Weekend preview: Cardiff City aim to extend unbeaten run as Newport County search for form

Daniel Bevan
The EFL returns to a full fixture list after the international break, with Wales’ top clubs all in action on Saturday 13 September.
Stockport County v Cardiff City – kick-off: 3pm
The Bluebirds have hit the ground running following relegation to the third tier. A new crop of youngsters, combined with a fresh identity and playing style, have formed the backbone of Brian Barry-Murphy’s revolution.
Flying high at the top of League One with a game in hand, Cardiff travel to Edgeley Park to face Stockport County.
The hosts have struggled with inconsistency since missing out on promotion last term. Tipped by many to challenge for automatic promotion this season, the Hatters instead find themselves outside the play-off places after six games.
A heavy defeat to Plymouth—who themselves have found life tough back in League One—sparked frustration among Stockport fans. They’ll be eager to respond against a Cardiff side who remain unbeaten in all competitions.
Barry-Murphy has been boosted by the imminent return of David Turnbull, though star man Rubin Colwill is a doubt after missing out on Craig Bellamy’s latest Wales squad.

Tranmere Rovers v Newport County – kick-off: 3pm
In stark contrast, Newport County have endured a miserable start under David Hughes. Six straight defeats in all competitions leave the Exiles hovering above the League Two relegation zone on goal difference alone.
A trip to mid-table Tranmere offers a chance to reset and begin a fresh chapter. With the season still young, County fans will hope the worst of the storm has passed.
Hull City v Swansea City – kick-off: 3pm
Alan Sheehan’s Swansea City are still finding their feet under his permanent stewardship. Backed by their biggest transfer spend since relegation from the Premier League, 12 new arrivals have injected fresh hope.
The international break offered Sheehan valuable time to bed in his new-look squad before Saturday’s trip to the MKM Stadium.
Swansea sit just one point outside the Championship play-off spots after four games, while Hull linger in 17th.
High-profile summer arrivals Adam Idah, signed from Celtic for around £6m, alongside full-back Ishe Samuels-Smith and winger Manuel Benson could all make their first appearances in white.

Wrexham v QPR – kick-off: 3pm
Phil Parkinson’s men have been handed a quadruple fitness boost, with Ollie Rathbone, Josh Windass, George Thomason and Nathan Broadhead all nearing returns.
Wrexham host QPR as they look to find their Championship feet after winning just once in their opening four matches. While the Red Dragons are still adjusting to life in the second tier, cup wins against Championship opposition show their potential.
QPR, meanwhile, invested heavily over the summer but are yet to reap the rewards, sitting 18th—three places below Wrexham.
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