Monday 8 September 2008

Weekend 5 Championship Preview

I know it's only Monday but I'm bored and Saturday's an age away. The weekend internationals were as disappointing as I predicted, although Scotland's was personally more disappointing than the rest - if we can't beat Iceland on Wednesday then qualification for South Africa will already look an uphill battle. England's visit to Zagreb looks a hard ask too. Maybe the Brit Andy Murray can inspire us all this week.

Anyhow, I've had a gander at the fixtures for the weekend in the hope of something to look forward to and this is my take on what might happen...

Birmingham City v Doncaster Rovers

With Wolves facing a tricky encounter in SE7 and Preston at Coventry, this is a perfect opportunity for Birmingham to go top of the table again. I can see Doncaster getting caught early here and being beaten before they know what's happened.
Prediction; 3-0

Blackpool v Barnsley

The Seasider are overdue a convincing win at home but this looks like a close affair. I'll go for them to nick it nonetheless.
Prediction; 2-1

Cardiff City v Bristol City

Cardiff have had a better start than I predicted so far. This will be a test for them and I'm backing Gary Johnson's boys to maintain their 100% away record and inflict the Bluebirds first home reverse of the season.

Charlton Athletic v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Championship game of the day. Both sides should play with plenty of confidence. Wolves had a good win at the Valley last year capped by that superb Ebanks-Blake goal and I think they will start quickly. Chris Iwelumo will be best bet for first goalscorer and I wouldn't be surprised if we go one down at home for the first time this season. I still think we'll get a result but might have to settle for a draw.
Prediction; 2-2

Coventry City v Preston NE

Preston are the suprise package of the Championship so far. Level on points with Wolves and Birmingham and fresh from a come-back win over the Addicks, they will go optimistically into the Ricoh Arena. Coventry have been spluttering so far, but owe their fans a performance and I'll stick my neck out for them to get it here.
Prediction; 2-1

Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Not the sort of time to be playing a bouyant Swans side who have found their feet quickly in this division. If Swansea manage to pass the ball around anywhere as competently as they did the last time they played in an SE postcode, then they should stroll this. Alarm bells to sound for the Eagles and their fixtures aren't getting any easier in the coming weeks!
Prediction; 0-2

Derby County v Sheffield United
Derby must win a game soon by the Law of Averages. If they don't manage it before they play us it will be Sod's Law. A draw might be about all they could realistically expect here and my money's on the Blades to consolidate a very decent start.
prediction; 1-2

Ipswich Town v Reading
Reading have yet to win away and Ipswich have lost both home games so far. I can't see Ipswich losing a third home game and Reading might feel the loss of Sonko in their back four. 
Prediction; 2-1

Nottingham Forest v Burnley
Forest looked impressive last time out at home when they beat Watford and I go for them to repeat the performance and collect another three points in sealing Burnley's disappointing start.
Prediction; 3-1

Plymouth Argyle v Norwich City
Hard to call this one as neither side looks in good form. Norwich's boardroom uncertainty continues and looks set to run for a while yet. I don't know if that's having an effect on Glenn Roeder and Co but they are struggling to score goals despite having plenty of possession in matches. Home advantage at Home park might be enough here.
Prediction; 1-0

Sheffield Wednesday v Watford
Wednesday have blown hot and cold so far but hotter at home. Watford showed a glass chin at Forest despite Tommy Smith dragging them back into the game almost single-handedly. Brian Laws might have seen that you can get at Watford and might fire his side up to do just that.
Prediction; 2-1

Sunday
Queens Park Rangers v Southampton

A draw might be the best Saints could hope for here but Iain Dowie's millionaires will be out to maintain a 100% home record. Live on TV with all eyes on them, I'll go with Rangers to win here.
Prediction; 2-1

No comments:

Post a Comment

Go on, you know you want to....