Sky Sports

Essential EFL

About the show

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. - •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

Newest episodes

Birmingham's patience pays off, Stoke defy the stats & can Parker reset West Ham?

Nov 12, 2026 46 min

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

West Ham go for Parker, will Challinor revive Wednesday? And is this Salford's season?

Nov 5, 2026 42 min

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 They start by discussing the managerial change at West Ham United where Nuno Espirito Santo has been replaced by Scott Parker.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

Fleetwood stun Arsenal, Burnley make a change & the over-performers

Oct 29, 2026 36 min

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

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 328 episodes

Birmingham's patience pays off, Stoke defy the stats & can Parker reset West Ham?

Nov 12, 2026 46 min

West Ham go for Parker, will Challinor revive Wednesday? And is this Salford's season?

Nov 5, 2026 42 min

Fleetwood stun Arsenal, Burnley make a change & the over-performers

Oct 29, 2026 36 min

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

Oct 22, 2026 38 min

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

A Savage blow for Leicester & a Duff start for Bradford

Oct 15, 2026 49 min

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

The Championship returns with a blockbuster weekend!

Oct 8, 2026 23 min

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

Ryan Lowe on his time at Wigan & Preston, & the latest EFL news wrap

Oct 1, 2026 1 hr 6 min

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

Swans flying high, West Ham and Wolves finding their groove & what's going wrong at Burnley?

Sep 24, 2026 54 min

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

Feisty derbies, trouble at the bottom & a "reality check" for Wrexham

Sep 17, 2026 30 min

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

From nightmare starts to positivity at last & the first managerial sacking

Sep 10, 2026 36 min

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

Bristol Rovers top League Two! Plus, training ground 'curses' and finally getting off the mark

Sep 3, 2026 40 min

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

'Destination' Millwall and should West Ham & Leicester be worried?

Aug 27, 2026 26 min

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

What did we learn from the Championship opening weekend? Plus Prutts makes his predictions...

Aug 20, 2026 31 min

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

2026/27 season preview! Star players, new managers & playoff changes!

Aug 12, 2026 1 hr 6 min

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

Play-off finals review! Hull, Bolton & Notts County promoted!

May 28, 2026 52 min

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

League Two final review: Notts County ease past Salford to seal promotion

May 25, 2026 6 min

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

League One final review: Bolton overwhelm Stockport to seal promotion to Championship!

May 24, 2026 8 min

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

Championship final review: The McBurnie final! Hull beat Middlesbrough to reach Premier League

May 23, 2026 10 min

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

Championship final preview!

May 21, 2026 26 min

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

League One and Two: The finals are here! Who will be promoted?

May 19, 2026 29 min

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

Championship semis review! Spygate, late goals and unlikely winners

May 13, 2026 40 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Tommy Smith to look back at two dramatic play-off semi-finals. They assess Southampton's win over Middlesbrough, then Hull's victory against Millwall, what it all means for the finalists and what's next for the beaten sides. - •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

League One and Two play-off semi-finals preview!

May 7, 2026 42 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and David Stowell to look ahead to the League One and Two play-off semi-finals. The panel starts by looking ahead to the League One semi-finals: Stevenage vs Stockport & Bolton vs Bradford, before turning attention to League Two: Grimsby vs Salford & Chesterfield vs Notts County. •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

Championship play-off semi-finals preview!

May 5, 2026 42 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Don Goodman and Andy Hinchcliffe to preview the Championship play-off semi-finals. The panel looks ahead at all the talking points for Hull vs Millwall and Middlesbrough vs Southampton, and debate who will reach 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

EFL Final Day preview! Promotions, relegations & permutations...

Apr 30, 2026 51 min

Simeon is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe, David Prutton (briefly), Aaron McLean and David Stowell to preview the final day of the EFL's regular season. They discuss who will seal the final automatic promotion spot out of the Championship and which team will claim the final playoff berth. In League One there are playoff spots up for grabs and relegation to be avoided. And in League Two the title is on the line, there's a shootout for a playoff place and a huge battle to secure safety. - •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

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 45

Apr 23, 2026 22 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and Gary Weaver take a look ahead at Gameweek 45 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Leicester vs Millwall, West Brom vs Ipswich, Charlton vs Hull, Middlesbrough vs Watford, Coventry vs Wrexham - •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

'Five in Five' EFL Stories: Five interviews, five players, five minutes!

