As the Leaves Fall, the Real EFL Football Season Begins
As the chill of autumn settles in, the EFL football season is starting to take shape. The early jousting of the season is over, and the runners and riders are beginning to sort themselves into potential winners, also-rans, and strugglers. With the English Football League (EFL) comprising of 72 clubs across three divisions, there’s always something exciting to look forward to. From the thrill of promotion to the agony of relegation, every game counts, and the margins between success and failure are often extremely narrow.
With four successive wins, West Bromwich Albion (West Brom) has driven their way to the top of the Championship, but it’s not all about the goals scored for Carlos Corberan’s side. In the top six tiers of English football, only Liverpool have conceded fewer than the Baggies’ two goals so far this season. This impressive defensive record has been instrumental in their success, and teams will be eager to test their mettle against them.
However, their hosts Sheffield Wednesday will be no pushovers, having started the season with an opening-day thrashing of Plymouth. Unfortunately, they have lost four of their past five games, failing to score in three of those. Erol Bulut’s dismissal as Cardiff City manager after their worst start to a season in 94 years has raised eyebrows, and the Bluebirds will be looking to bounce back against Hull City on Saturday.
Managerial Changes and Injury Woes
A Manager on the Move
Meanwhile, Scott Lindsey has swapped League One Crawley for League Two MK Dons, leaving fans questioning who were the real winners from their League Two play-off success. Lindsey’s first game in charge is at a Bromley side who have lost four of their past five League Two games.
Morecambe’s Chance to Shine
While Accrington’s game at AFC Wimbledon has been postponed, Morecambe would jump above them with a first win (or even a draw) against Notts County. The Shrimps have been struggling to find their footing, but this could be their chance to turn things around.
On the other hand, John Mousinho has been rewarded with a new contract by Portsmouth despite their struggles. The Pompey faithful will be hoping that their team can finally break their duck and secure their first Championship win since April 2012 against an unbeaten Sheffield United side.
Games to Watch This Weekend
This weekend promises to be an exciting one in the EFL, with several mouth-watering clashes that could have a significant impact on the league table. Here are just a few games to keep an eye on:
- Plymouth Argyle v Luton Town – Friday, 20:00 BST – The Pilgrims will be looking to build on their recent win against Blackpool as they take on a Luton side that has been putting in some impressive performances of late.
- Sheffield United v Portsmouth – Saturday, 15:00 BST – Can Portsmouth secure their first Championship win since April 2012 against an unbeaten Blades side?
- Blackpool v Burton Albion – Saturday, 15:00 BST – The Tangerines will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss against Plymouth as they take on a Burton side that has picked up four draws in six games so far.
These games promise to be exciting encounters, and with the EFL season heating up, every point will count in the battle for promotion and survival. As the leaves fall and the weather gets chillier, the EFL football season is only just getting started.
For more news, analysis, and live text action from the EFL, visit the BBC Sport website. The BBC Sport website will have live text action of all the EFL action across this weekend, starting with Plymouth Argyle v Luton Town from 20:00 BST on Friday.