What Should You Watch for in EFL This Weekend?

As the Championship season unfolds, Stoke City's Divin Mubama and Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway have emerged as key contributors, helping their teams to impressive starts with three wins out of three. This weekend promises thrilling matchups as several clubs aim to assert their dominance while others struggle for form. Matches featuring Stoke against West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough facing Sheffield United will be pivotal for both promotion aspirations and managerial legacies.

Last updated: 29 August 2023 (BST)

• Stoke City and Middlesbrough have started the season strongly, both winning their opening matches.
• West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United are under pressure to turn their fortunes around.
• The return of familiar rivals Millwall and Wrexham adds an intriguing element to the weekend.
• Wigan Athletic and Stockport County are set for a repeat clash shortly after their EFL Cup encounter.
• Grimsby Town seeks to maintain momentum after a historic victory over Manchester United.

Stoke City: Aiming for Stability

Stoke City finds itself at a crossroads this season. After eight years in the Championship, the club's best finish has been a disappointing 14th place. However, their current form, with three consecutive wins, hints at a possible turnaround.

Mark Robins, the latest in a string of managers, has a challenging task ahead. With a managerial turnover that has seen five different leaders in just three years, fans are cautiously optimistic. "We have to enjoy it - we've won three out of three but we don't get carried away," Robins stated after their latest victory against Southampton.

Upcoming Clash against West Bromwich Albion

Stoke’s next fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday at 12:30 BST is crucial. West Brom, led by rookie manager Ryan Mason, has also had an unbeaten start, gathering seven points so far. Mason’s appointment comes after a tumultuous period for the Baggies, with three managerial changes in six months. A win for either side could provide a significant psychological boost early in the season.

Middlesbrough: A Fresh Start

Middlesbrough is also experiencing a revival under Rob Edwards, who has steered the club to its first three-win start since the 1994/95 season, a year that culminated in them winning the Championship title.

Edwards, after a tumultuous exit from Luton Town, has quickly reinvigorated the squad. However, the loss of key midfielder Finn Azaz to Southampton poses a challenge for maintaining their form.

Challenge against Sheffield United

This weekend, Middlesbrough will host Sheffield United, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the table without a point. United’s manager, Ruben Selles, faces immense pressure following three defeats. "I will not open a book of excuses - I need to do my job better," he admitted. This match presents an opportunity for Selles to prove his mettle or risk further scrutiny.

Millwall vs. Wrexham: A Historic Encounter

The clash between Millwall and Wrexham revives a rivalry that last saw action nearly 25 years ago. Both clubs have had divergent journeys since their last meeting. Wrexham's rise from non-league football to the Championship has been remarkable, marked by significant investment and ambition.

Despite a challenging start to the season, with only one point from three matches, Wrexham's squad is expected to grow stronger with potential late transfers before the deadline. Millwall, meanwhile, aims to build on their positive start as they seek to challenge for play-off positions.

Millwall's Strategy

Millwall's manager Alex Neil remains cautious yet optimistic. "It's going to be a tough match; they've spent a lot of money in the summer and they'll have their own aspirations," he said. The tactical battle will be critical, as both teams look to secure essential points early in the season.

Wigan Athletic vs. Stockport County: A Renewed Rivalry

Wigan Athletic and Stockport County are set for a reunion after a quick turnaround following their EFL Cup clash. Wigan, under the guidance of Ryan Lowe, is working hard to rebuild and regain its former glory in a tough League One environment.

The last time these teams met, Wigan claimed a narrow victory. As they prepare for Saturday’s fixture, both clubs are keen to establish dominance in their encounters. "It’s important for us to build momentum and confidence," Lowe emphasised.

Grimsby Town: Riding the Wave of Success

Grimsby Town has kicked off their season with impressive form, particularly following an extraordinary win against Manchester United in the EFL Cup. The 12-11 penalty shoot-out victory has set a high bar for the team, and manager Dave Artell aims to harness this momentum as they face Bristol Rovers.

The Pirates are also looking to improve, having experienced a slow start to the season. Artell expressed hope that his team can replicate their recent success against Rovers, which could provide valuable insights into their character and potential.

What Lies Ahead

As the transfer deadline approaches, clubs are navigating the dual challenges of securing new talent while focusing on their immediate performance on the pitch. The coming weekend is crucial not just for points but also for setting the tone for the rest of the season.

Will Stoke and Middlesbrough continue their unbeaten runs? Can Sheffield United find their form? And how will historical rivalries play out? With plenty at stake, fans can expect an exciting weekend of Championship football.

FAQs

What teams are currently unbeaten in the Championship?

Stoke City and Middlesbrough both boast unbeaten records at the start of the season, having won all their opening matches so far.

Who are the key players to watch this weekend?

Divin Mubama of Stoke City and Tommy Conway from Middlesbrough have been instrumental in their teams’ success, making them crucial players to watch in upcoming fixtures.

What are the implications of the transfer deadline for Championship teams?

The transfer deadline can significantly impact team dynamics, as clubs may seek to bolster their squads for the remainder of the season, potentially changing the fortunes of struggling teams.

Which teams are currently at the bottom of the Championship standings?

Sheffield United and Oxford United are among the teams yet to secure a point in the Championship, facing pressure to turn their fortunes around.

How important is the upcoming match for Sheffield United?

The match against Middlesbrough is crucial for Sheffield United, as they seek to secure their first points of the season and alleviate mounting pressure on manager Ruben Selles.