Apr 21, 2026 26 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by five different EFL players for five minutes apiece, as he speaks to Derby's Ben Brereton Diaz, Portsmouth's Terry Devlin, Preston's Jamal Lewis, Watford's Imran Louza and Stoke's Steven Nzonzi. - •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

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 43

Apr 16, 2026 25 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and Tommy Smith take a look ahead at Gameweek 43 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Blackburn vs Coventry, Portsmouth vs Leicester, Derby vs Oxford, Millwall vs QPR, Ipswich vs Middlesbrough, Rest of the Saturday 3pms - •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

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 42

Apr 9, 2026 21 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 42 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… West Brom vs Millwall, Coventry vs Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich vs Ipswich, QPR vs Bristol City, Birmingham vs Wrexham, Rest of the Saturday 3pms - Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Good Friday!

Apr 2, 2026 19 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 40 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Middlesbrough vs Millwall, Leicester vs Preston, Norwich vs Portsmouth, Oxford vs Hull, Coventry vs Derby, Rest of the Good Friday 3pms - Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Championship Catch-up: The run-in is here! Who will go up, down & make the play-offs?

Mar 26, 2026 51 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Tommy Smith to take a look at all the latest action from the Championship. They assess Coventry's march towards the Premier League, and the sides vying for promotion and the play-offs. Attention then turns to the bottom of the table and the sides at risk of dropping into League One. - Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 39

Mar 19, 2026 18 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 39 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Preston vs Stoke, Ipswich vs Millwall, Blackburn vs Middlesbrough, Derby vs Birmingham, Swansea vs Coventry, Rest of the Saturday 3pms Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

League One & Two review: Hirings, firings and who can still make the play-offs?

Mar 12, 2026 44 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and David Stowell on League One and Two review on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast. The panel assess Northampton Town's sacking of Kevin Nolan, Leyton Orient's struggles this season, Exeter bringing in Matt Taylor until the end of the season and who can still make the play-offs in League One. Then it's onto League Two and Tranmere's managerial change bringing in Pete Wild, Walsall sacking Mat Sadler, Notts County's push towards the promotion places, Barnet's impressive return to the EFL this season and who can still make the top seven. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

'Five in Five' EFL Stories: Five interviews, five players, five minutes!

Mar 10, 2026 30 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by five different EFL players for five minutes apiece, as he speaks to Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway, Preston's Daniel Jebbison, Blackpool's Ashley Fletcher, Leyton Orient's Dominic Ballard and MK Dons' Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 36

Mar 5, 2026 17 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 36 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Preston vs Oxford, Blackburn vs Portsmouth, Hull vs Millwall, QPR vs Middlesbrough, Rest of the Saturday 3pms Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

League One & Two review: Are Cardiff and Lincoln destined for the Championship?

Feb 26, 2026 38 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and Ben Tozer on League One and Two review on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast. The panel assess whether League One pacesetters Cardiff City and Lincoln City are destined for promotion to the Championship, Plymouth's remarkable turnaround under Tom Cleverley and the impact of Gary Caldwell's move from Exeter City to Wigan Athletic. Then it's onto League Two and Cambridge United's rise under Neil Harris, Shrewsbury's improvement under Gavin Cowan, Barrow's appointment of Dino Maamria and what's next for Fleetwood Town. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

'Five in Five' EFL Stories: Five interviews, five players, five minutes!

Feb 24, 2026 29 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by five different EFL players for five minutes apiece, as he speaks to Millwall's Jake Cooper, QPR's Nicolas Madsen, Sheffield Wednesday's Charlie McNeill, Bristol City's Emil Riis and Swansea City's Josh Tymon. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 33

Feb 19, 2026 24 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 33 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Blackburn vs Preston, West Brom vs Coventry, Hull vs QPR, Stoke vs Leicester, Swansea vs Bristol City, Sheff Utd vs Sheff Wed, Rest of the Saturday 3pms... - Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Championship Catch-up: Boro buoyant & concerns for Coventry

Feb 12, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Simeon Gholam, Curtis Davies and Andy Hinchcliffe take a look at all the latest action from the Championship. The panel assess Middlesbrough's march to the top, Coventry's concerning dip, Millwall's march, the race for sixth place and potential changes to the play-off format. Then attention turns to Watford's appointment of Ed Still, and the struggles of Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City and West Brom. - Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 31

