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Essential EFL

Sky Sports

Essential EFL from Sky Sports is the football podcast you need for in-depth coverage of the Championship, League One and League Two, with episodes released every Thursday throughout the season.

Simeon Gholam is joined by Sky Sports' top EFL pundits to get their thoughts and opinions on the latest action and you'll regularly hear from players and managers too.
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•You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink

•Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast

•You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL".

•For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football

•For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

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33 episodes
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Avg 35 min
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Thursday · 46 min
Birmingham's patience pays off, Stoke defy the stats & can Parker reset West Ham?
Sim is joined by Luke Chambers and Billy Sharp to take a look at the latest news and biggest talking points coming out of the Championship. They discuss how patience has allowed Chris Davies to turn things around at Birmingham, Middlesbrough's need for other goalscorers besides Will Lankshear and how Stoke are defying the stats to sit 3rd in the league. Plus, could the international break be the perfect opportunity for Scott Parker to give his West Ham squad a reset? - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
November 5 · 42 min
West Ham go for Parker, will Challinor revive Wednesday? And is this Salford's season?
Sim is joined by Ben Tozer and David Stowell on the latest episode of Essential EFL. They start by discussing the managerial change at West Ham United where Nuno Espirito Santo has been replaced by Scott Parker. Can he guide his former club back to the Premier League? Then we focus on League One and a flying start for Huddersfield. Sim, Ben and David also chat about Sheffield Wednesday's aspirations under new boss Dave Challinor and whether Barnsley and Bromley can get themselves out of trouble. Finally, it's League Two. Is it too early to say Salford City and Barnet will be getting promoted at the end of the season? And what's going wrong at Colchester United as they sit near the bottom of the Football League. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
October 29 · 36 min
Fleetwood stun Arsenal, Burnley make a change & the over-performers
Sim is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe to discuss the biggest EFL news and look ahead to the weekend's Championship games on the latest episode of Essential EFL. They start by looking back on Fleetwood Town's remarkable win against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, and discuss two managerial sackings at Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday. Then, they look ahead and predict the four Championship matches you can watch live on Sky Sports this weekend - Sheffield United vs Wrexham, Lincoln City vs Birmingham City, Norwich City vs Watford and Stoke City vs Preston North End. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
October 22 · 38 min
Hammers close in on the top, Birmingham hitting form & can Preston turn things around?
Sim is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe on this week's episode of Essential EFL to take a look at the big talking points in the Championship. They discuss West Ham and Birmingham's form towards the top of the table - could both sides find themselves back in the Premier League next season? They also chat about the recent struggles at Derby and Preston and analyse whether either team can turn things around and move out of the bottom three. Plus, Hinchy makes his predictions for the four games you can watch live on Sky Sports over the weekend - Bolton vs Middlesbrough, Charlton vs Norwich, Portsmouth vs Millwall and Sheffield United vs Derby. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
October 15 · 49 min
A Savage blow for Leicester & a Duff start for Bradford
Simeon Gholam is joined by Ben Tozer and Sam Parkin to look at all the latest news and talking points from League One and Two on this episode of the Essential EFL podcast. They discuss Robbie Savage winning his first game in charge of Peterborough at Leicester City, which has led to more problems for Russell Martin, Bradford City's appointment of Michael Duff, Wycombe giving the job permanently to Tom Hounsell, Sheffield Wednesday's recent dip in form and a poor start to the season for MK Dons. Attention then turns to League Two and Salford City's rapid rise to the top, Crewe Alexandra's unbeaten start and the struggles of the bottom two of Northampton Town and Crawley Town - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
October 8 · 23 min
The Championship returns with a blockbuster weekend!
Sim is joined by David Prutton on this week's episode of the Essential EFL podcast. The pair look ahead to the big return of the Championship after the international break, and Prutts makes his predictions for some big derbies, including West Brom vs Birmingham and Southampton vs Portsmouth. •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
October 1 · 1 hr 6 min
Ryan Lowe on his time at Wigan & Preston, & the latest EFL news wrap
Simeon Gholam is joined by Ryan Lowe on this week's episode of Essential EFL. We take a look at Lowe's recent managerial career, including his spells at Wigan and Preston, and ask him what's next. David Stowell then joins as we look at some of the latest news in the EFL, including Graham Alexander's move from Bradford to Preston, Plymouth Argyle's start to the season under Tom Cleverley and the League Two promotion race. •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
September 24 · 54 min
Swans flying high, West Ham and Wolves finding their groove & what's going wrong at Burnley?
Sim is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Billy Sharp on this week's episode of Essential EFL. They take a look at the start of the Championship season with Swansea City leading the way as we head into the first international break. Can the Swans maintain their good form? Plus, are there signs that West Ham and Wolves have found their groove? Can Will Lankshear fire Middlesbrough to promotion? And what has gone wrong at Burnley with the Clarets currently sitting bottom of the pile? - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
