Another new Stoke era starts on busy EFL weekend

Former Norwich first-team coach Narcis Pelach replaced the sacked Steven Schumacher as Stoke City manager on Wednesday

The English Football League welcomed a whole host of glitz and glamour on Monday, with David Beckham and his 22-year-old, recently retired - yes, retired - son Romeo joining NFL icon and minority owner of Birmingham City, Tom Brady, for the Blues' 3-1 win over Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham.

Almost 28,000 fans filled St Andrew's that night, with many more following from afar.

But while the so-called 'biggest night in recent EFL history' may be over, the season is now full swing - here's everything you can look forward to this weekend.

Schumacher out, Pelach in at Stoke

Friday's Stoke City match against Hull will be Narcis Pelach's first permanent spell in charge of an EFL team, having assisted at Norwich City and Huddersfield

After Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher lost his job earlier this week, newly appointed coach Narcis Pelach will be steering the ship as they host Hull City on Friday.

Schumacher's axing means that only Michael O'Neill has managed to complete a full season as Potters manager - two, in fact - since the 2016-17 campaign.

Stoke have started their Championship campaign somewhat mildly, with two wins and three losses, but visitors Hull are yet to win a match and have lost their last two.

The Spaniard hasn't had long to get to know his new players after only being appointed on Wednesday, but that won't stop him wanting to make an impression on his first outing as a permanent EFL boss.

Other bosses under pressure

Cardiff City's Erol Bulut and Bolton Wanderers' Ian Evatt are hoping to turn around disappointing starts to their seasons

With Schumacher the first managerial casualty this month - and fourth in the EFL this season - there might be a few other bosses shifting nervously in the dugouts this weekend.

Erol Bulut's Cardiff City sit bottom of the Championship, without a win, and just one point. To make matters worse, they have only managed to score once in their first five league matches.

It's the worst start to a season for the Bluebirds in more than three decades and the fans want answers - which, sadly for Bulut, could mean losing his job.

A win at the Cardiff City Stadium against Championship big boys Leeds United on Saturday, though, would certainly help ease the pressure.

Then there's Ian Evatt at Bolton Wanderers.

After finishing third in League One last season, and only missed out on promotion after losing the play-off final against Oxford, Bolton are languishing down in 21st place.

The Trotters won their opening game but it's been a struggle since.

They drew their second match and then lost three in a row, culminating in last weekend's 4-0 demolishing by Huddersfield Town.

Evatt could do with turning things around quickly as Bolton host Reading this weekend.

Early humdinger at the top of League Two

Saturday is a very big afternoon in League Two as the top two meet at Meadow Lane, where leaders Notts County welcome second-placed Gillingham.

The Magpies are unbeaten, and on something of a hot streak, with their 4-2 win against Bromley last time out their fourth successive league victory.

The Gills' own form, though, commands respect having enjoyed four wins - with only one defeat and one draw.

For Notts, a win would give them a five-point lead over the Gills and, potentially, the same cushion over the rest of the chasing pack.

Victory for the visitors would see them go top by two points.

Keeping a beady eye on the result at Meadow Lane will be third-placed Barrow.

They could also find themselves top of the pile if they beat Newport and Notts and Gillingham draw, or if they win by one more goal than any Gillingham victory.

Preston's shootout heroics the perfect lift for Lancashire showdown

Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman saved two penalties and then scored himself in Tuesday's shootout cup win against Fulham

Derbies always come with added anticipation but if you are coming off winning the longest penalty shootout in Carabao Cup history against an albeit much-changed Premier League side, it's enough to really get you going.

This is how Preston North End fans will be feeling as they host Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

The Lilywhites haven't had too much to shout about this season - three losses, one draw and one win in the Championship so far, but that shootout win against Fulham on Tuesday will do wonders for morale.

That's not to say Rovers won't offer up a huge challenge - John Eustace's side are third in the table and haven't lost.

Oxford visit an old 'friend'

Liam Manning was in charge of Oxford United for eight months before joining Bristol City

Bristol City boss Liam Manning will be welcoming some familiar faces on the field and in the away end at Ashton Gate when Oxford United visit.

Though the reception from those travelling supporters may not be very warm.

The 39-year-old left Oxford for the Robins in November last season, while the U's were second in the League One table.

United went on to achieve promotion into the Championship with current head coach Des Buckingham, but football fans have a long memory when it comes to holding a grudge.

Will the U's fans get to put one over their old boss, or will Manning and his men be able to silence any hostility?

Barnsley aim to avoid hangover from Man Utd hammering

It's never nice getting beaten. But a 7-0 drubbing? Ouch.

Granted, Barnsley were humbled in their EFL Cup tie at Premier League Manchester United, with some of their biggest names, including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, among the goals.

Being beaten by United is one thing, facing winless Burton Albion in League One is something different.

But the Tykes will be keen to avoid any potential negative effects from their Old Trafford hammering from lingering for the weekend.

We will find out, along with the rest of the action, across the weekend.

You can follow live text action of all the EFL action across this weekend on the BBC Sport website, starting with Stoke City v Hull City from 19:45 BST on Friday.