The EFL returns this weekend with an exciting line-up of fixtures as the tables begin to take shape.
With the tone of the 2025-26 EFL’s tone beginning to set, here’s a look at the most exciting fixtures across the Championship, League One, and League Two.
Ipswich Town vs Norwich City
The East Anglia derby returns this weekend, with both sides having made less than ideal starts to the campaign.
Firm favourites for promotion this season, Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys have struggled to get to grips with the division in their opening seven fixtures.
Drawing on four occasions while only winning two, victory over their bitter rivals at Portman Road could be vital in kick-starting a promotion charge.
Town are yet to settle on a consistent frontline. With Kasey McAteer, Chuba Akpom, George Hirst, and Ivan Azon subject to rotation. Azor Matusiwa has become an established figure in midfield, as have Dara O’Shea and Jacob Greaves in central defence.
While Kieran McKenna’s identity at Ipswich Town is clear, having succeeded in the division before and showing glimpses in the Premier League, settling on a first eleven is crucial.
Playing out a competitive draw away at Bristol City last night, Ipswich are currently unbeaten in their previous four. Possessing a squad rich with quality, it will be interesting to see how Town line up this weekend.
A Bitter Return
Sat two points behind their rivals in 17th place are Norwich City, who are in the midst of a transitional season.
Liam Manning is one of the most exciting young managers in England, while USA international Josh Sargent is well-regarded as the best striker in the division. Jovon Makama has proven to be a clever acquisition from Lincoln City, while Jack Stacey and Harry Darling are excellent for the level.
Kellen Fisher is further establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in England, while the experience of Kenny McLean and Shane Duffy maintains value at Carrow Road.
One of the biggest transfers this summer was Marcelino Nunez’s departure from Norwich City to Ipswich Town. The midfielder was brilliant in patches for the Canaries and made his first start for Ipswich last night.
Boasting a similar record to their rivals, Manning has overseen two wins, two draws, and three defeats in their opening seven.
This fixture boasts the opportunity for two good squads to kick-start their campaigns. With local pride on the line, Sunday could be a vital indicator of how both sides’ campaigns could play out.
Player to watch: Marcelino Nunez.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1 – 0 Norwich City.
Huddersfield Town vs Stockport County
Two of the pre-season’s firm favourites for automatic promotion will lock horns this weekend, when Stockport County make the trip to West Yorkshire.
Both sides have met inconsistent patches in recent weeks, but sit narrowly adrift of the promotion places. A win for either side could be vital in affirming their ambitions for Championship football.
Four draws have been the story of County’s inconsistencies, having failed to claim three points against Cardiff City and Reading after largely dominating the matches.
A 4-2 defeat at Plymouth Argyle was disappointing; meanwhile, high-profile strikers Nathan Lowe and Malik Mothersille are yet to begin firing.
However, Kyle Wootton has enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, with five goals and three assists to his name. Ollie Norwood has been fantastic in the centre of the park, while Ethan Pye has remained a stalwart in the County defence.
While draws have been the story of Stockport’s inconsistencies, Lee Grant’s Terriers will have been disappointed with recent results against Bradford City, Barnsley, and Burton Albion.
Frontmen Alfie May, Joe Taylor, and Marcus Harness have every potential to light up the division, while Ryan Ledson and David Kasumu are top midfielders at the level.
A potential early six-pointer, a victory for either side could be a huge statement to the rest of the division.
Player to watch: Kyle Wootton.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 2 – 3 Stockport County
Salford City vs Grimsby Town
It’s fourth versus fifth in League Two, with the winner likely to be sat in the top three after eleven games by Saturday evening.
Both sides come into the tie on the back of two differing results, with the away side 7-1 victors over Cheltenham Town last weekend.
Grimsby Town also welcomed back Icelandic star Jason Daði Svanþórsson during their demolition of the Robins. The 25-year-old was a standout for the Mariners last season and will likely play a huge role in their promotion prospects this season.
Charles Vernam has amazed this season. Meanwhile, the core of Kieran Green, George McEachran, and Cameron McJannet has embodied a team that is taking well to David Artell’s tactical identity.
Now the top scorers in England in all competitions, team selection could prove a problem for the head coach.
Jamie Walker opened his account at Blundell Park with two quick-fire stunners to turn the tide at the weekend, which leaves him competing for a place in the eleven with all-action midfielder Evan Khouri.
Meanwhile, Jaze Kabia is amongst the division’s top-scorers with five league goals, but has captain Danny Rose and summer pick-up Jude Soonsup-Bell breathing down his neck.
The Mariners have shown frailties at the back, conceding three to Barnet recently. Additionally, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in League Two since victory away at Walsall in mid-August.
Salford City’s Excellence
Meanwhile, Salford City’s run of four consecutive victories was halted away at Bristol Rovers. Largely credit to Luke Southwood’s stoppage-time penalty heroics for the Gas.
It is difficult to credit Salford’s brilliance to individuals this season, with quality throughout the squad and a manager in Karl Robinson who is familiar with a promotion charge.
The Ammies will be without dynamic wing-back Haji Mnoga, after seeing a second yellow card last weekend.
Daniel Udoh and Ben Woodburn should be expected to feature in the frontline, with Kadeem Harris featuring on the flanks.
Matt Butcher and Ossama Ashley are excellent in the middle, making the midfield battle against McEachran and Green an interesting prospect.
This fixture should promise goals, with vital match-ups in all areas of the field.
Player to watch: George McEachran.
Prediction: Salford City 2 – 2 Grimsby Town