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Five things to look out for in the EFL this weekend

11 November 2022

We're back with more weekend action on the way as all three divisions return. Here are five things to keep an eye out for...

Building on cup-sets

An impressive midweek win over top-flight outfit Brentford to progress to Round Four of the Carabao Cup on penalties, Gillingham – the only remaining Sky Bet League Two side left in the competition – will be hoping that victory can give them a boost heading into the weekend.

The Gills are without a win in their last five in the league, currently occupying 22nd place, ahead of the visit of Northampton Town, but that could all change with Neil Harris’ men coming into the game on the back of victory on Tuesday evening.

And the boss himself is expecting a “buzz” around Priestfield in the wake of the win.

Remembrance Weekend

Clubs across the EFL will come together to mark Remembrance Weekend with an all-military match officiating line-up taking charge of Cambridge United’s Sky Bet League One home fixture against Bolton Wanderers at the Abbey Stadium.

Four Armed Forces personnel will make up the team for the first time, with the Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy all represented.

The RAF's Sergeant Darren Drysdale has been named as referee, supported by his two assistant referees - the Army's Corporal Declan O'Shea and Captain Steve Finch, and the Royal Navy's Chief Petty Officer Scott Jackson will be the fourth official.

Local rivalries loom

It’s been over five years since Burnley and Blackburn Rovers last went head-to-head, and the Lancashire derby will return this weekend at Turf Moor. The two teams will lock horns in a live televised clash on Sky Sports on Sunday.

Ahead of the fixture, EFL in Focus caught up with two former Clarets and Rovers players who know the clash better than anybody.

“Every game I’ve played in, the atmosphere has been unbelievable,” said former Blackburn midfielder David Dunn. “I think this one on Sunday is going to be extra special as well, with both teams flying high at the top of the league, so it’s got the makings of a really good derby.”

Ex-Burnley defender Michael Duff added: “When you move to the area, the first game everybody talks about is the Blackburn game. You find out quite soon what it means to the local people. They’re the games you want to be playing in.”

Backing the boss

Table topping Plymouth Argyle make the trip to Lincoln City on Saturday with Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month Steven Schumacher looking to continue the Pilgrims’ run of form.

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Schumacher has become the first boss to win consecutive accolades since 2018, as Plymouth dropped just two points in October, with six wins in seven. And Argyle are currently undefeated in their last 13 with the Imps up next for the league leaders this weekend.

Late drama

There was late drama in League Two in midweek as Carlisle United kept the pressure on the top seven to hang on to the final Play-Off spot. The Cumbrians scored a late equaliser, as Owen Moxon popped up with a 93rd minute leveller, against Harrogate Town in a six-goal thriller in North Yorkshire.

Tomorrow, Carlisle take on Walsall as the competition for a place in the top half of the table heats up. Just 10 points separate Northampton in third place and AFC Wimbledon sitting in 10th.


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