BARNSLEY VS IPSWICH TOWN (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Ipswich’s new signing, Martyn Waghorn from Scottish side, Rangers. The English striker will look to make an impact as he makes his Championship debut for the Tractor Boys.

What will happen: A hard fought draw. With both teams expected to be fighting for Championship survival, these matches, although early in the season should be treated as a relegation six pointer. If either side is able to gain the upper hand in this affair it will put them in good stead come the end of the season.

What won’t happen: Andre Dozzell won’t play. The 18-year-old Ipswich midfielder tore his cruciate ligament in Ipswich’s first round clash with Birmingham. The young midfielder is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is expected to miss the rest of the 2017/18 season.

Injured Andre Dozzell set for a long layoff

 

BIRMINGHAM CITY VS BRISTOL CITY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: The two managers in the dugout. There will most likely be some friction between Birmingham manager, Harry Redknapp and his counterpart, Bristol City’s Lee Johnson. Birmingham’s public approach for Bristol’s Aden Flint and Joe Bryan has reportedly angered the Robins boss. Expect tempers to reach boiling point at St Andrews with Johnson’s men eager to prove their worth against Birmingham.

What will happen: Birmingham will show up to play. After a poor performance, last week, Redknapp will ensure that he’s team’s ready to showcase their talent in front of the home crowd.

What won’t happen: Bristol City won’t get the three points. History dictates that the home side will dominate this affair, The Blues have won their last three encounters with The Robins at St Andrews.

Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp

 

BRENTFORD VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Forest boss, Mark Warburton returns to Griffin Park. This will be Warburton’s first visit to his former club since his departure in 2015. But, it may not be a happy return as Brentford have won each of their last four games against Nottingham Forest, their longest ever winning streak against Forest.

What will happen: Barrie Mckay will find the back of the net for Forest. The 22-year-old striker has been in impressive form in front of goal and he’ll look to add to his goal count against The Bees at Griffin Park.

What won’t happen: A clean sheet for Forest. While they may have Mckay scoring the goals, Forest have been known to concede. Having had 72 goals scored against them in the previous campaign, Warburton will be wary if his side go behind early in this match.

Will Barrie McKay score?

 

CARDIFF CITY VS ASTON VILLA (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Kenneth Zohore, a man in demand. The Cardiff striker delivered a late winner against Burton Albion in the first round of Championship fixtures. Despite initial interest from top flight outfits, Bluebirds boss, Neil Warnock has urged the striker to stay at the Welsh club for now and reassess his future in 12 months’ time.

What will happen: Steve Bruce will maintain his impressive record against Neil Warnock. The Villa boss has won 9 out of his 11 previous meetings with Warnock. With Villa being placed as one of the early favourites to achieve promotion, they’ll need to kick-start their season in the Welsh capital.

What won’t happen: A repeat of last week at Villa Park. Steve Bruce’s decision to introduce defender, Chris Samba in the dying minutes of the match was met with scepticism by the Villa faithful. Brought on in a last-ditch attempt to score the winner against Hull City, Bruce as well as the Aston Villa supporters will hope that such drastic measures won’t be necessary this time around.

Chris Samba