Image source, Rex Features

It's fair to say, Newcastle United have come a long way since their opening night defeat by Fulham back in August.

The Magpies, fresh out of the Premier League, were shellshocked by the Londoners at Craven Cottage as they somewhat struggled to get a feel for the pace of the game in a frustrating 1-0 defeat.

However, Rafael Benitez's side, who can cap his one year anniversary in charge with victory this afternoon, have become battle-hardened to the Championship, applying the necessary steel to their quality and recent wins against fellow challengers Brighton and Huddersfield underlined that shift.

Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham have been there or thereabouts most of the season, although some kind of imaginary force-field seems to be keeping them out of the top six despite five wins and one defeat in the past eight league games.

The mutual need for points should make this one a cracker.

Norwich chairman Ed Balls told BBC Radio Norfolk: “I think Burton, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, these were really poor results and the team wasn’t playing. And those games taken as a whole basically meant that baring a miracle, it is not impossible, but barring a miracle we are not in the play-offs this season.

“We are determined to do everything we can to get us back into the Premier League, that means planning now for next season.

“We need to be up and running now for the beginning of the closed season, for the transfer window. We need to get a new football structure in place. The question we needed to ask was if Alex Neil was the right man to take us into next season. We decided yesterday that the answer to that was no.”

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Rex Features

There may be a few managers fidgeting nervously in their luxurious dug-out seats this afternoon, following Norwich City's abrupt sacking of manager Alex Neil last night.

The Canaries are eighth at this stage, nine points off a play-off place in their bid to return to the Premier League after last season's relegation.

That said, they were second in October, but have won just seven of their last 24 Championship games.

Neil was the man who guided the club to the top flight two seasons ago, but the board said in their statement they had taken a 'tough but unanimous decision' to replace him.

"It is in the best interests of the club for a new manager to be in place through a crucial summer transfer window," the statement said.

But Neil's departure came after the deadline for today's programme, which still carries his pre-match notes - although you imagine they ring somewhat hollow now.

Blackburn provide the opposition today, who have enjoyed the 'new manager bounce' themselves with two wins and two draws since appointing Tony Mowbray to replace Owen Coyle.  

Image source, Rex Features

Other than our three featured games, there's plenty of other stories in the Championship this afternoon.

No late or early games today, all traditional three o'clocks.

Here is the full complement.

Aston Villa v Sheffield Wednesday

Barnsley v Ipswich Town

Brentford v Huddersfield Town

Burton Albion v Nottingham Forest

Cardiff City v Birmingham City

Leeds United v QPR

Newcastle United v Fulham

Norwich City v Blackburn Rovers

Preston North End v Reading

Wigan Athletic v Bristol City

Welcome to another afternoon of EFL hurlyburly here on BBC Sport, where you can keep abreast of all the Championship goals and the best of the rest from the bottom two divisions.

Let's recap how things will play out over the next couple of hours.

Image source, Rex Features

As winter slides away, the nights get lighter, the first shoots of spring appear and temperatures start to rise - so too the EFL begins to warm up to its thrilling climax.

Springtime means business time across the three divisions, from the race for the Premier League to the battle to stay in the '92'.

We'll be focusing closely on three big games in the Championship - Newcastle versus Fulham, Wigan taking on Bristol City and managerless Norwich up against Blackburn.

Throw in the rest of the goals from the second tier and the big stories from Leagues One and Two, and you've the perfect accompaniment to your Saturday afternoon.