EFL Preview: Key Matches and Managerial Milestones This Weekend
The pumpkins have been composted, the last firework has fizzled out, and we find ourselves in the final international break before Christmas.
As nations compete for the remaining automatic World Cup spots and playoff positions, the focus shifts to League One and League Two.
This weekend could see new leaders emerge in the third tier, while in League Two, a familiar face returns to Milton Keynes, and the manager with perhaps the safest job in the EFL might be feeling the pressure.
Here are five key storylines to watch during this weekend's EFL action.
Skubala Aiming for Imps Anniversary at the Top
When Lincoln City was searching for a new head coach in late 2023, Michael Skubala may not have been the first choice. However, a victory over Doncaster on Saturday at 15:00 GMT could elevate him to the top of the League One table.
The former PE teacher had a brief stint as caretaker manager at Leeds United before becoming Javi Gracia's first-team coach, and eventually, Lincoln came calling.
After finishing seventh and eleventh in his first two seasons, Skubala recently celebrated two years in charge at Sincil Bank. A two-goal victory would catapult Lincoln from sixth to the top position.
"It doesn't matter where we are now; it matters where we are at the end of the season. Donny will be a real test for us," he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.
Doncaster arrives with just two points from their last nine games, suggesting Rovers fans may want to watch this match from a safe distance.
Hamshaw Providing Solutions for the Millers
Matt Hamshaw, who hosted Rotherham-themed quizzes online during lockdown, feels a strong connection to the club he supported as a child. His return as manager seemed a perfect fit, but after two defeats in the final eight games of last season, his start to this campaign raised questions.
However, Hamshaw has turned things around, going on a six-game unbeaten streak in October, including a historic win at Barnsley and a 3-0 victory over high-flying Lincoln.
His efforts earned him a nomination for League One Manager of the Month, and a win at Luton on Saturday could see Rotherham break into the top ten.
Luton, fresh off a 3-0 victory against leaders Stockport, seeks their first consecutive league wins since April.
Hamshaw noted, "People might not have given us much hope against Lincoln or Barnsley, so this is a great opportunity for us to prove ourselves," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.
Rotherham's fortunes could change dramatically if they capitalize on their chances at Kenilworth Road.
MK Dons' Former Boss Aims to Spoil Warne's Celebration
Karl Robinson's tenure at MK Dons was marked by success, leading the club to their first-ever Championship promotion. However, their split was painful and perhaps unexpected.
Now, MK Dons is under new management with Paul Warne, who will mark his 450th game as a manager when Robinson brings his Salford side to Milton Keynes on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
This match also marks Robinson's 790th game, and a win for either team could propel them into the top three. With Robinson's 50% win ratio against his former club and MK Dons performing well on the road this season, he could very well spoil Warne's celebration.
Weaver Testing Family Ties at Harrogate
Despite the saying that blood is thicker than water, Harrogate Town's manager Simon Weaver may be stretching that notion as his team prepares to face in-form Notts County on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
Weaver has been at the helm since May 2009 and is the longest-serving manager in the EFL, holding a unique position given that his father, Irving, owns the club. However, five consecutive league defeats could be testing those family ties.
Weaver has never lost six games in a row, stating, "We're not just doing this as a hobby; we are desperate to win games. The best way to do that is to be positive and truthful with the lads while ensuring we remain united."
Looking at their opponents, Notts County's new boss, Martin Paterson, faced skepticism when appointed in June due to his previous record. However, after a rough start, County has secured 13 points from their last six games, perhaps making Harrogate reconsider their managerial stability.
Newport's Struggles Continue
This weekend marks another basement battle in League Two, featuring Newport for the second time in four weeks. While Cheltenham managed to escape the relegation zone with a win, Newport's nightmare season continues, and even a victory against fellow strugglers Shrewsbury on Saturday at 15:00 GMT may not be enough to lift them out of the bottom two.
Coach David Hughes lamented, "Not many managers get away with losing as many games as I have," following a 1-0 defeat to Exeter in the EFL Trophy—his thirteenth loss across all competitions.
Since rejoining the EFL in 2013, Newport has only faced Shrewsbury twice, earning just one point and failing to score in both matches. All four of Newport's wins this season have come away from home, suggesting they will need another road victory this weekend.
BBC Sport will provide live text coverage of this weekend's EFL action.