Weekend Championship Preview

This weekend's Championship fixtures are spread out over four days to accommodate the F A Cup, if that makes sense...

Saturday, 16 February

Charlton Athletic v Watford

Watford have moved impressively back to the top of the table in the last week and have opened up a 7 point gap over us. Having edged the game at Vicarage Road last month I felt we would turn them over at the Valley on Saturday. However, I think they will have new found confidence and sufficient desire to hold us for another draw as they know that will maintain their significant advantage over us.

Prediction; 1-1

Hull City v Colchester United

Both of these sides look like fighting until the end of the season. Hull have probably surpised themselves to still be in with a play-off shout at this stage and should be too good at home for Colchester. United did pick up three valuable points at home to Preston on Tuesday but might have to rely on home form to get them out of the drop zone.

Prediction; 2-0

Ipswich Town v Blackpool

Ipswich bounced back from home defeat by the Hornets to win at Palace on Tuesday. No mistake this time at Portman Road. I expect Blackpool to run them all the way though.

Prediction; 2-1

Leicester City v Norwich City

The honeymoon for Ian Holloway is over and he now has to battle his way to the end of the season. Norwich have propsered under Glen Roeder and are up to the dizzy heights of 13th. They slipped up at home in midweek conceding a late equaliser to Hull, so will be out to atone at the Walker stadium. Nerves to get the better (worse?) of Leicester.

Prediction; 1-2

Monday, 18 February

Bristol City v Crystal Palace

One of those awkward ones this where you wouldn't mind a Palace victory. City have the bit between their teeth though and home advantage. Palace slump to continue.

Prediction; 2-0

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry City

Coventry will have to ride out the storm with a new manager. Wednesday to go one better than against the Addicks and win this, thereby moving within a point of Coventry.

Prediction; 1-0

Southampton v Plymouth Argyle

Southampton's Stern John scored twice at Wolves in midweek but they still lost. Rudderless since Burley left for the Scotland job, the compensation they received might not look good value for money if they end up in Division 3 next season - Saints are only two wins above the drop zone. Argyle had a good 3-0 win over Barnsley on Tuesday and will enjoy this South Coast game against "big" Southampton.

Prediction; 1-2

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Scunthorpe United

Wolves won impressively at Scunthorpe last month and will see this a game they can win quickly. Scunny are rock bottom and can look forward to playing Leeds next year.

Prediction; 3-0

Come on Charlton, prove me wrong.