Championship and League Action Ahead of Christmas
Mark your calendars: there's just one more international break before Christmas.
After a brief pause, the Championship is set to resume this weekend, accompanied by a full slate of matches in League One and League Two.
Fans can look forward to the 'derbies' featuring Gary Rowett and Liam Manning in the Championship, alongside a historic fixture that has been contested for over 130 years.
In League One, the Jack Wilshere era begins at Luton, while a crucial relegation battle unfolds in the fourth tier. Here are five key storylines to watch this weekend.
Manning's Struggles at Norwich
Liam Manning's return to Norwich as the club's first Norwich-born manager was met with high expectations. However, four months into his tenure, the situation has become precarious.
Norwich has made history by losing their first four home league games, and Manning is now the first Canaries head coach to suffer defeat to East Anglian rivals Ipswich in 16 years.
“If we win games, the relationship with the fans can be repaired,” Manning told BBC Radio Norfolk. “I understand the fans' frustrations, and we must accept that. The only way to change the narrative is through results, which is my focus.”
This weekend, his former club, Bristol City, will visit Carrow Road. The Robins, under new manager Gerhard Struber, have hit a rough patch, going four matches without a win. Manning may face a hostile reception from the travelling supporters after leaving the club last summer.
Rowett and Eustace Face Similar Challenges
On Saturday, Oxford's Gary Rowett and Derby's John Eustace will meet, both managing teams that are struggling at the bottom of the table.
Neither team has secured a home victory, with just one away win each and only two points separating them.
Rowett has experienced success as Derby's manager, leading them to the play-offs in 2018, while Eustace hopes for a turnaround after avoiding relegation last season. Three consecutive draws, where Derby had to come from behind, show signs of progress.
“You can see the group is developing, and the bench is getting stronger. We just need to keep pushing,” Eustace stated to BBC Radio Derby. However, draws do little to create distance from the relegation zone, and a stalemate in this 'Rowett derby' could increase pressure on both managers.
A Historic Clash
The match between West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End is always a significant event, steeped in history.
This fixture dates back to the inaugural EFL season in 1888-89 and includes two FA Cup encounters, one of which saw the Baggies triumph.
Currently, the teams sit seventh and fourth in the league, with this matchup marking their 123rd meeting. West Brom holds the upper hand with 53 victories compared to Preston's 41, but the latter has surprised many this season, sitting high in the table.
Preston, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have only lost once and achieved notable victories against Leicester and Ipswich. “I’m pleased with our performance levels; we’re consistent and competitive against any opponent,” said Preston's manager, Paul Heckingbottom.
On the opposite side, Ryan Mason, relatively new to management, faces his first significant challenge after an unbeaten start has been followed by a disappointing run of results.
Wilshere Takes the Helm at Luton
Jack Wilshere has been appointed as the head coach of Luton Town, tasked with revitalizing a club that has seen better days.
The memories of their promotion to the Premier League have faded following two consecutive relegations and a managerial change within nine months.
Wilshere's coaching experience includes six months as first-team coach at Norwich and two matches as caretaker, but with the guidance of seasoned assistant Chris Powell, Luton chairman Gary Sweet believes this approach is sound.
“We aim for energy, enthusiasm, and bold ideas, balanced by Chris’s experience,” Sweet explained. Luton will face Mansfield at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
League Two Relegation Battle
Newport County and Cheltenham Town are set to clash in a crucial League Two matchup this Saturday.
Historically, the teams in the relegation zone after 12 games have faced demotion for the past two seasons, but they still have 34 matches to avoid repeating that fate.
Newport, under first-time head coach David Hughes, managed to halt a poor run with a recent victory, yet they are still searching for their first home win. Meanwhile, Cheltenham, managed by returning Steve Cotterill, has achieved a win and a draw in his two matches.
The stakes are high, and the loser may find themselves in a precarious position as the threat of relegation looms.
Follow the entire EFL program live on the BBC Sport website and app this weekend, starting with Middlesbrough against Ipswich on Friday, October 17.