EFL Weekend Preview: Lions Roar, Steel City Showdown, and Key Clashes
The final weekend of EFL action before the international break promises a packed schedule, featuring pivotal matches across all tiers. From intense derbies to battles at both ends of the table, here's what to watch for:
09 NOV
Championship Action: Steel City Derby Headlines the Weekend
The highlight of the weekend is Sunday’s Steel City Derby at Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United host Sheffield Wednesday in their first meeting in nearly six years. A Blades win could see them claim top spot, while a victory for Wednesday could bring them into playoff contention.
Before Sunday, Friday night sees Watford host Oxford United, a game with huge implications as just seven points separate fifth-placed West Brom from the relegation zone.
Other Key Fixtures:
- Stoke City vs. Millwall: The Lions, on a run of four consecutive 1-0 wins, aim to extend their unbeaten streak under Neil Harris.
- Sunderland vs. Coventry City: Leaders Sunderland face a Coventry side reeling after sacking Mark Robins, the EFL’s longest-serving manager.
- Derby County vs. Plymouth Argyle: Wayne Rooney returns to Derby, hoping to improve Plymouth’s dismal away record.
- Norwich City vs. Bristol City: Injury-hit Norwich look to maintain a year-long unbeaten home streak against a similarly stretched Bristol side.
League One: Derbies and Promotion Battles
League One kicks off with a South Yorkshire derby on Friday night as Barnsley host Rotherham United. On Saturday, fourth-placed Mansfield Town visit third-placed Wrexham in a top-of-the-table clash, with both sides boasting excellent home and away records, respectively.
Other Key Matches:
- Wycombe Wanderers, now top, visit struggling Wigan Athletic.
- Second-placed Birmingham City host Northampton Town.
- Burton Albion and Shrewsbury Town, both with new managers, clash at the bottom of the table.
League Two: Doncaster Rovers vs. Notts County
In League Two, Doncaster Rovers host Notts County in a meeting of two of the division’s top sides. Doncaster’s strong home form will be tested against County, one of the few unbeaten away teams in the top five divisions.
Other Notable Fixtures:
- Leaders Port Vale travel to Gillingham, who have slipped down the standings after leading the table five games ago.
- Basement club Morecambe visit Harrogate Town in a bid to close the gap on Swindon Town and safety.
With tight tables across the leagues and every point crucial, this weekend’s matches promise drama, tension, and no shortage of storylines heading into the break.