September 17 · 30 min
Feisty derbies, trouble at the bottom & a "reality check" for Wrexham
Sim is joined by David Prutton on this week's episode of the Essential EFL podcast. They discuss the big news from the Championship and take a look at why Burnley and Preston find themselves at the bottom of the division. They also chat about West Ham's thumping 6-0 win over Wrexham and why the result might be a 'reality check' for the Welsh side. Plus, Prutts makes his predictions for the Championship matches you'll be able to watch live on Sky Sports this weekend. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
September 10 · 36 min
From nightmare starts to positivity at last & the first managerial sacking
Sim is joined by Ben Tozer and David Stowell to take a look at the latest news and talking points from League One on this episode of the Essential EFL podcast. They discuss Leicester City's nightmare start to life in the third tier - can Russell Martin's possession-based style of play get them back into the Championship? Ben and David also share their thoughts on the first managerial sacking of the season with Michael Duff departing Wycombe Wanderers. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
September 3 · 40 min
Bristol Rovers top League Two! Plus, training ground 'curses' and finally getting off the mark
Sim is joined by former EFL striker Sam Parkin and commentator David Stowell to take a look at how the League Two season has begun. With four games gone there are no 100% records, but a host of teams will be pleased with the starts they have made including early league leaders Bristol Rovers. On the other hand some sides have struggled to get going with concern growing at Port Vale and Gillingham, and a much-needed win at Salford. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
August 27 · 26 min
'Destination' Millwall and should West Ham & Leicester be worried?
Sim is back with David Prutton on this week's episode of the Essential EFL podcast. They discuss Millwall's excellent start to the season and whether West Ham and Leicester City should be concerned by their openings to the new campaign. Plus, Prutts makes his predictions for the four Championship games you can watch live on Sky Sports this weekend: Wrexham vs Birmingham City, Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Albion, Derby County vs Swansea City and Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Stoke City. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
August 20 · 31 min
What did we learn from the Championship opening weekend? Plus Prutts makes his predictions...
Sim is joined by David Prutton for the first time this season on the latest episode of the Essential EFL podcast. They take a look back at the opening round of Championship fixtures and predict what will happen in the four games you can watch live on Sky Sports this weekend: Lincoln City vs Portsmouth, Birmingham City vs Bristol City, Millwall vs Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion vs Burnley. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
August 12 · 1 hr 6 min
2026/27 season preview! Star players, new managers & playoff changes!
Simeon is back with the Essential EFL podcast's season preview for the 2026-27 campaign. In the first half of the episode he's joined by Curtis Davies and Luke Chambers to take a look at the teams who could be fighting it out to win promotion to the Premier League. Then in the second half of the pod, Ben Tozer and David Stowell join Sim to run the rule over Leagues One and Two where there are already plenty of storylines! - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
May 28 · 52 min
Play-off finals review! Hull, Bolton & Notts County promoted!
Simeon Gholam is joined by Sky Sports EFL pundits to look back at three dramatic play-off finals. Andy Hinchcliffe and Gary Weaver join to discuss the Championship play-off final, as Hull City beat Middlesbrough. Aaron McLean and David Stowell then takeover to look at League One and Two, as Bolton saw off Stockport, and Notts County won out against Salford. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
May 25 · 6 min
League Two final review: Notts County ease past Salford to seal promotion
Simeon Gholam is joined pitchside by Aaron McLean at Wembley for an immediate review of the League Two play-off final, as Notts County beat Salford 3-0 to reach League One. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
May 24 · 8 min
League One final review: Bolton overwhelm Stockport to seal promotion to Championship!
Simeon Gholam is joined pitchside by Andy Hinchcliffe at Wembley for an immediate review of the League One play-off final, as Bolton beat Stockport 4-1 to reach the Championship. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
May 23 · 10 min
Championship final review: The McBurnie final! Hull beat Middlesbrough to reach Premier League
Simeon Gholam is joined pitchside by Don Goodman at Wembley for an immediate review of the Championship play-off final, as Hull beat Middlesbrough 1-0 to win and reach the Premier League. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
May 21 · 26 min
Championship final preview!
Simeon Gholam is joined by Luke Chambers and Gary Weaver to look ahead to the Championship play-off final between Hull and Middlesbrough. They assess the strangest build-up to a play-off final in history following the 'Spygate' drama and Southampton's expulsion, before looking ahead to the clash at Wembley. - •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
May 19 · 29 min
League One and Two: The finals are here! Who will be promoted?
Simeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and Ben Tozer to review the League One and Two play-offs. The panel look back at the semi-finals, and then ahead to the finals at Wembley and try to predict who will be promoted. •You can watch the EFL action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink •Listen to every episode of Essential EFL here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933949/essential-efl-a-sky-sports-efl-podcast •You can listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". •For all the latest EFL news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

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