
Exciting Derbies in the EFL: Five Things to Watch Out for
September 18, 2026 ·
This week, the EFL presents some exciting derbies, including classic rivalries and teams fighting to avoid the relegation zone.
Interesting Derby in the EFL: Five Things to Watch Out for
According to Bbc.
Background
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Sweden's international goalkeeper, is in the spotlight because he is absent from this important match. His presence is really needed to strengthen Derby County's defense line which is currently in trouble. Without Zetterstrom, Derby will have to find a way to overcome the high number of goals conceded and improve their performance for the rest of the season.
Why this is important
The match between Burnley and Derby County at Turf Moor is very important for both teams who are struggling in the relegation zone. With Burnley bottom of the table and Derby having just four points from seven games, the outcome of this game could determine the direction of their season. The loss of the main goalkeeper, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, adds to the burden for Derby, which is already struggling in defense.
Main Points
- Interesting Derby in the EFL: Five Things to Watch Out For.
- This week, the EFL presents some exciting derbies, including classic rivalries and teams fighting to avoid the relegation zone.
- Derby day deluge - five things to watch in the EFL - BBC Sport.
This week, the English Football League (EFL) competition will present a number of interesting derby matches. This match will not only showcase fierce local rivalries, but also involve teams who are struggling to regain their best form. Here are five things to watch this weekend in the EFL.
Fighting Team Meeting at Turf Moor
A match between a relegated team and a team that narrowly missed out on the play-offs at the end of last season sounds interesting. But for Burnley and Derby County fans, this match might be a nightmare. Both of them have not shown good performance. Burnley are bottom of the standings and still looking for their first win, while Derby have just four points from seven games and are on a three-game losing streak. The meeting at Turf Moor on Saturday (15:00 BST) feels more crucial than it should. Apart from that, Derby also lost their main goalkeeper, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was unable to appear due to a knee injury. Derby's former academy coach, Darren Robinson, said: "Derby's defensive aspect is currently in the spotlight, we are conceding a lot of goals, and losing our main goalkeeper is a big blow."
Pride Rights At Stake
The bitter taste of defeat in a derby can last much longer than expected. West Ham lost a man in the ninth minute against Millwall in 2012, but they managed to win 2-1. The win is sure to leave a deep impression on Millwall, who have seen their good start to the Championship begin to fade, while West Ham are now top of the table. Their game at The Den on Saturday (12:30 BST) will see the Hammers claim their fifth win in a row and cement their position as league leaders. On the other hand, Molineux will host the first Black Country derby since 2021 on Sunday (12:00 BST). Wolves lost 3-2 in their last meeting with West Bromwich Albion, and now they are trying to improve that record.

Academic Rivalry Becomes a Promotion Opportunity
Cambridge and Oxford, two cities with a long rivalry, not only compete in the academic field but also on the gridiron. Cambridge United and Oxford United are now both in the hunt for promotion after starting the season well. Cambridge has suffered just one defeat in six matches (W3 D2), while Aaron Ramsey's Oxford have also shown positive performance with three wins in the last five matches (W3 D1). Their match on Saturday (15:00 BST) is sure to be an interesting one as just one point separates the two in the standings.
Derby Grant McCann
Doncaster manager Grant McCann recently revealed that he was diagnosed with skin cancer last year. Even though he now says he has recovered, this condition has made him appreciate every moment on the field more. Doncaster are currently bottom of the table without a win (D3 L3) and will play Peterborough United on Saturday (15:00 BST). McCann has a long history with Peterborough, both as a player and coach. "I don't want to add pressure to the players; if anything, I feel calmer," McCann told BBC Radio Sheffield.
More Derbies? Of course!
Think the Championship is the only place that's serving up derby drama this weekend? Think again! Saturday's League Two fixtures will also feature two local derbies. The Manchester derby between City and United is the talk of the week, but the clash between Oldham and Rochdale (12:30 BST) may be less of a highlight, but it's still worth following. Both teams have just returned to the EFL from the National League, but Rochdale are yet to find their best form and are looking for a second win of the season. Meanwhile Oldham have suffered two consecutive defeats and are at risk of falling down the table after a solid start to the season.
What happened next
After this match, Derby County need to immediately find a solution to improve their performance and overcome the injury problems that are plaguing the team. Meanwhile, Burnley must try hard to get their first win so as not to be trapped in a crisis of confidence. This match will also be an important moment for coaches and players to show their abilities under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the match between Burnley and Derby County?
The match between Burnley and Derby County at Turf Moor is crucial as both teams are struggling for form, with Burnley at the bottom of the table and Derby having just four points from seven games.
Who confirmed Jacob Widell Zetterstrom's injury?
Former Derby academy coach, Darren Robinson, confirmed that Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is unable to feature due to a knee injury.
Why is this match important now?
This match is important now as both teams, Burnley and Derby County, are fighting to get out of the bottom of the table and looking for their first win.
What changes have occurred in the Derby County team?
A significant change to the Derby County team was the loss of main goalkeeper, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, to injury, which was a major blow to the team's defensive aspect.
What's at stake in the derby between West Ham and Millwall?
In the derby between West Ham and Millwall, bragging rights are at stake, especially considering the history of the rivalry and the lasting impact of defeat.