# Hammers close in on the top, Birmingham hitting form & can Preston turn things around?

An episode of [Essential EFL](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/569447563), 22 Oct 2026, 39 min.

Audio: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/2346cf4f-c4a5-49a3-839d-81776d6ff207.mp3?aw_0_1st.showid=fce8d89b-50e9-401b-a255-2ed08b711b44&aw_0_1st.episodeid=2346cf4f-c4a5-49a3-839d-81776d6ff207

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

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