After the lull of the international break, the EFL returns this weekend with a full schedule, offering everything from potential record-breaking feats to fierce local derbies. With only one of the league’s 72 clubs still boasting a perfect record, high-stakes rivalries set to reignite, and new signings preparing for debuts, there is plenty to watch across the Championship, League One, and League Two.
Championship leaders Middlesbrough are enjoying an ideal start under Rob Edwards, with four wins from four and a productive transfer window. A fifth consecutive victory would be unprecedented in the club’s history, though superstition might caution supporters—Boro have never opened a season with five straight league wins.
Saturday’s clash at Preston North End (12:30 BST) poses a formidable challenge. Preston have won both home fixtures this season and hold a strong record against Middlesbrough, winning the last five encounters at Deepdale. Edwards may hand a debut to Slovakia forward David Strelec, fresh from scoring against Germany in World Cup qualifying. Preston, meanwhile, are hopeful of having top scorer Milutin Osmajic back from injury.
It has been 31 years since Leicester City last visited Oxford United, a period in which the clubs’ fortunes have diverged sharply. Leicester have lifted the Premier League trophy and competed in the Champions League, while Oxford have fallen as far as the National League before clawing their way back.
This weekend’s meeting (12:30 BST) reflects their contrasting ambitions. Leicester, despite losing key players, have retained Abdul Fatawu, seen the emergence of 16-year-old Jeremy Monga, and added midfielder Aaron Ramsey. They could end the weekend top of the Championship.
Oxford, in contrast, remain in search of their first win under Gary Rowett, who has managed only four victories from his last 20 league matches. Despite record signings of Ole Romeny (injured) and Brian De Keersmaecker, the U’s face mounting pressure. And just to avoid confusion—the Kassam Stadium, not the Manor Ground, is the venue this time.
The fierce rivalry between Southampton and Portsmouth resumes on Sunday (12:00 BST), their first league meeting since 2012. While only 13 years separate the fixtures, the animosity stretches back more than a century.
Pompey have historically struggled on their rival’s turf, with just four wins from 16 visits and no league victory at Southampton since 1988—at the Dell, long before current managers Will Still and John Mousinho were even born.
Former Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe described the derby as “one of the biggest in the country,” highlighting its intensity despite his never featuring in one. Fans can expect an atmosphere far from the relaxed Sunday lunchtime the kickoff time might suggest.
In League One, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town meet for the 50th time, their first league clash in 18 years (Saturday, 12:30 BST). Though separated by just 13 miles, their footballing paths have rarely crossed in recent decades.
Huddersfield hold the recent edge, unbeaten in the last league meetings, while Bradford have not defeated their neighbours since 2003. Both sides have started strongly—Huddersfield sit third, Bradford fifth—suggesting this derby will combine intensity with quality.
Former goalkeeper Matt Glennon, who played for both clubs, summed it up as “a bear pit” of aggression, commitment, and high drama. This fixture is unlikely to be for the faint-hearted.
In League Two, veteran manager Ian Holloway has brought fresh energy to Swindon Town, who sit second after three successive wins. Holloway, who spent his managerial hiatus honing his painting skills, is now “framing” a brighter future for the club.
Swindon host Harrogate on Saturday (15:00 BST), buoyed by the recent signing of striker Ollie Palmer, a replacement for the injured Harry Smith. Holloway has emphasised squad unity and ambition, stating he will “tolerate nothing other than total success.” Early results suggest his message is resonating.
Summary This weekend offers a snapshot of the EFL’s diversity: promotion contenders chasing milestones, clubs rekindling rivalries, and managers reshaping fortunes. From Middlesbrough’s pursuit of history to the volatile derbies of Oxford-Leicester, Southampton-Portsmouth, and Bradford-Huddersfield, and Holloway’s Swindon resurgence, the EFL promises drama across every tier.
