But now the players are out on the green turf around the grounds for tonight's 19:45 BST kick-offs...

Let's see what drama tonight's action brings.

Now, let's not be pessimistic or anything, but...

The past eight league meetings between Reading and QPR at the Madejski Stadium have produced just seven goals.

They are 20th and 19th in the table respectively, so both sides could really do with a result, regardless of whether the goals flow or not.

Image source, Rex Features

Before the season began, not many people would have forecasted that recently-relegated Stoke would be five points behind Bolton after 10 league games.

After all, Wanderers were within moments of being relegated on the final day of last season.

The Potters go in search of a much-needed third Championship win, as the pressure continues to mount on manager Gary Rowett.

Keep an eye out for some unusually-coloured hair in Charlton's match at Scunthorpe - Addicks striker Lyle Taylor has dyed his hair pink in aid of a cancer charity.

Leaders Portsmouth are at Coventry, while in-form duo Accrington and Doncaster meet in another eye-catching third-tier fixture.

League Two pace-setters Lincoln are away at Tranmere, winless Macclesfield are at second-placed Newport and Notts County boss Harry Kewell comes up against his former club Crawley at Meadow Lane.

And the new man in the dugout at Northampton, ex-England international Keith Curle, takes charge of the Cobblers for the first time at home to Bury.

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford have been in fine form this season and they beat Birmingham 5-0 at Griffin Park in last season's corresponding fixture in February.

But that doesn't mean this one is a guaranteed home banker, because Birmingham are seemingly a different animal under Garry Monk and they've not lost in their past six games.

But in drawing five of those past six, Blues have highlighted doubts about their ability to see out victories in games they have appeared to dominate.

Image source, PA

Two sides who have performed below their expectations so far this season are Aston Villa and Preston, who meet at Villa Park.

Steve Bruce's hosts - who have won just once in the league since 11 August - are coming under increasing fire from their fans, who are less than impressed with their 15th place in the table.

As for Preston, who are bottom of the Championship, the only way is up - can they take advantage of a Villa side potentially low on confidence?

Here are some of the key things to tell you about tonight's Championship team news...

• Striker Tammy Abraham has been passed fit to start for Aston Villa against Preston, but keeper Mark Bunn comes in to replace Orjan Nyland.
• Leeds are unchanged, and remain without forwards Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez.
• Britt Assombalonga is on the bench for Middlesbrough at Ipswich, after scoring at Hull on Saturday.
• Former Barcelona forward Bojan starts for Stoke against Bolton after his equaliser at Rotherham last time out.

You can find all the confirmed line-ups here.

Image source, Getty Images

Both Manchester clubs are playing in the Champions League this evening.

City are into the second half of their match at German club Hoffenheim and are level at 1-1, recovering from conceding a first-minute goal to equalise through Sergio Aguero.

At 20:00 BST, United host Valencia.

Follow live text and radio commentary of tonight's Champions League matches here.

If you're not sure what Coventry City's jokey dig at their ice hockey counterparts is in reference to, well it's one of the most bizarre injury stories you're likely to read about this season.

City goalkeeper Lee Burge was in the crowd for Coventry Blaze's match with Sheffield Steelers on Sunday, and was hit on the head by a stray shot.

Fortunately, he's fit enough to start tonight's match against League One leaders Portsmouth.

Image source, PA

Wigan are in formidable form at the DW Stadium. The Latics have won four of their five home games so far this season, drawing the other.

But Swansea's confidence is high after a convincing 3-0 win over QPR last time out.

Good luck predicting the outcome of this one...

When will Ipswich finally get a win? That's surely the question on every Town fan's lips.

The Tractor Boys have not won any of their 11 games in all competitions this term under Paul Hurst.

But visitors Middlesbrough arguably aren't the ideal targets for that elusive victory - Tony Pulis' men have been beaten just once this season.

Image source, Rex Features

With leaders West Brom not playing until tomorrow, Leeds can go back to the top of the table if they win at struggling Hull tonight.

After a loss to Birmingham and a draw at Sheffield Wednesday last time out, Marcelo Bielsa's side are hoping to return to winning ways.

But Hull will have other ideas, as they attempt to build on their draw with Middlesbrough and look to improve upon their worrying run of five losses and just one win in their past seven games in all competitions.

Don't forget, you can have your say on any of tonight's games using #bbcefl on social media. We want to hear from you!

As well as a full programme of games in League Two and 11 fixtures in League One (Gillingham v Blackpool has been rearranged for November) we'll be focusing on seven Championship encounters tonight, two of which will get going at the later time of 20:00 BST.

Here's the schedule:

• Aston Villa v Preston North End - 19:45
• Brentford v Birmingham City - 19:45
• Hull City v Leeds United - 19:45
• Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough - 19:45
• Wigan Athletic v Swansea City - 19:45
• Reading v Queens Park Rangers - 20:00
• Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers - 20:00

As ever, we'll bring you news of all the Championship goals as they go in, as well as keeping you across the key moments in League One and League Two.

Image source, Rex Features

Good evening and welcome to our live text coverage of tonight's English Football League fixtures, including seven games in the Championship.

Tonight's action includes the only three EFL sides yet to win a league game this term; Championship strugglers Ipswich, League One's bottom side Plymouth and League Two's basement club Macclesfield.

But also in action are the EFL's final two remaining unbeaten sides; League One leaders Portsmouth and League Two's draw specialists Forest Green Rovers.

Will any of those five clubs see their fortunes change tonight?