Feb 5, 2026 21 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 31 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Charlton vs QPR, Derby vs Ipswich, Norwich vs Blackburn, Southampton vs Watford, Swansea vs Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough, Rest of the Saturday games. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 30

Jan 29, 2026 24 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and Tommy Smith take a look ahead at Gameweek 30 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Bristol City vs Derby, Stoke vs Southampton, Leicester vs Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday vs Wrexham, Rest of the Saturday 3pms Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

League One and Two review: Runaway leaders & new managers

Jan 22, 2026 40 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and David Stowell on League One and Two review on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast. The panel look at Lincoln City's impressive recent run and their place in the League One promotion race, Huddersfield's appointment of Liam Manning, Peterborough's surge and whether Jon Brady can save Port Vale. Then it's onto League Two and the flying form of Bromley, whether MK Dons can kick on, whether Steve Evans can keep Bristol Rovers in the EFL and Barrow hiring Paul Gallagher. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

'Five in Five' EFL Stories: Five interviews, five players, five minutes!

Jan 20, 2026 29 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by five different EFL players for five minutes apiece, as he speaks to Stoke's Sorba Thomas, Birmingham's Kai Wagner, Coventry's Ellis Simms, Swansea's Ethan Galbraith and Norwich's Harry Darling. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 27

Jan 15, 2026 16 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 27 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… West Brom vs Middlesbrough, Coventry vs Leicester, Ipswich vs Blackburn, Watford vs Millwall, Rest of the Saturday games Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Championship Catch-up: Festive season wrapped!

Jan 8, 2026 46 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Jobi McAnuff and Tommy Smith to look back on all the festive action from the Championship. The panel assess Coventry's wobble, how the promotion race has unfolded, Ryan Mason's sacking by West Brom, Leicester and Southampton's struggles and the relegation battle. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Championship Catch-up: How will the promotion race unfold over Christmas?

Dec 23, 2025 41 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Don Goodman and Andy Hinchcliffe to look ahead to how the promotion race in the Championship may unfold over a hectic Christmas fixture list. The panel assess whether anyone can catch Coventry, who is in the race for automatic promotion and who could boost their challenge for a play-off spot. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 22

Dec 18, 2025 17 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 22 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Swansea vs Wrexham, Southampton vs Coventry, Blackburn vs Millwall, Preston vs Norwich, Rest of the Saturday 3pms Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

League One and Two review: Can Bradford go back-to-back? Bristol Rovers in the mire

Dec 11, 2025 28 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and David Stowell on League One and Two review on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast. The panel look at Bradford's ambitions to achieve back-to-back promotion's, Doncaster's dip, Peterborough improving under Luke Wiliams and Exeter's bid to stay up. Then it's onto League Two and Cambridge's march up the table under Neil Harris, Fleetwood's ambitions this season, the miserable slump of Bristol Rovers and then Tranmere Rovers' solid recent form. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

'Five in Five' EFL Stories: Five interviews, five players, five minutes!

Dec 9, 2025 30 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by five different EFL players for five minutes apiece, as he speaks to Leicester's Jordan James, Stoke's Million Manhoef, Derby's Bobby Clark, Bradford's Josh Neufville and Colchester's Charlton loanee Micah Mbick. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports Championship Predictions: Gameweek 19

Dec 4, 2025 17 min

Sky Sports duo Simeon Gholam and David Prutton take a look ahead at Gameweek 19 of the Sky Bet Championship season. Running order… Hull vs Middlesbrough, Derby vs Leicester, Charlton vs Portsmouth, Watford vs Norwich, Rest of the Saturday 3pms Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

League One and Two review: Cardiff challenging & can Fuchs save Newport?

Nov 27, 2025 27 min

Simeon Gholam is joined by Ben Tozer and Dave Edwards on League One and Two review on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast. The panel look at Cardiff's impressive season so far, Port Vale's struggles in League One, Wycombe's rise under Michael Duff and what the expectations are for Northampton Town. Then it's onto League Two and Swindon's promotion challenge, Christian Fuchs' appointment at Newport, Bromley's brilliant run and Harrogate's dip. Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL". For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

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Podcast details

Created by: Sky Sports
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 12, 2026
Episodes: 328
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 29 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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