In this week’s edition of The Football League Paper Podcast...
Matt Badcock is joined by Football League Paper Chief Writer Chris Dunlavy to talk through all the latest in the EFL.
Beginning with Carabao Cup action, League One side Bradford City progressed to the next round with a penalty shootout win over Burnley, while Peterborough United beat a second-string Watford side 5-1 at Vicarage Road, making it three wins from four games for the Posh in all competitions.
It was a difficult night for the other Championship sides, as Birmingham City were knocked out after a 6-1 home defeat to Brentford, Preston North End were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Everton, and Charlton Athletic bowed out after a 5-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Looking ahead to the third round ties, there could be a potential upset on the cards as Millwall host Newcastle United. There are two guaranteed League One teams in the last 16, with Leyton Orient taking on Bradford, while Peterborough host Barnsley.
With just one week to go until the transfer window closes, will Sheffield Wednesday secure the signing of Jamie Vardy? The 39-year-old striker is odds-on to return to his boyhood club, 24 years after his departure from the Owls.
There are plenty of clubs scrambling for the signature of Anis Mehmeti. The Albanian midfielder is leaving Ipswich Town, with Derby County, Birmingham City, Wrexham and others linked with a potential £9 million move for the 25-year-old.
Stephen Mfuni, the 18-year-old Manchester City centre-half who spent part of last season on loan at Watford, was reportedly meant to join Coventry City on loan this week but backed out due to concerns over gametime. A host Championship clubs are interested in signing the youngster, but time will tell who comes out on top.
Elsewhere, Peterborough United have signed striker Danny Ormerod from National League side AFC Fylde. The transfer fee is reportedly around £600,000 for the 20-year-old.
Finally, looking ahead to this weekend’s fixtures, West Ham travel to Watford in a high-pressure game for Nuno Espirito Santo. The Hammers’ start to life in the Championship has been anything but smooth sailing, picking up just one point in their opening two fixtures so far. Could we see a managerial change at the London Stadium should they fail to pick up three points against the Hornets?
Two sides also struggling for early-season form face off against each other as Norwich City host Burnley. Both teams were pipped as pre-season favourites for a shot at promotion, but with one point between them, it’s shaping up to be an interesting encounter at Carrow Road.
In League One, Russell Martin returns to one of his former clubs, in MK Dons, as Leicester City go in search of a much-needed result after picking up one point from their first two outings.
While still early in the season, Sheffield Wednesday’s quest to bounce back at the first time of asking took a hit following their 1-0 defeat at home to Bradford last weekend. They host Bromley in a game which could be important for Owls boss Henrik Pedersen.
With many tipping them as favourites for promotion, Salford City’s start has been anything but reflective of that. Two defeats from two, with just one goal scored under new manager Peter Cklamovski, means they welcome Shrewsbury Town to Moor Lane, who themselves will be looking for their first point of the season.
At the opposite end of the table, first-placed Barnet host second-placed Crewe Alexandra as both teams look to maintain their perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign.
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