The English Football League: SunSport’s Tom Barclay runs the rule over the weekend’s action as Newcastle travel to Derby and Villa host Nottingham Forest
Barclay’s First XI: Eleven key points from our man for this weekend’s EFL action
SUNSPORT’S Football League Reporter gives you the lowdown on this weekend’s EFL action - from one to 11.
NEW FACES: EFL clubs went transfer crazy this summer and there was a flurry of business on deadline day.
This weekend gives us the first chance to see some of those new signings in action in the Championship such as Albert Adomah at Villa, Christian Atsu at Newcastle and Wolves’ new-boy Ivan Cavaleiro.
It will also be intriguing to see the response of players who didn’t get the moves they wanted - such as Brighton’s Dale Stephens.
NICKLAS BENDTNER: The ‘Lord’ is back in English football having signed a two-year deal at Nottingham Forest this week.
The ex-Arsenal forward once claimed he wanted to be the best striker in the world and while he fell well short of that target, he is still one of the fewer Gunners player to score a Champions League hat-trick.
It will be intriguing to see how he fares at the City Ground and, if nothing else, it is good to have another big character in the Championship.
MILLWALL: The Lions this week were dealt a crushing blow as Lewisham Council were awarded compulsory purchase order powers concerning the land around The Den.
Millwall have held a long-term lease from the council for the land which the stadium, its car park, cafe and community centre is situated.
They were hoping to be part of redevelopment plans to the area which would provide much-needed cash for years to come, but the council mystifyingly are going with developers Renewal instead.
It was a dagger to the heart of the Defend Our Den campaign - which had won 25,000 signatures from fans of both Millwall and other clubs - and a decision Lions chairman John Beryslon described as “akin to dropping two divisions”.
2. This week’s… manager who needs a result
SHAUN DERRY: Big things were expected of Cambridge this season but they have made an awful start.
No wins in their first six and just three points puts them rock bottom of League Two.
Ex-Palace, Leeds and QPR midfielder Derry is a likeable guy but he desperately needs a win - though that will be easier said than done at high-flying Plymouth.
3. This week’s… player who should be in the goals
DANNY HYLTON: The 27-year-old has hit the ground running since leaving promoted Oxford to join Luton.
He is enjoying life under Nathan Jones and has banged in four goals in his last two games.
I fancy his hot streak to continue as the Hatters host Grimsby - and there should be goals in this game as it features the two most prolific sides in League Two.
4. This week’s… whizkid to watch
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (Charlton): Winner of the Championship’s Apprentice of the Year award last season, Lookman is a serious talent.
The winger has pace and trickery as well as a goal threat and always wants the ball.
Charlton did fantastically well to ward off deadline-day interest from Crystal Palace.
5. This week’s… amazing stat
QPR: ALL eight of the R’s Championship goals this season have been scored by set-pieces - one from a corner, three free-kicks and four penalties.
Stacks up with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s cautious approach to the game but still a startling stat.
6. This week’s… potential Premier League target
AARON MOOY: Technically, he is already a Prem player having signed for Manchester City this summer from Aussie sister club Melbourne City.
The 25-year-old was instantly loaned out to Huddersfield where he has been earning rave reviews playing in David Wagner’s table-topping side.
He already looks as if he is good enough for England’s top league - but making it in Pep Guardiola’s team could be a step too far.
If that is the case, then other Prem sides should be waiting in the wings.
7. This week’s… game of the weekend
DERBY v NEWCASTLE: I tipped Toon to win the league and the Rams to come second, so this is a chance to see if that was a fair prediction or not.
Being honest, I’m already regretting going for Nigel Pearson’s mob - they’ve only scored one goal in their last SIX league games!
This will be another tight affair so don’t be surprised if it is a 0-0 late on Saturday evening.
8. This week’s… transfer tips
QPR: The R's rejected deadline day approaches - both loan and permanent - from Brentford, Blackburn and Reading for Conor Washington.
SOL BAMBA: The defender's exit from Leeds last week was not due to personal reasons - it was a decision made purely by Garry Monk on the basis that the defender did not fit into his plans.
That consitutes quite a turnaround, given Bamba had been handed the armband earlier.
9.This week’s… X-rated image
SEAMUS CONNEELY: The Accrington skipper could be forgiven for exclaiming ‘bloody hell’ after his bloody hell this week.
The Irishman sustained a foot injury so nasty that his boot was cut in half with claret spewing out.
Stanley’s official account even tweeted Nike football with the X-rated image asking for a fresh pair of boots - and the sportswear giants replied.
10. This week’s… dead cert
PLYMOUTH (at home to Cambridge): Argyle have responded brilliantly to losing their first two games of the season with four wins on the bounce.
They should make it five when they face a United side who have not won this season and are rock bottom both in confidence and league position.
Should Shaun Derry’s side not be victorious, it will be the first time in their history that they have failed to win any of their opening seven games of a Football League campaign.
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11. This week’s… cheeky punt for your acca
WIGAN (away at Sheffield Wednesday): The Latics could heap more pressure on Wednesday - and boss Carlos Carvalhal - with a shock win at Hillsborough.
Wednesday, who made last season’s play-off final, have won just two of their last 11 league games and have not picked up a victory in their last four.
