READING VS FULHAM (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Reading unable to deliver Premier League football to The Madejski Stadium. This will be Reading’s first competitive match at home since their play-off defeat to Huddersfield Town. After a disappointing loss to QPR in the first round, Reading players will be hoping to grab the three points against Fulham.

What will happen: Reading will be reduced to 10 men. Following Tiago Illori’s red card last week, The Royals have received a total of six red cards in the Championship since August 2016. If Fulham can keep the ball and frustrate Jaap Stam’s side, then expect tempers to escalate and get the worse of his players.

What won’t happen: Yann Kermorgant’s name on the Reading team sheet. The 35-year-old French striker played an influential role in the last meeting between the two sides in the play-off semi-finals. After undergoing hip and groin surgery, the experienced striker is set to be out of action for the first month of 2017/18 campaign.

Yann Kermorgant to miss the clash

 

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY VS QUEENS PARK RANGERS (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Conor Washington, equal top scorer in the Championship. After netting twice against Reading last week at Loftus Road, the Northern Irishman will hope to build upon his goal tally at Hillsborough. After a lacklustre 2016/17 campaign, Washington will be hoping to find some consistency as he aims to lock down a place in QPR’s starting line-up.

What will happen: The Owls will open their goal scoring account. After a disappointing loss to Preston, Carlos Carvalhal’s men responded well with a 4-1 win earlier this week against Chesterfield in the EFL Cup. The midweek tie would have come as a blessing in disguise for Wednesday, as it gave them the opportunity to redeem themselves after their relatively poor performance at Preston.

What won’t happen: Undivided support from Sheffield Wednesday’s fans. Continually lifting the expectations of their fans, The Owls need a strong display at Hillsborough if they want to keep their fans happy. If they don’t deliver on Saturday it could cause further unrest within their loyal fan base.

Conor Washington will be keen to add to his tally

 

MIDDLESBROUGH VS SHEFFIELD UNITED (SUNDAY, 2:30AM AEST)

The big talking point: Middlesbrough, a team in freefall. After an opening day defeat to Wolves, Boro fans have every right to be concerned by their team’s current form. Having lost their last four league games, the north-east club are in desperate need of a lift as they face a promoted Sheffield United at The Riverside.

What will happen: A free flowing game of attacking football. While Middlesbrough promote attacking talent in their own right, they’ll have to contend with Sheffield United’s, Billy Sharp. The Blades front man has been in stellar form and was on the scoresheet in their win over Brentford at Bramall Lane.

What won’t happen: A draw. Middlesbrough will be desperate to win and will do whatever it takes to overcome The Blades.

Sheffield's frontman is in Sharp form

 

NORWICH CITY VS SUNDERLAND (SUNDAY, 10:30PM AEST)

The big talking point: Will Nelson Oliveira start up front for Norwich? After last week’s emphatic display at Craven Cottage, Oliveira was a startling omission from the Canaries squad which faced Swindon in the midweek EFL tie. Punished for his actions against Fulham, it appears that manager, Daniel Farke has taken a hard-line approach to dealing with the Portuguese striker. This approach has left Norwich fans fearing the worst as they’re all too aware that their striker could be forced out the door before the end of the current transfer window.

What will happen: Sunderland will impress at Carrow Road. Following a strong performance against Derby in the opening round, The Black Cats will look to continue where they left off against Norwich. Sunderland fans will have reason to believe as their side was able to claim all three points last time the two teams met at Carrow Road in The Premier League back in April 2016.

What won’t happen: A Sunderland away performance. During their stay in the Premier League, the north-east club didn’t have the best of away records. With the introduction of new manager, Simon Grayson, supporters should expect a stronger defensive display and more of a threat up front as new signing, Lewis Grabban looks to add to his goal tally.

Is Oliveira on the way out?