BRISTOL CITY VS ASTON VILLA (SATURDAY, 4:45AM AEST)

The big talking point: Can Conor Hourihane score in a third consecutive match for Villa? The Villa midfielder has been on fire in his recent games and he’ll look to continue his fine form against the Robins. However, he might struggle against a side who is won their last five home leagues on a Friday.

What will happen: Villa’s midfield will wreak havoc on Bristol’s defence. Robins’ captain, Bailey Wright will struggle to deal with Aston Villa’s strong attacking players. If the Robins want any chance of winning, they’re going to have to outscore their opponents.

What won’t happen: The return of Villa striker, Jonathan Kodjia. The former Bristol City player is out with a broken ankle and won’t get the chance to face his former employer.

FFT predicts: 2-2

Conor Hourihane is on fire for Villa

HULL CITY VS BOLTON WANDERERS (SATURDAY 4:45AM AEST)

The big talking point: Bolton’s away record in the Championship. The Trotters haven’t tasted victory away from home since April 2015. Bolton may get the chance to break the drought this weekend, as Phil Parkinson’s team face a Hull side which has lost their last two league games. While Leonid Slutsky will rue the loss of star midfielder, Sam Clucas to Swansea. The young midfielder was unable to refuse the opportunity to return to England’s top flight.

What will happen: Hull won’t make the same costly mistakes like last week. The Tigers will look for a strong defensive performance as they aim to keep a clean sheet against a Bolton side which has struggled for goals.

What won’t happen: A convincing performance from either side. The Tigers have lost their bite and won’t necessarily be at their best against Bolton, but they should still get the job done.

FFT predicts: 2-0

Can Phil Parkinson's men finally get a win on the road?

BARNSLEY VS SUNDERLAND (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Sunderland’s response after their first loss of the campaign. Grayson’s men went down to Leeds at The Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have showed what they’re capable of under the new manager and will hope that last week’s performance doesn’t become a regular occurrence.

What will happen: A close encounter. Both sides promote youth so expect some eye-catching performances from Sunderland young guns, George Honeyman and Lynden Gooch. Barnsley will be relying on striker, Tom Bradshaw to find the goals in this encounter at Oakwell.

What won’t happen: A poor showing from The Black Cats. The north-east club have collected four points from their first two away fixtures this campaign. If they can continue that form on the road then a place in the playoffs in May, might not be out of the question.

FFT predicts: 1-3

Tom Bradshaw will be key for Barnsley

BIRMINGHAM CITY VS READING (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Birmingham’s latest recruitment drive. Harry Redknapp has brought in Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson and Cohen Bramall, plus Southampton’s Sam Gallagher on loan until the end of the season. Bramall made his debut for The Blues in their midweek EFL Cup tie with Bournemouth, while this weekend could see Jenkinson make his league debut for the Midlands outfit.

What will happen: Birmingham will add to The Royals early season woes. Harry Redknapp boasts an impressive record against Reading, having only lost one of his last 13 league games against them. If he wants the trend to continue, he’ll need to rely on the club’s top goal scorer, Jacques Maghoma as well as new striker, Isaac Vassell.

What won’t happen: A repeat of last year. In this fixture, last campaign, Reading bucked the trend as they defeated The Blues 1-0 at St Andrews. The Royals will most likely be on the wrong side of the scoreline this weekend, however it depends if they decide to show up or not.

FFT predicts: 2-1

Carl Jenkinson set for his Birmingham debut