Key EFL Matches This Weekend
It may still be early in the season, but the EFL features some potentially campaign-defining games this weekend.
Sheffield United is entering a new chapter under Chris Wilder, aiming to revive their promotion hopes after a disappointing start under the recently sacked Ruben Selles.
While the Blades look to escape the bottom of the Championship, League One leaders Cardiff City and Bradford City will clash for a chance to take sole possession at the top of the table. Additionally, Gillingham aims to maintain their unbeaten streak in League Two under manager Gareth Ainsworth.
Here are five key matchups to watch across the EFL this weekend.
Wilder Returns to Bramall Lane
Three months after being dismissed by Sheffield United for failing to secure promotion, Chris Wilder is back at the helm, replacing Ruben Selles. Wilder, a lifelong fan of the Blades, left the club after narrowly losing a playoff final, but the team is currently in a dire situation, having failed to earn a single point in five league matches under Selles. They sit at the bottom of the Championship, even trailing their struggling rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, and are still reeling from a heavy 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town in their last outing.
Despite the circumstances of his return, Wilder is focused on improving the team's fortunes as they prepare to host Charlton Athletic on Saturday at 15:00 BST. "I’m not looking to come in here and be smug about the situation. It’s my football club, and we’re bottom of the division. We’ve played six, lost six; that is not a good place to be," Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield. He emphasized the need for respect towards the club and expressed his commitment to helping the players turn things around.
Coventry Seeks First Win at King Power
Coventry City has struggled during their visits to the King Power Stadium, failing to secure a win since Leicester City moved to their current venue in 2002. However, the Sky Blues are optimistic about changing their fortunes when they visit on Saturday at 12:30 BST. The two teams are separated by just a point in the Championship standings, with Leicester managing to earn a draw against a struggling Oxford United after coming back from a goal down twice in their last match.
Foxes podcaster Jordan Halford noted, "[Coventry is] probably our hardest test of the season so far on paper. If we can get all three points, it will be a significant statement win and hopefully set us up for the rest of the season. I know we’ve only played five, but I don’t think we have anywhere near got going yet."
League One Leaders Compete for Top Spot
Both Cardiff City and Bradford City are making their mark in League One as new additions to the division. Bradford has solidified their position with five wins in their first eight games (D2 L1), including a recent 3-1 victory over Huddersfield. They are currently tied on points with league leaders Cardiff, who have yet to lose this season but managed only a late equalizer against Stockport in their last match.
Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We saw a clear sign last Saturday that we weren’t at our best in trying to overcome Stockport. Bradford will be a great test for us, and it’s a great game coming back in front of what will be a huge crowd for us." The two teams will face off on Saturday at 15:00 BST.
Friends Turn Rivals on Derby Day
Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher and Wigan Athletic head coach Ryan Lowe share a history of camaraderie, having played together at Bury and worked alongside each other at Plymouth Argyle. However, this Saturday at 12:30 BST, they will meet as rivals for the fourth time as opposing managers, with Schumacher leading their head-to-head record with two wins.
Schumacher expressed his desire to extend his lead in front of home supporters, while acknowledging the competitive nature of their matches. "We are two mates who have known each other a long time. It’s never easy coming up against your friends. All of our previous games have been tight and closely contested, so Saturday will likely be no different," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
A Clash of Form: The Good and the Bad
While Gillingham may not be at the top of League Two, they are arguably the most in-form team in the division. Under manager Gareth Ainsworth, the Gills remain unbeaten in the league since his arrival from Shrewsbury Town, helping them avoid relegation last season and currently placing them equal on points with Swindon Town in the new campaign.
Gillingham is the only team in League Two to have not lost after eight games, presenting a formidable challenge for Newport County, who are struggling this season. The Exiles recently ended a six-game losing streak with a late draw against Tranmere Rovers, but face a tough task against Ainsworth’s Gillingham. Newport chairman Huw Jenkins remains optimistic, stating, "Belief in what we are doing must be non-negotiable if we are to achieve success. While we can respect our opponents, we need to fear no one as we move forward. Football has evolved, and the standard in League Two is higher than ever, but a fearless approach and confidence are essential to achieving our goals in the months ahead."
Follow the weekend's action live on the BBC Sport website and app, starting with live text coverage of Middlesbrough vs. West Bromwich Albion on Friday, September 19. We will provide live text commentary for the Championship, League One, and League Two campaigns throughout the season here on BBC Sport.