QPR aim to regain top spot as Michael Carrick takes charge of first game

A mini-midweek schedule saw another change at the top of the Championship table.

Two of the league's relegated Premier League sides battled at Turf Moor on Tuesday night, with Jay Rodriguez's penalty giving Burnley a late win over Norwich.

That win, the Clarets' fourth in their last five, moved Vincent Kompany's side above both Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers ahead of this weekend.

In League One, Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town maintained their positions as the third tier's top two, whereas Leyton Orient still lead League Two thanks to a 2-0 win over Gillingham on Tuesday.

Here are some of the fixtures to look out for across all three divisions this weekend.

Championship

Birmingham City vs QPR

We'll start with the team Burnley leapfrogged to take top spot in midweek. QPR made a big statement by keeping hold of manager Michael Beale despite Premier League interest from Wolves and will no doubt be looking to continue their good start.

Last weekend's 2-1 win over Wigan put them in a comfortable position going into this weekend's fixture at St Andrew's, having played a game less than both Burnley and Blackburn.

They face a Birmingham side who have lost just one of their last four in the Championship following impressive wins over Bristol City and Hull, as well as a well-earned point against the Clarets. Could an upset be on the cards?

West Brom vs Sheffield United

It might have seemed like forever since West Brom sacked Steve Bruce but they've finally got their new boss after Carlos Corberan was appointed this week.

The former Huddersfield Town head coach takes over at the Hawthorns with the club languishing in the relegation places, and in much need of a positive impact.

Saturday's home fixture sees them take on another side looking for form as, despite sitting in the play-off spots, Sheffield United are without a win in their last six games.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom will be desperate for three points here after slip-ups against the likes of Coventry and Blackpool, but this could be another tough afternoon with a new boss to face in the opposing dugout.

Preston North End vs Middlesbrough

After being appointed earlier this week, Michael Carrick is set to take charge of his first game as Middlesbrough boss this weekend.

The former Manchester United midfielder takes over from former boss Chris Wilder and will look to make an instant impact on Teesside, starting with Saturday's trip to Deepdale.

They face a Preston side who have been hit and miss so far this season, sitting 14th with two wins and three defeats from their last five games.

Boro ran out 4-1 winners in their last away game at Wigan on October 19 - will it be a similar result for their new boss?

League One

Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City

It's the fixture that fans in Devon have been looking forward to, as league leaders Plymouth take on local rivals Exeter on Monday.

It's the first time that the two have met since October 2019, when both were a division lower and this weekend's visitors ran out 4-0 winners.

A repeat of that result may be unlikely, however, as Plymouth sit top of the third tier after an extremely impressive start under Steven Schumacher. That's not to take anything away from the Grecians, though, who sit seventh following their return to League One and recently appointed Gary Caldwell as their new manager following Matt Taylor's departure to Rotherham United.

This should be one to keep an eye on.

League Two

Stockport County vs Sutton United

With three wins from their last four games, it appears Stockport County are finally starting to make their mark on League Two.

Last season's National League champions were languishing towards the relegation places earlier in the campaign but recent wins against play-off chasing sides like Salford City and Carlisle United have helped their case.

They take on the side just one place above them in the table this weekend, with Sutton United the visitors to Edgeley Park.

Which games are you looking forward to this weekend? Have your say and make your predictions in the comments below.