Most observers would regard Cardiff as outsiders to feature in the promotion race next spring as they look to re-establish themselves at second-tier level.
But the picture is different for Swansea and Wrexham, who both showed considerable ambition in the transfer market for the second year in a row this summer as they look to compete with the Championship’s top sides.
These are very early days in the season, but the signs from Swansea have been encouraging, with a tally of 10 points from four games putting them on top of the table.
They have conceded only one league goal so far – the best record in the EFL – while Matos’ team produced some of Swansea’s best football in years during Tuesday’s win over Watford.
The Swans are in buoyant mood, while Wrexham should make the journey south with renewed confidence following their midweek triumph at Millwall.
The Red Dragons endured a concerning start to the season, with chances going begging in their draws with Cardiff and Watford before they were deservedly beaten at home by a Birmingham City team who were under pressure to deliver a result.
But the mood at the Racecourse has lightened significantly thanks to that emphatic victory over a Millwall side who are widely tipped to compete for promotion once more this season.
Another away success this weekend would make this a huge week for Parkinson and his players.
A home win, by contrast, would add to the feeling that Matos’ new-look team could end Swansea’s run of five successive mid-table Championship finishes by securing a place in the newly extended play-offs.
