Weekend Championship Preview

Alan Pardew has managed to bring in another new player, loanee Scott Sinclair from Chelsea. This one is another winger who is 18 and has already had run outs at Plymouth and QPR. Forgive me, but I won't be getting too excited until he shows us something. We appear to have an abundance of similar quality players in most positions and I'm not sure I can see what he is going to offer above what we've got already. He can play on either wing (can't they all?) but is left-sided - move over Sulky Thomas and Darren Ambrose.

The PR machine says he goes straight into the side for the game at Bramall Lane on Saturday. I will assume that means he'll warm the bench until it's time to withdraw Darren Ambrose. Irrespective, I am doubtful about our ability to get anything off Sheffield United. Sure, they should be tired and, hopefully, demoralised after last nights efforts at Boro, but they strolled it at the Valley earlier in the season and Kevin Blackwell awaits his first win as Manager. If United score first I can see our heads dropping and we could take another pasting.

Any old road-up - here's how I see the weekend panning out.....

Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday

Boisterous derby for the Peoples Republic of South Yorkshire. Barnsley-folk are reet proud people and they usually do well in these games. Add to that the fact they have a better side than their neighbours for once and it's got home win written all over it.

Prediction; 2-0

Bristol City v Hull City

Ironically, Bristol City can do us a favour here by beating Hull who are only two points behind us. Hull had a superb 2-1 win at West Brom last week and will give this a good go but Bristol City know that they only need to keepwinning at home and nicking draws away for another five or six weeks and they will be within touching distance of a near-miracle. I still don't see them being promoted but they should beat Hull.

Prediction; 2-1

Burnley v Watford

Like Hull, Burnley too are only a couple of points behind us and a Watford win is probably what we need. Watford will be under real pressure not to let the gap to Bristol City increase beyond a point but they might have to settle for a draw here.

Prediction; 1-1

Cardiff City v Leicester City

The Bluebirds look a safe mid-table bet now. Leicester are all over the place but their home form will probably save them from the embarrassment of a relegation that Milan Mandaric would richly deserve.

Prediction; 1-0

Colchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Colchester look doomed and Wolves know that any more slip-ups and they will again resign themselves to another failed play-off bid.

Prediction; 1-2

Norwich City v Blackpool

Mid-table kick around in prospect here. Blackpool will still be smiling at last weeks performance and Norwich will be expecting a routine home win. Delia has a new cook-book out and the City board have announced plans to splash the cash in support of Glenn Roeder during the close season. City to show us how it's done.

Prediction; 2-0

Preston North End v Crystal Palace

It never rains but it pours. Poor Neil must be wondering what he's done wrong (moving to Selhurst Park Neil). After 15 league games unbeaten, they have now managed six without a win. Saturday will be seven and any their play-off hopes will fade further. Good.

Prediction; 2-1

Scunthorpe United v Coventry City

Big match for both clubs. Coventry know a win will ease the pressure considerably and push Scunthorpe a step nearer where they belong. Michael Mifsud to do the business.

Prediction; 1-3

Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic

Oh dear. If United score first I can see our heads going down. I don't believe our side has learnt any lessons from the defeats we have suffered. I also can't help thinking we have an arrogant streak because of our ability to out-play most other sides when we get it right and this is hurting us.

Prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Ipswich Town

Hull and Burnley might not overtake us this weekend but I fear Ipswich will. They have finally overcome their awayday hoodoo and will be looking to exploit Southampton's current vulnerability.

Prediction; 0-1

West Bromwich Albion v Plymouth Argyle

Ooh er. I suppose we want a draw here. Plymouth are really going well and I think they will nab a play-off place. West Brom are a better side though and I can't see them losing again at home.

Prediction; 2-0

QPR v Stoke City

I haven't been able to take the prospect of Stoke winning automatic promotion seriously until very recently. Their defeat at Preston on Tuesday wasn't a real surprise, even if they played well enough to have won. QPR are in mid-table safety and the question mark here is, will they be up for this? I suspect they might and they could give Stoke the second black eye of the week. this is the Sunday game, so Stoke will at least get another days recovery.

Prediction; 2-1

Roll on Tuesday night when we get an opportunity to re-build confidence on home soil and do the double over Bristol City.