Barclay’s First XI: Eleven key points from our man for this weekend’s EFL action.
SunSport’s Football League Reporter TOM BARCLAY gives you the lowdown on this weekend’s EFL action – from one to 11.
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1. This week’s… hot topics
ALL CHANGE PLEASE: We expected the international break to spark changes in the dugout and it has not disappointed. Steve Bruce is in for Roberto Di Matteo at Aston Villa, Neil Warnock has replaced Paul Trollope at Cardiff and Steve McClaren has returned to Derby after the eventual axing of Nigel Pearson.
Warnock will guarantee Cardiff’s safety, Bruce has a terrific record of winning Championship promotions despite his Birmingham ties but it is the McClaren appointment that confuses me.
I know Derby played some decent stuff under his tenure a few years ago but the way in which he flirted with Newcastle before an awful collapse at the back end of that season – not to mention his nightmare on Tyneside – makes this a very strange appointment indeed.
TAMMY ABRAHAM: It is virtually impossible to go a week without mentioning the Bristol City whizkid, on loan from Chelsea. This week the 19-year-old scored more good headlines by netting his first goals for the England Under-21s on his first start against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Championship fans will know all about Abraham after his electric start to the season – but it appears Premier League and England fans are now starting to wise up about his talents too.
AFC WIMBLEDON: For the first time in their 14-year history, AFC are now in a higher position than MK Dons in the English football pyramid. It is a remarkable achievement which must have been an emotional milestone for everyone involved at the club.
Ben Hunt, our F1 correspondent and massive Wombles fan, has certainly been enjoying the feat!
2. This week’s… manager who needs a result
PHILIPPE MONTANIER: Things could be set to change again at Nottingham Forest. Director of Football Pedro Pereira has already quit after just a few months in the position. And if Forest lose at home to Birmingham tonight, Montanier risks being being sent out the exit door too.
If things start going South against Brum, there won’t be much Montanier will be able to do about it – the Frenchman is serving the first of a two-game touchline ban.
3. This week’s… player who should be in the goals
ALEX REVELL: The 33-year-old moved to Northampton in the summer to be nearer home and boy has the switch worked out for him. The ex-Cardiff striker has already hit eight goals this season – including one against Manchester United in the EFL Cup – and seems to be loving life at Sixfields.
I fancy him to continue his hot streak at home to struggling Millwall too – and remember, he takes penalties too.
4. This week’s… whizkid to watch
CAMERON McGEEHAN: A former Chelsea and Norwich academy player, McGeehan has had drop down a fair few leagues to get his first-team career going. But the 21-year-old has emerged as one of Nathan Jones’ key players at Luton, who are in with a great chance of promotion this year.
Brentford, Barnsley and Reading all showed strong interest on deadline day for McGeehan and I expect a move up the divisions will come sooner rather than later
5. This week’s… amazing stat
ALEX SMITHIES: If ever there was a keeper made for a penalty shoot-out, it is QPR stopper Smithies.
Since the start of last season, he has faced seven spot-kicks and only conceded twice, saving FOUR of them. Spot on!
6. This week’s… potential Premier League target
RYAN WOODS: The flame-haired midfielder has emerged as one of Dean Smith’s most trusted lieutenants at Brentford. And that has not gone unnoticed with the bigger fish in the division.
Along with team-mate Scott Hogan, Woods’ name has been on the lips of many top-end Championship scouts.
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7. This week’s… game of the weekend
ASTON VILLA v WOLVES: Steve Bruce kicks off his Villa reign with a local derby. It is not ideal timing for Wolves boss Walter Zenga, who has been feeling the heat of late and needs a result.
This week my colleague Gary Carter revealed Paul Ince is in the frame to replace the Italian at Molineux. Despite Villa’s woeful record of one win in 23 league games, I can see Bruce getting off to a winning start and piling the pressure on his counterpart.
8. This week’s… transfer tip
JOHNNY RUSSELL: Steve McClaren’s arrival may change things but I understand Russell is likely to be on the move in January.
The Scot came close to joining Brighton in the summer and that move could be resurrected in the New Year.
9.This week’s… awww
TOM CAIRNEY: Fulham have not had much to shout about of late but playmaker Cairney appears still to be the darling of Craven Cottage.
The cultured midfielder revealed on social media a letter he was sent by a young fan asking for advice on bicycle kicks and how to win possession - as well as £3 in cash!
10. This week’s… dead cert
NORWICH (home to Rotherham): Alex Neil’s men look in fabulous nick to go back up at the first attempt. The Scot has a host of players at his disposal with new signings like Nelson Oliveira and Alex Pritchard yet to join the party properly.
I cannot see anything other than a home win here - and I fear that could hammer another nail into the coffin for Millers chief Alan Stubbs.
11. This week’s… cheeky punt for your acca
BIRMINGHAM (away at Forest): Gary Rowett’s side are road warriors - they are unbeaten in their last EIGHT away league games. Couple that with Forest’s poor form (no wins in six) and the pressure on Montanier, and I fancy an away win here.
And remember, should Forest go ahead, the game is far from over - the Tricky Trees have squandered more points from leading positions than any other Championship side this term, blowing a remarkable 15 points.
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