Weekend Championship Preview

A full Championship programme this weekend, amd all to be played on Saturday for a change. Our fixture at Blackpool looks decidedly tricky as we have been struggling to impose ourselves in recent weeks away from home and Blackpool have only been beaten at home three times all season. On form you would have to plump for a home win but my money will be on the away if we can score first. Our team is good enough on their day and I am banking on memories of the 3-1 romp at the Valley still being fresh in the minds of both sides.

Irrespective, I will be going to watch the Resrves and the Youths next week as Championship and Cup winning opportunities don't come along very frequently in SE7 (ok, we have a decent reserve pedigree in recent years). Maybe the first team should be forced down to watch both - the winning habit might rub off.

Blackpool v Charlton Athletic

The heart will rule the head here and I am going for a Charlton away win as explained above. Andy Gray is overdue a goal and the crossing of Lee Cook might give him his chance. I can also see Luke Varney notching again.

Prediction; 0-2

Colchester City v Bristol City

It's beginning to look like it might be three from four at the bottom, especially if Coventry and Southampton can apply the brakes. The bottom four are separated by a meagre point so they will all still be fighting and could yet do some damage to the promotion contenders (be warned). Bristol City are due a fall and they might just trip up at Layer Road.

Prediction; 2-1

Coventry City v Leicester City

Coventry will need to get back the horse again after their cup humiliation at home to West Brom. Leicester tails will be up after their impressive 4-0 thumping of resurgent Norwich City. Looks like a draw to me.

Prediction; 1-1

Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Five games without a win for Palace and this won't be straightforward either, although I expect they will sneak it.

Prediction; 2-1

Norwich City v Barnsley

Both of these sides threw maasive surprises last weekend for different reasons but Saturday might be a case of back to normality for both. I can't see Barnsley committing daylight robbery two weeks running and Norwich will surely put up the fight they didn't show at the Walker Stadium.

Prediction; 2-0

Plymouth Argyle v Burnley

Plymouth are steaming towards the play-offs revitalised by Paul Sturrock and I can see them securing a berth. A victory over Burnley, who are a place behind them, would be another good result and could move them into the top six.

Prediction; 2-0

QPR v Sheffield United

Kevin Blackwell's first league game in charge and he probably wouldn't have chosen an away match at improving QPR. Both teams will have given up any honest thoughts of the play-offs but Rangers will be pleased they have escaped the trap-door places and United will want a few results yet in order not to have to think about the dreaded "R" word.

Prediction; 1-1

Scunthorpe United v Southampton

Nigel Pearson has his work cut out at Southampton. He needs a win from somewhere to halt the slide. It's now 6 defeats in 7 and Scunthorpe are one of the bottom four fighting tooth and nail. The Southampton squad should not be in this predicament, so can take nothing for granted. I think Pearson will halt the slide but maybe not just yet.

Prediction; 1-0

Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff City

Cardiff's play-off charge has fallen backwards just like Palace's and they were dumped out of the Cup last week as well. They've not been good enough this season to win a play-off place and Wednesday should have enough here.

Prediction; 1-0

Stoke City v Ipswich Town

Having waited six months for an away win, Ipswich have had two in succession and will go to Stoke full of confidence. Stoke, however, have slid into top spot whilst no-one was looking and are in the unusual position of having to play like table-toppers. This might just favour Town and I can see them getting a point which might be ideal for Addicks fans.

Prediction; 1-1

Watford v Preston North End

The cup has been good to Preston this year because their run has coincided with some improved league performances. Vicarage Road might be a step too far, especially on the back of the last minute home defeat by Portsmouth.

Prediction; 2-0

West Bromwich Albion v Hull City

West Brom's league form may be suffering a tad as they roll towards an F A Cup semi-final appearance but they should have more than enough gas in the tank to trample over Hull City.

Prediction; 3-0