Weekend Championship Preview

With a full midweek fixture list looming, this weekends' Championship results could be pivotal as I think we will see some determination over the next 11-12 days towards the end of season outcome.

Charlton Athletic v Crystal Palace

I suppose Palace should feel confident of their prospects here based on current form, but I was convinced after beating them at their place in September that we would do the same at the Valley and I still believe that. The Scunthorpe defeat will rankle and I am sure the Palace players will still be feeling a sense of over-achievement in recent weeks. I only hope that Dougie Freedman is kept out of their squad as he will, no doubt, manage to score again if he gets on.

Prediction; 2-0

Barnsley v West Bromwich Albion

Another tricky away game for WBA. They look comfortable on top whilst no-one else has any real consistency and can almost afford to slip-up again.

Prediction; 1-0

Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday

Having continued their predictable unpredictability on Saturday by handing Ipswich their first away win of the season, I wouldn't be at all surpised if Wednesday got a result at Bristol City. I can't see City maintaining their automatic push until the end of the season and an unexpected home defeat is probably due.

Prediction; 1-2

Burnley v Colchester United

Colchester are rock bottom and headed back to where they belong. Should be a romp for the Clarets.

Prediction; 3-0

Cardiff City v Norwich City

Both of these sides are on the up. Norwich might be less determined come Saturday and that would be enough for Cardiff to secure another 3 points and continue an unlikely quest for a play-off place.

Prediction; 2-1

Hull City v Blackpool

Not a game for the purest here. Hull are rallying again and threatening a play-off finish. That should be enough as Blackpool will be banking on home form to see them survive this year.

Prediction; 1-0

Ipswich Town v Watford

Assuming we beat Palace, Ipswich can do us a favour here by beating Watford. Their unbeaten home record won't last through to the end of the season but I can't see Watford ending it.

Prediction; 2-0

Leicester City v Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth won't need any motivation here. Getting one over Ian Holloway will be upper most in their minds and I am sure Paul Sturrock would be equally satisfied. The Foxes have home advantage though, so I'll go for the draw.

Prediction; 0-0

Preston North End v Coventry City

A real relegation dogfight this one. Current form favours Preston and a win would see flashing red lights at Coventry.Iain Dowie could be in the shit.

Prediction; 1-0

Sheffield Utd v Scunthorpe United

The season looks over for the Blades and Bryan Robson must be networking for his next job. Scunthorpe couldn't believe their luck last weekend to be playing Santa's Eleven. All-in-all, I suspect the Blades will probably sneak this.

Prediction; 1-0

Southampton v QPR

Alarm bells at St Mary's. QPR are playing without the fear of managerless Southampton and that could be enough.

Prediction; 0-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City

Another potential bonus game for us, although I think Stoke could be good for a late equaliser at Molineux - it's practically a derby after-all.

Prediction; 1-1

If I am right here this could be a stellar weekend for the Addicks although we will probably blow it by losing at Hillsborough on Tuesday. Still, I will sleep easy and be smiling all weekend if we can put Palace in their place once again.

Charlton Forever!