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Match Previews

Five things: Storylines to look for this weekend

20 October 2017

Changes at the top, two of the EFL's in-form sides, and a famous derby reaches the century milestone – all that and more to look out for this weekend...

High-scoring Hatters

What a week it has been for Luton Town. In fact, what a couple of months it has been.

The Hatters have been on a terrific run of late, winning seven and drawing one of their eight games since an eye-opening 3-0 defeat at home to Swindon Town in early September.

Last Saturday's demolition of Stevenage sent them to the top of the EFL goalscoring charts, and they underlined their promotion credentials with a 4-1 win at fellow promotion chasers Exeter City in midweek, which sent Nathan Jones' men top.

The statistics are mightily impressive ahead of this weekend's visit to Crawley Town...

History-making Shrews

Another two games have passed since last week's 'Five Things,' but one statistic that remains in tact is Shrewsbury's unbeaten record in the EFL.

A draw at Plymouth Argyle last weekend was followed up by a first-half blitz against Bristol Rovers in midweek, with the 4-0 win taking Paul Hurst's men level with the side of 1894/95 in going 14 games unbeaten.

Will the Shrews continue their streak and retain top spot in League One? Fleetwood Town are the visitors to the New Meadow this weekend.

Alex Rodman in The Times: “The more I challenge myself, the more I grow.”

All change

Perfectly following on from those stories, all eyes will be on the divisional summits once again after a week of change at the top.

Last weekend, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Notts County all moved into pole position, but two of those changed again in midweek – Shrewsbury and Luton climbing to first, as mentioned above.

So will we see movement once more? Wolves host Preston North End on Saturday afternoon and, due to a superior goal difference, a point should at least fend off the challenge of Cardiff City and Sheffield United for another week.

100th East Anglian derby

On Sunday lunchtime, Ipswich Town take on Norwich City at Portman Road in the 100th instalment of the East Anglian derby,

There's been plenty of fighting talk in the build-up to the match, which will see Canaries' boss Daniel Farke take in the derby day atmosphere for the first time. His side are one point and two places higher than their rivals, albeit having played one game more.

However, Ipswich remain one clear in the historical head-to-head with 40 wins to 39, accompanied by 20 draws – including the two meetings last term. Tune in to Sky Sports Football to see who comes out on top this time!

Well in, Wellens!

On Wednesday afternoon, Oldham Athletic confirmed the appointment of Richie Wellens to fill the vacant managerial position left by John Sheridan in September.

Wellens was placed in caretaker charge following Sheridan's dismissal, and guided the Latics to three straight wins in League One, followed by a midweek draw at Bradford City. His unbeaten spell also included a Checkatrade Trophy triumph.

So it was no surprise when the 37-year-old was handed the reins permanently, with chairman Simon Corney labelling the decision as an “easy one.” Wellens praised his players for getting him the job, and he'll be hoping they keep up that form when visiting Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday.

Read more: Oldham Athletic appoint Richie Wellens


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