Another week of EFL action has passed as we look towards the business end of the season. From derby delight to record-breaking defences, James Clement guides you through this weekend’s action.
Another Osmajic Controversy
Embed from Getty ImagesThere was an allegation of racist language made by Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri against Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic during the sides’ 0-0 draw on Saturday.
Osmajic has refuted the claims, having already been in the spotlight after serving an eight game ban in October for biting Blackburn Rovers’ Owen Beck. The 25-year-old Montenegro international was also fined £15,000 for this incident.
The players were called into a meeting by match officials after the game had concluded. It is here that Osmajic denied these claims.
Mejbri has made a post on social media speaking about this incident, saying he will “always call out racism whenever I hear or see it”. Both clubs have issued statements strongly condemning racism in any form.
The FA are investigating this incident.
Severn Heaven for Cardiff
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Severnside derby had more than just bragging rights at stake, as Cardiff sit perilously close to the drop zone, whilst Bristol City look set to make a burst from their usual midtable perch towards the playoffs. With both sides practically part of the furniture in the second tier over the past seven years, the permutations of this fixture have rarely been higher.
A goalless opening hour was broken by a powerful Jason Knight header. The Robins looked set to break into the illustrious top six, until Yousef Salech rescued a point for the Bluebirds in the 90th minute with a sliding finish at the far post. Delirium for the hosts who move a point further clear of danger, whilst Bristol City will have to wait to break into the promotion spots.
1000 Not Out
Embed from Getty Images21st of December 2024. That was the last day that Burnley Football Club conceded a league goal. Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Preston North End brought up 1000 consecutive minutes without conceding a Championship goal for the Clarets. This leaves them on a staggering 24 clean sheets – just one shy of a league record with 13 games still to play.
Goalkeeper James Trafford has saved two penalties during this time, as this run has contributed to the Lancashire side conceding just nine league goals all season. Provided the run-in sees them concede fewer than 21, a new league record for goals conceded looks set to be smashed. With an equally-staggering 11 0-0 draws, Scott Parker’s miserly side may not win many beauty contests, but they look well-poised for a promotion charge for the run in.
No More Monk-eying Around
Embed from Getty ImagesCambridge United parted ways with manager Gary Monk yesterday, following a barren run of just one win in 13. The U’s are rooted to the bottom of the League One table, eight points adrift from safety.
Having been in the job for 11 months, Monk’s summer squad overhaul – including ex-Premier League star Gary Gardner – has not worked out. Gardner for example is yet to kick a ball in amber. With 15 games remaining, it will be a monumental task to keep Cambridge above water.
Are You (For)Shaw?
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a recent uptick in form under new manager Miron Muslic, Plymouth Argyle were promptly brought back down to earth by a 2-0 away defeat to Blackburn Rovers. The celebrations after Rovers’ opener has brought controversy however…
Adam Forshaw agreed a mutual contract termination at Argyle last month, making the move up north to join up with Blackburn. Having gone nine years without a goal, it was written in the stars that he would be the one to net the opener. Sprinting towards the Plymouth dugout, Forshaw stood arms raised in jubilation. He later clarified in a social media statement that no ill-will was meant by this act, and that he was merely looking towards where his family were seated above the away dugout. Some Argyle fans may need convincing of this however.
