The weekend is not far away, and there is a feast of Championship action to look forward to. Let’s take a look at some of the upcoming fixtures…
Top-two tussle
The Sky Bet Championship returns on Friday night with a bang as the league’s leaders go head to head. Only goal difference currently separates Leeds United and Middlesbrough in first and second, however it could all change when these two collide at Elland Road.
Both sides have won four and drawn one of their first five league matches, but the Whites have not lost to Boro at home since 2011.
For the second time in seven days, Tony Pulis’ men face the league’s top goalscorers. However, this will not faze Boro, who last week kept a clean sheet against West Brom – the league’s most prolific side at the time – and also boast the Championship’s sternest defence.
Don’t miss all the drama as it unfolds live on Sky Sports.
Derby fever
What better way to whet your Sunday lunchtime appetite than a tasty East Anglian derby?
Ipswich Town host local rivals Norwich City this weekend, but there’s more than just bragging rights at stake with both sides currently occupying places in the bottom half of the table.
The Canaries have managed one win and a draw going into this weekend sitting three places above the relegation zone in 18th, whereas their winless local rivals prop up the table with two points.
Norwich have a great record at Portman Road in recent years, having not lost there since 2009. However, they have conceded 11 goals already this season – the Championship’s second-worst defensive record – a cause for the Tractor Boys' faithful to remain optimistic.
Around the grounds
The Hawthorns will stage a fascinating affair between West Brom and Stoke City on Saturday afternoon. Both were relegated from the Premier League in May, but have experienced slightly different fortunes back in the Championship.
Fellow-relegated side Swansea City, travel to Millwall for a Saturday evening clash live on Sky Sports, after two of the promoted teams from League One, Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United, clash at the DW Stadium.
Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest will look to extend their unbeaten starts to the season, visiting Sheffield United, Bristol City and Brentford respectively.
On the flip side, Reading face Sheffield Wednesday in search of their first win, and Birmingham City will do the same as they welcome QPR.
Friday 31 August
Leeds United v Middlesbrough (7:45pm – live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 1 September (3pm kick-off unless stated)
Birmingham City v Queens Park Rangers
Brentford v Nottingham Forest
Hull City v Derby County
Millwall v Swansea City (5:30pm – live on Sky Sports)
Preston North End v Bolton Wanderers
Reading v Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
Wigan Athletic v Rotherham United
Sunday 2 September
Bristol City v Blackburn Rovers (1:30pm)
Ipswich Town v Norwich City (12:00pm)