EFL Five Talking Points: Millwall-West Ham derby returns – York City’s surprise League Two start

Hello and welcome to my five talking points ahead of this weekend’s fixtures across the English Football League, as we approach the topics across the Championship, League One and League Two.

This week we will be diving into a derby double within the Championship. There are also permutations at the bottom of the table as well, as two managers potentially face the sack.

In League One, two sides have four clean sheets from their opening six games. Both have tough fixtures this weekend though and that could potentially change.

In the fourth tier, two unbeaten clubs clash as one could potentially lose their perfect start to the campaign. Top of the table meets seventh in the fourth tier.

Without further ado, let’s dive into this weekend’s topics.

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Double derby day in the Championship

West Ham United visit Millwall in one of the fiercest derbies in football.

Both teams, along with Leeds United and Chelsea, were among the most feuding clubs in the 1980s, when violence was at an all-time high in the game.

Kick-off is at 12:30, as police try to minimise the chaos caused by such a fixture. Alongside this, there is a derby clash in the West Midlands as West Bromwich Albion face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Hammers will be hoping to continue the great form that has them joint top of the second tier, along with Swansea City, Middlesbrough and West Brom.

Millwall, meanwhile, will be hoping for a victory of their own, to help them climb up the table from 11th and a win could take the Lions up towards the playoff places.

Wolves sit in seventh but are just three points behind Albion. Elsewhere there’s a derby in League One, as Burton Albion host Mansfield Town in a clash of the East Midlands.

League One clean sheet leaders

AFC Wimbledon and Bradford City are joint top of the clean sheets chart in League One with Jon McCracken, Jo Bursik and Joe McDonnell all sharing the accolade.

Bradford sit in third position with four wins and the Dons have three wins, both have played six games.

Graham Alexander’s side travel to Luton Town on Saturday, whilst Wimbledon host MK Dons this evening.

The Bantams’ form has alerted Championship side Preston North End, who are on the lookout for a new manager following the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom last weekend.

The Lancashire side are reportedly interested in the 54-year-old’s services.

Battle of the out-of-form sides in the Championship

In the second tier, Burnley host Derby County in a match that could have permutations for both managers.

The Clarets are struggling to get going under new manager Nicky Hayen following their return to the second tier after relegation from the Premier League, with their wait for a first win continuing.

The Rams, meanwhile, came within touching distance of the Championship play-offs before missing out on the final day last term, but have endured a difficult start under John Eustace.

His side have won one and drawn one, losing the other five. The pressure is now beginning to mount on the former Blackburn Rovers boss.

Are York City overachieving in League Two?

York City have had an incredible start to life in League Two.

The Minstermen sit in third currently with three wins and two draws. The 3-2 defeat to Cheltenham Town is the only blemish on their record so far.

Former Crawley Town manager Scott Lindsey has taken over the reins at the LNER Stadium, and his experience appears to be reaping the rewards.

Alex Newby has had an astonishing seven goal involvements in seven appearances this season across all competitions.

It was expected that York would struggle upon being promoted but they are thriving whilst fellow promoted side Rochdale struggle to adapt to the Football League.

Two of League Two’s unbeaten sides collide

In the fourth tier, top of the table Barnet face seventh-placed Fleetwood Town with both teams putting their unbeaten starts on the line.

The Bees have started the season very strongly winning three and drawing three of their six fixtures.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, have two wins and four draws to their name.

Forward Charlie Lakin could be pivotal in this fixture with his seven goal involvements in six games for Barnet.

Ched Evans could be a focal point for the visitors as they look to gain their third win of the season.

One thing is for sure, the tables across all three competitions will look a lot more different by the end of this weekend’s campaign as the EFL starts to take shape.

Championship and most League One sides will now have a three-week break, as the Leagues settle down for the international break. 

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