It takes two weeks inside a chrysalis for a butterfly to emerge, eye-catching in flight, but could the same metamorphosis happen for a football team? Not all of the English Football League have enjoyed a fortnight off during the international break; teams in League One and League Two have continued their campaigns while a number of players have been off representing their countries. However, October still offers a fresh start.
Close enough to the start of the season for new managers to make an impact in the league, far enough that sides should be finding their footing. Here are some of the standout fixtures and narratives across the EFL that you should be keeping your eyes on this weekend. West Bromwich Albion defender Conor Townsend labelled their 1-0 loss to local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers their "worst performance of the season" but a chance to show they can turn up in a big match has rolled around quickly.
The Baggies return to action with yet more bragging rights on offer, this time welcoming Birmingham City to The Hawthorns on Saturday lunchtime ( ). Like Wolves before them, Blues could leapfrog their hosts on the table should they take victory and Albion will be keen to stop allowing their West Midlands foes from using them as a stepping stone closer to the top. Last season though, the two shared the points in both Championship fixtures with just one goal each - and it was not the only derby to be so tight.
The South Coast meetings between Southampton and Portsmouth last season carried high expectation but both games fell a little flat. In fact, the teams have drawn four of their past five meetings. Saints may feel a little buoyed this time around though when they meet at St Mary's on Sunday ( ).
Spygate is finally behind them after boss Tonda Eckert was given a six-week suspended ban for his role in the controversy by the FA. Portsmouth are on a three match unbeaten run and will be hoping that the media spectacle of Eckert's punishment can prove a suitable distraction for their opponents from the true prize - local pride. Eckert "got off very, very lightly" - McAnuff Hellberg reveals Eckert apology after Spygate 'Thank you for support' - Saints boss Eckert speaking to media Steven Schumacher left a promoted and thriving Plymouth Argyle to head north to the Bet365 Stadium in December 2023, only to be sacked in September after 32 games.
But, despite the knockback, Schumacher is back in the Championship after leading Bolton to promotion and the Trotters have shown they have plenty of fight in them. Three of their four losses have been by the margin of a single goal and they have won their past two games to be just three points short of the play-off positions. His former employers will represent a tough challenge on Saturday ( ) though with Stoke on a five match undefeated run (W4 D1) and looking to keep consolidating their goal of being a promotion contender.
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