Weekend Championship Preview

I wonder why I'm bothering because the obvious thing for me to do in making my predictions, is to do them and then change them all, in the knowledge that I couldn't fare much worse if my recent predictions are anything to go by. Anyway, for those interested....

Blackpool v Stoke City

Stoke have moved confidently into fourth. Their away form is solid and they will fancy this one.

Prediction; 1-2

Bristol City v Cardiff City

Surprising win for Cardiff at Blackpool in the week. Bristol City should be too strong for them at home though.

Prediction; 3-1

Burnley v Preston North End

Lancashire grudge match this. I'd love to see Preston get something to pour a little more cold water on Owen Coyle's erection. However, Preston have yet to win away all season and aren't bottom of the table for nowt.

Prediction; 2-0

Colchester United v Norwich City

I suppose this is a bit of a derby too. City have actually managed to scramble above Colchester and need to start getting points away from home. Colchester are in danger of returning from whence they came if they are not too careful.

Prediction; 1-1.

Coventry City v Southampton

Ooh er! Absolutely anything is possible here. Coventry may have been saved by the Ray Ransom consortium or they could be in Administration and bottom of the table. Emotions will no doubt be running high whatever happens and that could be the spur for the Sky Blues.

Prediction; 2-1

Crystal Palace v Sheffield Wednesday

Palace have only won a couple of games under Neil warnock but they have only lost a couple too. They have certainly become harder to beat and Sheffield Wednesday will need one of their more extragavant performances to turn the tables. Palace are one place above them and that might be the incentive they need.

Prediction; 1-2

Hull City v Leicester City

Leicester went down 3-1 at Ipswich on Tuesday to only their second defeat on their travels. They will find this a tough game but have had six draws away so far.

Prediction; 1-1

Ipswich Town v Scunthorpe

A home banker. Ipswich to forget their away-day blues and win at home yet again.

Prediction; 3-0

QPR v Wolverhampton Wanderers

My heart says Rangers, my head says Wolves. Based upon their unlikely win at Burnley in the week, I'll give Rangers the benefit of the doubt and a share of the points.

Prediction; 1-1

Sheffield Utd v Barnsley

All pigeon racing and ferretting is cancelled this weekend. The Tykes are in town for this People's Republic of South Yorkshire derby. Sheffield have blown up after winning at Charlton and Coventry. A 3-0 home defeat by Stoke followed and a 1-0 reverse at Norwich last time out. Barnsley are durable but not good travellers. A goal either way should settle it.

Prediction; 1-0

Watford v Plymouth Argyle

After two successive home defeats, Watford find themselves in a position us Addicks fans know only too well. Like us, I expect them to bounce back.

Prediction; 2-0

West Bromwich Albion v Charlton Athletic

I have a bad feeling about Saturday. We are going to have several defensive changes and our centre-back pairing will again become the focus of some attention. No doubt we will sit a midfield five just in front of the back four to give them some protection but this will encourage West Brom to attack us and restrict our attacking capabilities. Whoever plays for West Brom up front, I think they will have every chance of scoring. The way this season has been going, it is also an ideal time for us to take a backwards step having taken a couple of steps forward.

Predcition; 3-0