Error code: %{errorCode}

Soccer

Championship Picks and talking points for Matchday 16 as teams return from international break

Ash Rose
Championship Picks and talking points for Matchday 16 as teams return from international breakRobbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

The Championship springs back into life this weekend following the final international break of 2024. 

At the top, it's still Sunderland and Sheffield United who occupy the promotion places, while at the bottom, QPR prop up the table after a disastrous start to the season for Marti Cifuentes. 

Here's a look at this week's biggest story in the division and a look ahead to the weekend's action. 

The talking point 

It's been a strangely quiet fortnight in the Championship during the international break, the period when normally teams looking for managers bring in their new man. 

However, both Coventry and Cardiff both head into this weekend's action still without a permanent manager in place. 

The Sky Blues are still yet to replace Mark Robins after his surprise sacking earlier this month, with Frank Lampard reported to be the frontrunner for the job after having lengthy discussions with the club. However, there is also interest from Ruud van Nistelrooy in the post. 

Cardiff fans have waited even longer to see who will succeed Erol Bulut. The Turkish boss was sacked back in September and the club placed Omer Riz in temporary charge, but there's no sign of a replacement. Riza is now the favourite to get the job on a permanent basis and has admitted he'd like to continue in the role. 

"I’ve loved every moment of it. I don’t want it to stop. The boys, the staff, the people around the club have been brilliant. We’ve achieved a lot in a short space of time," he told the BBC. 
 

The pick of the weekend 

Millwall vs. Sunderland  

Two teams that have perhaps exceeded expectations so far this season meet at The Den on Saturday afternoon. 

It's the Black Cats who still lead the way at the top of the league, albeit by only goal difference after drawing their last three games, including the 2-2 against Coventry last time out. Sheffield United are level with them on points, so Regis Le Bris will want to get back to winning ways in South East London. 

Sunderland, though, will come up against one of the Championship's form teams, with Neil Harris' side unbeaten in their last seven games which has propelled the Lions into the play-off picture. 

This weekend's fixtures 

Friday 22 November 

  • Plymouth Argyle vs. Watford 

Saturday 23 November 

  • Bristol City vs. Burnley 
  • Coventry City vs. Sheffield United 
  • Sheffield Wednesday vs. Cardiff City  
  • Blackburn Rovers vs. Portsmouth 
  • Luton Town vs. Hull City  
  • Millwall vs. Sunderland  
  • Oxford United vs. Middlesbrough  
  • Preston North End vs. Derby County  
  • Queens Park Rangers vs. Stoke City 
  • West Bromwich Albion vs. Norwich City 

Sunday 24 November

  • Swansea City vs. Leeds United 

How to watch the Championship on DAZN in Canada 

Canadian subscribers can watch the EFL with their DAZN account. 

 

More Football

Watch on YouTube