EFL Weekend Preview: Key Matches and Team Updates

Chris Wilder’s management has instilled optimism among Sheffield United supporters. While a week is often considered a significant period in politics, three days in the EFL can prove to be even more eventful. The recent midweek fixtures have been notably extraordinary, even for the Championship, featuring unexpected results, managerial dismissals, and the breaking of historical records. This weekend marks the final full schedule of EFL matches before the last international break of 2024 commences next week. Here is an overview of the upcoming events… The Championship weekend commences on Friday evening with Watford hosting Oxford United at Vicarage Road. Sheffield United was the sole team among the top six (and one of only two in the top 10) to secure a victory in midweek. This, combined with six of the bottom 11 teams earning three points, has resulted in a remarkably close league table. Consequently, a mere seven points separate West Brom, currently in fifth place and having drawn a club record six consecutive matches, from Plymouth Argyle, who are positioned 22nd and within the relegation zone. Depending on results, Des Buckingham’s Oxford team could conclude the weekend anywhere between third-bottom and ninth position, whereas Watford, known as the Hornets, could range from 4th to 11th. Following eight additional matches on Saturday, the weekend’s climax is anticipated in Sheffield on Sunday afternoon, when Wednesday will play United in the first Steel City derby in almost