Wednesday 2 April 2008

Weekend Championship Preview

Well, not long now. Tickets for the last game at the Valley this season went on sale today, although I can't see who the buyers are. There will be thousands of spare season tickets slushing around for the last two games, although both Southampton and Covenry are battling for their Championship status (imagine that?), so there might be some added interest.

This weekend's fixtures run onto Monday and Tuesday - here's my take...

Saturday

Colchester United v Ipswich Town

Town fans will be relishing this one. They get the delightful opportunity of closing in on the play-offs whilst relegating their Essex neighbours. Hopefully Kevin Lisbie will commit himself to United's cause so that we don't run the risk of facing him again next season at another Championship club.

Prediction; 0-2

Norwich City v Burnley

Burnley have left themselves too much to do and Norwich still need another win to ensure they remain clear of danger. Home win.

Prediction; 2-1

Plymouth Argyle v Charlton Athletic

It will be interesting to see if the team respond to the loss of pressure. I fear not and that Argyle will want it (considerably) more. (Boo-boys get ready).

Prediction; 3-0

QPR v Preston NE

Nothing at stake here. Rangers' squad have increasing ambitions and those playing will be keen to impress for next season as more signings are anticipated.

Prediction; 3-0

Scunthorpe United v Sheffield Wednesday

A must win for Wednesday against a doomed Scunthorpe but there might be a few vital signs left in the Iron.

Prediction; 1-1

Sheffield United v Leicester City

Leicester have more to play for but I suspect all is not well within their camp. United will want to set the tone for next season.

Prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Bristol City

Come on Southampton! You don't deserve to go down and City will embarrass the Championship if they get promoted.

Prediction; 1-1

Watford v Coventry City

The Hornets need to beat Coventry and Barnsley at Vicarage Road on Wednesday if they are to remain in the chase for automatic promotion. I believe they will do it and they would have run away win the title if they hadn't had such miserable home form. How ironic too, if City end up going down after the season they have had, having been saved once already by Ray Ransome and his Consortium. You never know, Iain Dowie might put in an appearance at the last game.

Prediction; 2-0

Monday

Stoke City v Crystal Palace

Palace have yet to go to Watford and Hull City, so they have the proverbial mountain to climb. Like us, they have not been nearly good enough to merit a play-off spot and I belieev it will be denied them, Stoke will be cock-a-hoop and should be too good here.

Prediction 1-0

Tuesday

Blackpool v West Bromwich Albion

West Brom's game in hand could put them top, but it's at deadly rivals Wolves. Beyond that they still need several wins to hold onto an automatic place. I'd rather they went up as they would remain a formidable obstacle next season if still in the Championship. Blackpool have a proud home record of only three defeats and I can see them maintaining this, although they might have to settle for a share of the points.

Prediction; 1-1

I have a D-I-Y list as long as your arm and plan to get stuck in for 10 uninterrupted hours on Saturday.

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