct semi-final qualification. Fife Flyers are second, four points ahead of Glasgow and Dundee Stars, with three games remaining. Glasgow can cut the gap with a win in Belfast; Dundee, level on seven points with Glasgow but having played one more game, are also watching the result.