EFL Preview: Local Derbies and Managerial Returns Headline Weekend Action
· Sports · BBC Sport
The English Football League returns to action this weekend following the international break with several high-stakes fixtures across the Championship, League One, and League Two. West Bromwich Albion host Birmingham City at The Hawthorns on Saturday following a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Southampton meet Portsmouth at St Mary's on Sunday after Saints boss Tonda Eckert received a six-week suspended ban from the FA over the Spygate controversy. Meanwhile, Steven Schumacher takes Bolton to face Stoke City after his departure from the club last September. Portsmouth enter the fixture on a three-match unbeaten run, while both Southampton and Portsmouth have drawn four of their past five encounters.
Why it matters
These fixtures directly impact league standings and regional bragging rights for clubs across the EFL Championship, with local rivals vying to leapfrog each other in the table.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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