The EFL Championship returns for Matchday 9 following an extended three-week international hiatus.
For some teams, the pause came at a much-needed time, while for others, it threatened to disrupt their form and momentum.
Teams that were in good rhythm before the hiatus will be hoping to pick up where they left off, while those struggling earlier in the campaign may have used the time to regroup and fine-tune their tactics.
Among those looking to hit the ground running are West Ham, who lost top spot to Swansea before the hiatus after drawing at Millwall.
West Brom, meanwhile, are winless in their last two matches, but could move into the top two with a victory in their huge derby against Birmingham City.
So, here we are looking ahead to an enthralling weekend of football in the EFL Championship, with some high-profile games and fierce derby matches.
West Ham United vs Queens Park Rangers – Friday, October 9, 20:00
West Ham United host city rivals Queens Park Rangers under the lights at the London Stadium.
This capital clash marks the first league meeting between the two London sides since the 2014–15 season, with both teams currently fighting at the top end of the table.
There is plenty at stake for both sides, with the result potentially having a major impact on the Championship table after Matchweek 9.
West Ham sit second in the table, just two points behind current leaders Swansea, and could move to the top with a win over their cross-city rivals.
QPR have their own reasons to give everything for the valuable three points.
The visitors are sixth heading into this game, just two points behind West Ham, meaning a victory would see them leapfrog their London rivals.
Though Nuno Espirito Santo’s side made a slow start to their Championship campaign, failing to win their opening three games, the Hammers responded with four consecutive victories before their run came to an end in their last match, a 2-2 draw away at Millwall.
Team news and form
West Ham showed a lot of character in their 2-2 draw at Millwall. Despite going 2-0 down, the Hammers clawed their way back into the game to come away with a point.
However, this was another match in which West Ham failed to keep a clean sheet, with the Millwall game marking the sixth time in eight Championship matches this season that they have conceded.
Mohamadou Kante will miss the game following his red card against Millwall before the international break.
Joel Veltman is definitely out due to injury, but Greece defender Konstantinos Mavropanos – who picked up a knock during a UEFA Nations League match – should regain full fitness ahead of this game.
QPR may not be as potent as the Hammers going forward, but the Hoops are currently the Championship’s second-best defensive side, having conceded just seven goals in eight matches.
Dennis Cirkin will serve a suspension for the visitors after being sent off during QPR’s 2-2 home draw against Preston North End before the international break.
As many as four other players – Boy Kemper, Karamoko Dembélé, Ilias Chair and Tariq Lamptey – are out with injury-related issues, while Justin Obikwu, Richard Kone and Glen Kamara are doubtful.
Match odds
West Ham are priced at 53/100 to win, with the draw at 19/5 and QPR at 11/2.
Suggested bet
West Ham to win 3-1.
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West Bromwich Albion vs Birmingham City – Saturday, October 10, 12:30
Birmingham City travel to face West Brom at The Hawthorns in a game that carries significant stakes in the early-season promotion race, but there is much more than league position at stake.
The two clubs are separated by just a few miles in the West Midlands, making this one of the fiercest local rivalries in the division and a battle for valuable bragging rights.
West Brom were beaten by Wolves in their last game at Molineux.
It was their second consecutive match without a win, but the Baggies have still made a strong start to the current EFL Championship season and sit fifth in the table heading into this game.
Birmingham City are 10th and, despite winning just once in their last five games, only three points separate them from their city rival.
A win here could see the visitors overtake the home team in the table.
Team news and form
West Brom boast the third-best defensive record in the EFL Championship, having conceded just eight goals in their opening eight matches.
Their 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough is the only game in which they have conceded more than once.
The Baggies have also kept two clean sheets, while conceding just twice in their last four matches.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Callum Styles are major doubts for the home side. The duo also missed the international break with their respective national teams.
Mikey Johnston and Nolan Galves are out with injuries, while Aune Heggebø should return to full fitness after picking up a knock before the international break.
Birmingham have won just twice in their first eight league games, but on the positive side, they have lost just once this season – the same number of defeats as the current top four.
In terms of team news, Birmingham will be without Marc Leonard and Paik Seung-Ho, while Max Bird, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Demarai Gray are major doubts.
Match odds
West Brom are priced at 11/8 to win, with the draw at 5/2 and Birmingham City at 2/1.
Suggested bets
Both teams to score; West Brom to win 2-1.
READ MORE: EFL Championship: West Brom vs Birmingham preview and prediction
Southampton vs Portsmouth, Sunday, October 11, 12:00
Widely regarded as one of the most passionate rivalries in English football, the South Coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth takes place at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday.
But this weekend’s South Coast derby carries extra attention, and for all the wrong reasons.
For the uninformed, Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been handed a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine by the Football Association (FA) for his involvement in the “Spygate” scandal.
The positive for Southampton is that the club’s hierarchy remains behind Eckert – for the time being.
Now back to the football pitch, and the Saints will hope to return to winning ways.
Eckert’s team saw their five-game unbeaten run in the Championship come to an end before the international break following a 2-1 defeat at Wrexham.
The Saints currently sit 13th in the table with 10 points.
Portsmouth, on the other hand, have no off-field issues surrounding the team, with their main concerns coming from their on-field performances.
Pompey might be sitting 19th with eight points, but they are only three points behind 10th-placed Birmingham City.
Team news and form
Southampton can be beautiful to watch going forward, and that is down to how Eckert has set up his team.
Though the manager will be suspended for this match, the home side should play with the same verve and intensity.
However, Southampton’s approach could be forced to change if Championship leading goalscorer Cyle Larin fails to recover in time for the derby.
The 31-year-old is a huge doubt after picking up an injury during the international break, and his absence would leave the home side without their main attacking threat.
Southampton could also be without first-choice goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who withdrew from the Israel squad during the break.
As far as the visitors are concerned, John Mousinho’s side are heading into the game on a three-match unbeaten run.
But that streak could come under serious pressure here, particularly given the lengthy injury list Portsmouth are carrying.
Conor Shaughnessy is likely to sit out for Pompey with a groin issue. Centre-back Benjy Arthur will also miss the match as he continues to recover from a stress fracture in his back.
In addition, Franco Umeh (hamstring), Mark Kosznovszky (knee), Connor Ogilvie (knee), Thomas Waddingham (ankle), Luke Brooke-Smith (ankle) and Josh Murphy (groin) are also set to miss out.
Match odds
Southampton are 3/5 favourites, with the draw at 10/3 and Portsmouth at 47/10.
Suggested bet
Southampton to win 2-0.
By Anuraj Tyagi
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