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.

From Aston Villa v Newcastle and Jack Grealish's off-pitch antics, to Nigel Pearson's struggling Derby, read all about this weekend here.

6

1. This week’s… hot topics

JACK GREALISH

YET another ‘hippy crack’ controversy for the bad-boy of the Championship.

Grealish was alleged to have held an all-night party at a Birmingham hotel on Saturday that featured balloons containing nitrous oxide.

Villa have opened an investigation over it and “disappointed” boss Roberto Di Matteo has told the midfielder he needs to “grow up quickly”.

I wonder if they are regretting handing the midfielder a four-year contract?

WES BROWN

THE former Manchester United defender is back in football having signed for struggling Blackburn on a free this week.

Rovers have been desperate for centre-back reinforcements after losing Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy this summer.

6

Only Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville played in more Premier League seasons for United than Brown’s 13.

But is the ex-Sunderland man still up to it?

PHIL PARKINSON

THE Bolton chief hosts old club Bradford this weekend.

Parky won the League One Manager of the Month gong for August - but its supposed curse appears to have struck with no wins in September.

This weekend will give a good indication of whether he made a good or bad choice to trade in the Bantams for the Trotters.

2. This week’s… manager who needs a result

6

NIGEL PEARSON

IT has been a terrible start for the former Leicester chief at the iPro.

Derby have won just one league game all season, scoring just TWO goals.

Lose at home to relegation favourites Blackburn on Saturday and the pressure will be on.

3. This week’s… player who should be in the goals

DOMINIC POLEON

THE AFC Wimbledon ace is on a real hot streak, having scored in his last three league games.

A caveat to that is that is the same number the forward managed in his previous 25 league games!

But you still have to fancy his goal-getting form to continue when the Wombles host struggling Shrewsbury this weekend.

4. This week’s… whizkid to watch

6

ALEX JONES

THE Birmingham striker, 21, is on loan at Port Vale until January and has been the definition of clinical.

He has managed to score with each of his five shots on target in League One so far this campaign.

Could he be the next youngster the Blues bring through?

5. This week’s… amazing stat

TAMMY ABRAHAM

HE is now the joint top-scorer in the top four tiers along with Manchester City superstar Sergio Aguero on nine goals.

I say it every week but I can’t remember such an impressive impact from someone so young on loan in the Championship.

latest from football league

SAD LUCK

Walsall kitman & announcer charged by FA for 'acting in an improper manner'

RON THE BOARD

Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to 'follow in footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham'

Jen-ga

Ex-Arsenal star Carl Jenkinson SENT OFF on first start since transfer to minnows

PUSHING IT

Ex-EFL boss grabs his own player and furiously shoves him after red card

6. This week’s… potential Premier League target

ANTHONY KNOCKAERT

THE French winger, 24, has been a revelation since signing for Brighton last January.

He has already scored three this season as the Seagulls fought off interest from Newcastle to keep him.

Previously played for Leicester and would not look out of place in the Premier League champions’ side now.

7. This week’s… game of the weekend

ASTON VILLA v NEWCASTLE

THE big boys of the Championship meet.

Villa have struggled so far, winning just once and lie 18th.

While Newcastle have shown why many pundits, including myself, think they will run away with it - though three defeats also suggest a few teething problems for Rafa Benitez’s new squad.

Toon look better on the road so I fancy them to heap more misery on Roberto Di Matteo’s side here.

8. This week’s… strange but true part one

6

JEREMY HELAN

ONE of the most bizarre stories for many a year emerged this week with the news that Sheffield Wednesday winger Helan, 24, is set to quit football to focus on religion.

The devout Muslim, signed originally from Manchester City, made 144 Owls appearances.

9. This week’s… strange but true part two

BRADFORD DRONE

THE Bantams clash against Bristol Rovers last weekend was interrupted due to a DRONE flying above the pitch.

As Channel 5 highlights presenter George Riley rightly remarked, that is such a 2016 reason for a game to be delayed.

10. This week’s… dead cert

6

NORWICH (at home to Burton)

THE Canaries are going slightly under the radar what with Newcastle’s eye-catching form and shock leaders Huddersfield grabbing the headlines.

But Alex Neil’s men have marched into second spot having lost just once this season - and stunned Everton in the EFL Cup this week too.

They are looking very strong and well-gelled already - while the Murphy twins are starting to realise their potential - and I can’t see Burton upsetting them at Carrow Road.

Meanwhile Carlisle have to be favourites at home to Wycombe - the Chairboys have not won away in their last 13 league games!

11. This week’s… cheeky punt for your acca

BIRMINGHAM (away at QPR)

JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK'S Hoops have been given a reality check in recent weeks with their 6-0 thrashing to Newcastle and defeat at Huddersfield.

They were much improved against Sunderland in the EFL Cup this week but still lost.

Gary Rowett’s Brum are always a decent bet on the road so I can see them piling pressure on JFH here.