This weekend sees the final action from the EFL before the international break so let’s take a look at three fixtures from each division to keep your eye on.
Southampton vs West Bromwich Albion
This is the biggest fixture in the Championship this weekend. Fourth-placed Southampton take on fifth-place West Brom, with both clubs looking to maintain their play-off charge.
Both teams come into the game off the back of great form, with Southampton unbeaten in seven, winning five of those games. West Brom have won their last three fixtures and have climbed up the table after a mixed start to the season.
Both sides have hit 25 goals so far this season, but the Saints have had the leakier defence, conceding 25 compared to the Baggies’ 15.
The home side picked up only their second clean sheet in a 1-0 win this weekend against Millwall. West Brom have picked up three clean sheets in the last four games. Southampton have the league’s third-highest scorer in their ranks, with Adam Armstrong netting eight times so far in the league.
The away side have been boosted by the newfound form of frontman Grady Diangana, who has two goals and two assists in his last three games.
Derby County vs Barnsley
It’s fifth against seventh in League One, as Derby County take on Barnsley. The winner of this fixture will decide who goes into the international break in the play-off places.
The Rams are coming off the back of a 2-2 draw in the FA Cup against League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra. The weekend prior, they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners against strugglers Northampton Town in the league. Derby have had mixed results at home so far this season, with three wins, two draws and two defeats. They’ve only picked up 11 of their 24 points at Pride Park.
The Tykes come into the game after a crazy 3-3 draw in the FA Cup first round against Horsham of the Isthmian League Premier Division. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and have the league’s joint-top scorer in their ranks, with Devante Cole netting 11 times this season.
Barnsley will be coming into this away fixture in full confidence of a result. However, they are yet to lose away this season and will look to continue this run against a Derby side who have a mixed record at home.
Tranmere Rovers vs Forest Green Rovers
It’s an early season relegation six-pointer in League Two at Prenton Park. 23rd-place Tranmere Rovers take on 22nd-place Forest Green Rovers with both sides desperate for a result to help in their relegation fight.
It’s been a difficult start for both sides as the two teams are already into double figures for defeats this season. The Superwhites have picked up all 10 of their points this season at home, losing all eight of their away fixtures. The away side have been more mixed with their results but have picked up seven of their 13 points on the road.
Both teams have managed to score 18 times this season but with negative goal differences. Tranmere have conceded 29 goals and the Green Devils have conceded 27. A result here could be the springboard needed to kickstart either team’s season.
The Real EFL’s Score Predictions
It is another exciting weekend in the EFL, with fixtures that will have huge implications across the three divisions. Here are our score predictions for all three games:
Southampton 1-2 West Brom
Derby County 0-1 Barnsley
Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Forest Green Rovers
