Last football matches of 2007. Another disrupted Charlton side will limp out at the Walker Stadium where we will face an aerial bombardment with the re-united Fortune-McCarthy partnership which was so dodgy early season the most likley central defensive pairing. Hopefully, Paddy will continue his improved performances since returning to the side and, perhaps, will be driven by the added incentive of putting in a faultless display against his former club. If Fortune also puts in a decent shift, this could give us the platform for a result, although Iwleumo remains a doubt up front and Pards might need to consider giving Chris Dickson his first start with Varney in a 4-4-2 as we don't look capable of playing 4-5-1 without Big Chris.
Barnsley v Southampton
I'll go for Barnsley to edge passed temperamental Southampton, having let 2 points slip against Stoke in the last minute on Tuesday.
Prediction; 2-1
Burnley v Bristol City
Burnley could and should do us a favour here. After two draws they are due a win and I think they will get it.
Prediction; 2-0
Colchester United v Blackpool
Blackpool will be cock-a-hoop after thumping Coventry 4-0. They have only won twice on their travels this year but will fancy their chances at Colchester who look like a side who have lost all confidence.
Prediction; 1-2
Coventry City v Ipswich Town
Coventry's players will still be smarting from the Iain Dowie post-match rollicking following home defeat to Crystal Palace. This may be Michael Mifsud's last chance to score for the Sky Blues as he may be a Premier League target and Coventry might cash in as part of their rebuilding plans. Ipswich will surely get it right on the road soon, but not here I fear.
Prediction; 2-0
Leicester City v Charlton Athletic
A hard-fought game in prospect here and Charlton's fortunes will be built on the centre-back pairing. We showed plenty of character at Norwich and will need more of the same. I would have gone for a straightforward home win prior to the Norwich game but have reappraised our chances and will opt for another battling draw which both sides will probably be happy with.
Prediction; 1-1
Norwich City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Norwich will feel they let two points slip on Boxing Day and Glenn Roeder will remind his players of this again before they step out against Wolves. The Old Gold slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Hull on Boxing Day and another defeat at lowly Norwich would represent a miserable Christmas. Wolves remind me so much of Newcastle - all that hope and optimism weathered by perpetual disappointment.
Prediction; 2-0
Plymouth Argyle v Stoke City
Plymouth are another home side this week who I believe will do us a favour. Stoke are on form and their battling display at Oakwell got them a point on Boxing Day with a last minute goal. It might be asking too much to expect them to do it again against a rejuvenated Argyle who also kept going to the final whistle against QPR.
Prediction; 2-1
Preston North End v Cardiff City
A dour game in prospect here; Preston lost at home to Scunthorpe on Boxing Day having won at Southampton in the previous game. Cardiff's fortunes have improved in recent games and they have moved several places clear of the drop zone. They might have pulled off a shock win at Watford but for a 93.5 minute equaliser - I think they can go one better here.
Prediction; 0-1
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
It falls to Neil Warnock's old side to stem Palace's rise and I reckon they will have just about enough incentive for doing so.
Prediction; 2-1
Watford v QPR
Surely Watford's poor home form can't continue, can it? QPR will feel hard done by letting a point slip at Plymouth on Boxing day and it would have represented progress following their 2-1 win against Colchester. Much as we'd like to se it, I don't think lightning will strike again and Watford should get home comfortably here.
Prediction; 2-0
West Bromwich Albion v Scunthorpe United
Home banker of the day. Having scored 4 in successive home games against promotion rivals, thois looks like meat and drink to the Baggies.
Prediction; 3-0
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