Weekend Championship Preview

Big game for the Addicks tomorrow and the result could be something of a watershed for the season. Things are shaping up nicely; Watford look to be disrupted by the sale of their star frontman Marlon King. Aidy Boothroyd won't be happy if we are to take him at his word earlier in the week. Hopefully the disappointment will be felt elsewhere in their dressing room and the bubbly Reds can take advantage. Like so many of our games this season, first goal looks vital to me. Watford's home form is mid-table and we should be looking to capitalise.

Elsewhere there are again rumours that a "bidding war" for the sulky Jerome Thomas could break out between Derby and Boro! This looks like an double oxymoron - "bidding war" and "Jerome Thomas" is surely an apparent contradiction and the thought of Derby out-bidding Boro (or any other Premier club) at anything is also highly unlikely. Thomas has flattered to deceive for the most part during his time at Charlton and, for me at least, it would be a case of good riddance if we could get £2m for him, although I suspect he'll be freed from his mental anguish for less. Sure he'll also score on his first game against us, but it might allow us to progress and get a left winger who can present a consistent threat as well as being able to cross the ball more than once every other game. Oh, and who can also shoot straight.

Blackpool v Ipswich Town

Ipswich will break their away win duck this season and, whilst Blackpool have only had their colours lowered three times at home, they look out-of-sorts and I think Town might catch them.

Prediction; 0-2

Colchester United v Hull City

Hull should fancy their chances based on current form. They need the points to keep pace with the play-off pack but Colchester need the points equally desperately to get out off the trapdoor. It'll be very close.

Prediction; 1-1

Coventry City v Burnley

It's been a case of one step forward, one step back for Coventry this season. They are due a step forward. If Andy Gray hasn't signed for someone by closing time this evening, Burnley might even decide to rest him!

Prediction; 2-0

Crystal Palace v Bristol City

A draw here would suit us nicely. Both teams are on a roll and City's away record matches Palace's home form for points. I think we can get the draw we need here.

Prediction; 1-1

Norwich City v Leicester City

Norwich home win. Leicester got three points last week and will consign themselves to a defeat if Norwich can get in front.

Prediction; 2-0

Plymouth Argyle v Southampton

South Coast pride at stake, if not exactly a local derby. It's rare for Plymouth to be looking down on the Saints so they will enjoy their moment tomorrow. The feel-good factor might be contagious.

Prediction; 2-1

QPR v Barnsley

Barnsley blooped at home last week and confidence won't be high for their visit to the Smoke. I can see QPR having the advantage and using it.

Prediction; 1-0

Scunthorpe United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

After an encouraging start, Scunthorpe have dropped like a stone and could hit bottom on Saturday. Wolves are poor away from home and were undone easily by Palace last week at Molineux, so they might have a point to prove. Mick McCarthy will be looking over his shoulder at the moment because anything less than a play-off spot is deemed failure at Wolves and is usually rewarded with a longer than wanted Summer holiday.

Prediction; 0-1

Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United

The unpleasant Steel City derby where it's Pigs v Scum or something equally romantic. Everything points to another close game, so you have to fancy the derby draw.

Prediction; 1-1

Stoke City v Preston North End

Home win all over it but we live in hope.

Prediction 2-0

Watford v Charlton Athletic

First goal vital for me - I think we can get it and maybe score again before the inevitable comeback. I'll go for a Varney/Iwelumo scoring combo before 50 minutes are up....

Prediction: 1-2

West Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City

Maybe not the foregone conclusion it might look at first sight. Cardiff are finding form and they have only lost three times away all season. I'm going for a surprise draw.

Prediction; 2-2