Big live fixtures, free analysis, audio shows, fixtures, standings and unique chats; everything you need to follow this weekend's Sky Bet EFL action with Sky Sports.
An early battle for promotion to the league on a Friday night?
- Leicester v Birmingham (Friday, 8pm)
The EFL football weekend kicks off on Friday with a huge title clash as Leicester take on Birmingham in what could be a title decider.
Both teams are off to a solid start, with Leicester earning six points from three games and Birmingham remaining unbeaten with two wins and one draw.
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Simeon Gholam and David Prutton analyse the upcoming match in the Essential EFL podcast.
David Prutton's expert assessment of the Leicester v Birmingham clash…
Birmingham are making a statement in the Championship again. They bring energy to their stadium and have a solid squad. Leicester overcame the challenge of Charlton, although it was a tight game, but they have star potential in their side. It was a vibrant Midlands derby that sets the tone for the weekend perfectly.
“There are still questions about Leicester's squad, but once the transfer window closes the team can focus on key players. The mix of experience and youth looks balanced. They need to keep their cool.”
“I expect a productive 2:2 draw.”
Elsewhere on Sky Sports+ on Friday there's League 2 action as Salford City v Cheltenham Town kick off at 7.45pm.
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Stolyarchik on Boruc, Schmeichel and the path to Leicester's number one
Jakub Stolarczyk has given Sky Sports an exclusive account of Artur Boruc's development, training with Kasper Schmeichel and the battle to become the starting goalkeeper.
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Jakub Stolarczyk reveals secrets of his progress in the fight for the number one position
“As a child, I admired his play for the national team, repeating his famous saves at home,” Stolyarczyk recalls.
“His career is impressive, for me he has always been a reference point. Even with the emergence of new idols, such as Lukasz Fabianski, Boruc occupies a special place.”
- The full material is available at the link.
Which EFL matches will be shown on Sky Sports+ at 12.30pm on Saturday?
As usual, Sky Sports+ will feature seven live broadcasts from the English Football League, with pre-match analysis starting at 11:00 on Sky Sports Football ahead of the big clash between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United.
- Championship: Middlesbrough v Sheff Utd, QPR v Charlton, Stoke v West Brom
- League 1: Cardiff v Plymouth, Doncaster v Rotherham
- League 2: Barrow v Fleetwood, Crewe v Swindon
Contrasts clash at Riverside
- Middlesbrough v Sheffield United
The Riverside Stadium will see teams with polar opposite results: Rob Edwards ' Middlesbrough have won three games in a row, while Ruben Selles ' Sheffield United are yet to pick up a point. For the Blades manager, this match is a chance to redeem himself before the break.
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Simeon Gholam and David Prutton discuss Middlesbrough v Sheffield United on the Essential EFL podcast.
David Prutton's prediction for Middlesbrough v Sheffield United…
“Middlesbrough are living up to expectations with a manager who knows the league. Rob Edwards has re-energised himself after Luton and built an ambitious team. It's a fresh start after last year's failure.”
“Sheffield are in crisis. Replacing Chris Wilder is no easy task. Selles has a big job ahead of him at half-time.”
“I predict a 2-0 win for Middlesbrough.”
- TOURNAMENT POSITIONS: Championship | League 1 | League 2
- SCHEDULE: Championship | League 1 | League 2
More Championship matches…
- QPR v Charlton, Stoke v West Brom
Queens Park Rangers, one point down from their 7-1 defeat to Coventry, are looking to bounce back against Charlton , who recently lost to Leicester.
Stoke City are top thanks to three wins under Mark Robins, including a 10-man victory over Southampton, while West Brom visit the bet365 Stadium on seven points without manager Ryan Mason on the bench.
League 1 and 2 Events
- League 1: Cardiff v Plymouth, Doncaster v Rotherham
- League 2: Barrow v Fleetwood, Crewe v Swindon
Brian Barry-Murphy's Cardiff City lead League One with 13 points as Plymouth slowly find form after first win
Doncaster have made a successful debut in League One, while Rotherham are looking to improve their results.
Barrow show consistency as they host Fleetwood while League 2 leaders Crewe Alexandra look to return to winning ways after their first loss.
Essential EFL: Analysis, Interviews and Forecasts
The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast offers exclusive content from across the league.
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EFL goals screened on Football Day on Saturday
Sky Sports News will present every goal from the 12.30pm games in a dedicated studio format, with each goal shown as it happens.
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