EFL Weekend Preview: Key Matches and Insights
Are you prepared for the big day? Not that one just yet—there are still 19 sleeps left until Christmas. However, if you're in need of last-minute gifts, garage forecourts offer a variety of items that can easily be tossed into a festive gift bag on Christmas Eve.
This weekend promises another thrilling Saturday in the EFL, featuring Championship leaders Coventry, who may experience a taste of Christmas past as they face Ipswich. Additionally, an East Midlands clash is set to showcase two teams that may be heading in contrasting directions.
Several teams that missed out in the FA Cup first round will also be in action.
Here are five key matchups to watch in the EFL this weekend.
Ipswich Aiming High Against Sky Blues
The chase is often more exhilarating than the catch, as the late Lemmy of Motörhead might have sung. Ipswich players could find themselves humming that tune as they prepare to face Coventry on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
These are exciting times for Sky Blues supporters, as their team continues to break records under the management of Frank Lampard, maintaining a fierce pace at the top of the Championship. A return to the Premier League, which has been 24 years in the making, seems increasingly plausible even for the most skeptical fans.
Meanwhile, Ipswich, who once celebrated promotion to the Premier League, now carries the scars of their time at the top, having recorded four wins, 24 defeats, and conceding 82 goals. There’s a sentiment in Suffolk that they are still recovering from that experience, even as they sit just outside the playoff spots, only five points from second place.
However, their inconsistent performance, attributed to Kieran McKenna's frequent changes to the lineup, continues to impede their progress. This matchup between past and present may reveal whether Ipswich holds the winning hand.
Leicester: Struggling but Staying Focused
Leicester City in League One? “You must be joking,” said Foxes midfielder Jordan James this week. A glance at the Championship standings would suggest he’s correct, as Leicester is seven points clear of the relegation zone and just five points shy of the playoff positions.
However, looming over them is the possibility of a points deduction for alleged financial breaches, which could plunge them into jeopardy. “The players we have are Premier League quality, and that will be evident,” James asserted to BBC Radio Leicester.
It may be best not to mention Luton, Sunderland, Wolves, and Swindon Town for the time being. With manager Marti Cifuentes facing mounting pressure following five defeats in their last nine matches, the upcoming match against a resurgent Derby at 12:30 GMT may not be his ideal scenario.
Although the Rams have faced setbacks, including defeats to Watford and Middlesbrough, they remain just three points outside the top six and are six points better off compared to this time last season.
Form Teams Making Their Move
While form may be temporary, class is permanent. Can you name the teams currently second and third in the Championship form guide behind Coventry without looking? If you guessed Birmingham and Southampton, you’re spot on.
Birmingham has amassed 13 points from their last 18, catapulting them into playoff contention. A victory at Southampton on Saturday at 15:00 GMT could see them break into the top six.
The Saints' decision to sack manager Will Still last month prompted an immediate response, with interim coach Tonda Eckert leading the team to four consecutive victories before a recent setback against Millwall. Both teams had aspirations of playoff contention before the season began, and this weekend's clash may indicate whether they possess the quality to achieve that goal.
Robins and Lions Thriving
Although we discussed them last week, it’s hard to overlook Millwall at the moment. A dramatic last-minute winner against Southampton last weekend propelled them to third in the Championship. Their upcoming match against sixth-placed Bristol City at 15:00 GMT promises to be an exciting encounter.
“Millwall excels at the fundamentals,” remarked former Middlesbrough and Stoke full-back Tommy Smith on the BBC's EFL podcast 72+. “Many teams overlook these basics, which is frustrating for former players; mastering them can lead to success.”
Bristol City’s near-miss with the playoffs last season is still fresh in the minds of their supporters, especially after a painful 6-0 aggregate loss to Sheffield United. However, a change in management has not hindered their progress, as they again find themselves in playoff contention. With manager Gerhard Struber’s high-energy tactics, the next few fixtures against Millwall, Leicester, Coventry, and Middlesbrough could prove pivotal for their season.
Six Teams Seeking Redemption
When early FA Cup exits occur, teams often find themselves with free weekends. Yet, six teams have managed to schedule rearranged fixtures—big matches at that.
Having not won a home game in League One since September 6, Plymouth Argyle fans may not be thrilled about facing Bradford City at 12:30 GMT. The Bantams have only lost once on the road this season and could finish the day at the top of the table.
“I know where we’re going wrong; fixing it will require significant effort and everyone pulling in the same direction,” said manager Tom Cleverley after a 3-0 home loss to Northampton left them at the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile, League One leaders Cardiff and strong contenders Huddersfield will be looking to capitalize on their rivals' distractions with matches scheduled for 12:30 GMT.
In League Two, a meeting between Colchester and Gillingham at 12:30 GMT will see one of the teams move into the playoff spots, with the Essex side aiming for their fourth consecutive league win for the first time since March.
BBC Sport will provide extensive live text coverage of the EFL action this weekend, starting with Hull City vs. Middlesbrough on Friday.