Home Podcasts Essential EFL
Essential EFL

Essential EFL

Sky Sports 315 episodes Nov 5, 2026

Essential EFL from Sky Sports is a football podcast focused on in-depth coverage of the Championship, League One and League Two. Host Simeon Gholam is joined by Sky Sports' top EFL pundits, along with players and managers, to share their thoughts on the latest action. New episodes are released every Thursday throughout the season, and the show also highlights ways to watch the EFL live on Sky Sports and listen via various platforms.

Episodes

West Ham go for Parker, will Challinor revive Wednesday? And is this Salford's season?
West Ham go for Parker, will Challinor revive Wednesday? And is this Salford's season? Nov 5, 2026 42:17 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of Essential EFL.They start by discussing the managerial change at West Ham United where Nuno Espirito Santo has been replaced by Scott Parker.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
Fleetwood stun Arsenal, Burnley make a change & the over-performers
Fleetwood stun Arsenal, Burnley make a change & the over-performers Oct 29, 2026 36:59 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 wat
Hammers close in on the top, Birmingham hitting form & can Preston turn things around?
Hammers close in on the top, Birmingham hitting form & can Preston turn things around? Oct 22, 2026 38:33 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
A Savage blow for Leicester & a Duff start for Bradford
A Savage blow for Leicester & a Duff start for Bradford Oct 15, 2026 49:18 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
The Championship returns with a blockbuster weekend!
The Championship returns with a blockbuster weekend! Oct 8, 2026 23:23 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 Sp
Ryan Lowe on his time at Wigan & Preston, & the latest EFL news wrap
Ryan Lowe on his time at Wigan & Preston, & the latest EFL news wrap Oct 1, 2026 01:06:25 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 Leag
Swans flying high, West Ham and Wolves finding their groove & what's going wrong at Burnley?
Swans flying high, West Ham and Wolves finding their groove & what's going wrong at Burnley? Sep 24, 2026 54:17 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
Feisty derbies, trouble at the bottom & a "reality check" for Wrexham
Feisty derbies, trouble at the bottom & a "reality check" for Wrexham Sep 17, 2026 30:22 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 Championsh
From nightmare starts to positivity at last & the first managerial sacking
From nightmare starts to positivity at last & the first managerial sacking Sep 10, 2026 36:46 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
Bristol Rovers top League Two! Plus, training ground 'curses' and finally getting off the mark
Bristol Rovers top League Two! Plus, training ground 'curses' and finally getting off the mark Sep 3, 2026 40:31 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, a
'Destination' Millwall and should West Ham & Leicester be worried?
'Destination' Millwall and should West Ham & Leicester be worried? Aug 27, 2026 26:55 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 B
What did we learn from the Championship opening weekend? Plus Prutts makes his predictions...
What did we learn from the Championship opening weekend? Plus Prutts makes his predictions... Aug 20, 2026 31:06 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.-•Y

Recommended