SunSport’s Football League expert Tom Barclay tells you all you need to know about this weekend’s fixtures

SUNSPORT’S Football League expert  gives you the lowdown on this weekend’s EFL action - from one to 11....

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1) This week's... hot topics

SHOTSHY DERBY: The Rams just cannot score - and it is threatening to throw the whole club into crisis. Astonishingly, Derby have managed just ONE goal in their seven league games this season - and that is despite boss Nigel Pearson bringing in new striking talent in Matej Vydra and James Wilson. They have converted just 1.4 per cent of their shots in the league this season which is the worst record in the top four tiers. The decision to axe Chris Martin looks more bizarre with every passing week. Forget about points, the pressure is on for Derby to score this weekend at Bristol City.

NEWCASTLE HIT TOP GEAR: Toon equalled their biggest away win in the post-war era with their 6-0 demolition at QPR on Tuesday. I was there to witness it and it was undoubtedly the most one-sided match I’ve ever seen - six flattered QPR. Remarkably, Rafa Benitez claimed afterwards that Newcastle can still improve - but I can’t see how you can improve on perfection. What I can see is Benitez’s boys running away with the league now - just as so many predicted before a ball was kicked this term. Best of luck to Wolves, who lost 4-0 at home to Barnsley this week and go to St James’ Park tomorrow - they’ll need it!

CHAMPIONSHIP’S FIRST SIX-POINTER: Blackburn host Rotherham on Saturday and already it is looking like two relegation favourites going head to head. Rovers are still to win under Owen Coyle in the league while the Millers have managed just one victory under Alan Stubbs. There have been hints that Blackburn are slowly improving in their last few matches but if they lose at Ewood Park on Saturday, you really do fear for Coyle’s future.

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2. This week’s… manager who needs a result

TONY MOWBRAY: The Coventry chief appears to be reeling still from the loss of Adam Armstrong, who hit 20 goals during his loan spell from Newcastle last year but is now temporarily with Barnsley. The truth is things have been on the slide at the Ricoh since the turn of the year - save for a late rally towards the end of last season. The Sky Blues are yet to win in the league this campaign and lie second from bottom. Slip up at home to relegation favourites Oldham at home this weekend and it could be curtains.

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3. This week’s… player who should be in the goals

TAMMY ABRAHAM (Bristol City): The Chelsea loanee, 18, has been on fire since he joined the Robins on loan in the summer. He has eight goals already, six in the league and five in his last four. Abraham has shown the power and finishing ability that makes you genuinely think he could make it at Stamford Bridge if he continues his rapid rise. He comes up against a tough defensive outfit in Derby this weekend but with the Rams struggling for confidence, I fancy him to profit.

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4. This week’s… whizkid to watch

DAN BENTLEY (Brentford): This is a goalkeeper not short on confidence. I remember interviewing him a few years back when he was in League Two with Southend and even then he talked about his dream of emulating Joe Hart and becoming England’s No1. Bentley, 23, has made a very savvy move this summer when more glamorous clubs were after him - as he will get the game time with Brentford to develop further. Definitely one to watch.

5. This week’s… amazing stat

NORWICH: The omens look good for Alex Neil’s men if stats are anything to go by. On three of the last four occasions the Canaries had ten-plus points from their opening six games of a season, they have gone on to win promotion to the top flight in 2003-04, 2010-11 and 2014-15. And that was before the midweek win over Wigan.

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6. This week’s… potential Premier League target

CONOR HOURIHANE: The Barnsley No8 was a key player last season as Paul Heckingbottom’s men won promotion - but he has taken it to another level this year. Hourihane won the August Player of the Month award as he inspired the Tykes to their fabulous start and scored again in the walloping of Wolves. The ex-Plymouth playmaker is only 25 and is said to be under the watchful eye of Villa and the Old Firm sides - but I think Premier League clubs will come calling if he keeps this up.

7. This week’s… game of the weekend

EXETER v PLYMOUTH: There are no stand-out fixtures in the Championship this week so for a change I’m delving into League Two for the Devon derby. Plymouth have done a Newcastle with their response to losing their first two matches of the season - putting together a terrific run of FIVE wins on the spin. Last season Derek Adams’ side went top of the league for a while before Christmas but badly fell away as the Northampton winning machine took over. It is in this kind of match they need to show consistency if they are to make the leap from also-rans this time round. As for Exeter, it has been a tricky start to the campaign. Paul Tisdale has been at the helm for over ten years now and will know his side could do with a confidence-boosting win here to avert any looming danger.

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8. This week’s… transfer tip

OMAR BOGLE: The Grimsby striker, 23, is hot property after his electric start to the season. He has hit seven goals already in his debut campaign in League Two - including three in his last two. Big clubs are taking notice with Aston Villa, Derby and Fulham all keeping a close eye on his development. Sheffield United will rue passing up the chance to sign him this summer.

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9. This week’s… lol

MANSFIELD: Nobody saw this one coming… the Stags’ Twitter account apologised to disappointed ticket-buyers on Wednesday that  “due to unforeseen circumstances, clairvoyant Trisha will not be appearing in the Kevin Bird suite tomorrow night”.

10. This week’s… dead cert

NEWCASTLE (at home to Wolves): RAFA BENITEZ’S side are in full flow now - even if he thinks they can still get better. Goals are flying in from all over the pitch with top-scorer Dwight Gayle rested at QPR - showing their strength in depth. Jonjo Shelvey is finally looking the player he always threatened to be, Ayoze Perez is starting to fit into Benitez’ system while Matt Ritchie is just a class apart. On the flip side, Walter Zenga accused his Wolves players of giving up in their second-half Molineux collapse against Barnsley this week. I expect a reaction from Zenga’s men but I still can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for Newcastle this weekend.

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Scunthorpe United have made a blistering start to the season in League 1

11. This week’s… cheeky punt for your acca

SCUNTHORPE (away at Shrewsbury): Not the biggest of gambles I’ve ever offered up but after taking a bit of a risk on Wigan at Sheffield Wednesday last week, I’m playing it a bit safer. The Iron have been superb all year and looking a good bet for my pre-season tip of a play-off finish - and could go even better. They’ve banged in 17 league goals already and I can’t see Shrews being able to repel all of Kevin van Veen, Paddy Madden and the in-form Josh Morris.