Weekend Championship Preview

First things first, Cardiff managed the draw we needed at Portman Road last night to keep us in touch with Town and Cardiff at arms length. Watford were crushed 3-0 at home by Barnsley and missed their chance to go top, handing Hull City a golden opportunity to steal into the automatic positions.

Down where it really matters things are tightening up and with only four games to go for most, this weekend (it's another elongated one with a game on Monday and another on Tuesday) should sort the men from the boys. Here's how I see things shaping up....

6. Crystal Palace P42 +8 62Pts
7. Ipswich Town P42 +7 61Pts
8. Wolves W P40 +2 61Pts
9. Charlton Ath P42 +6 60Pts
10 Plymouth A P42 +8 59Pts
11 Burnley P42 -2 58Pts
12 Cardiff City P41 +3 57Pts

Saturday, 12 April
Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

A must-win game for City if they are to stay in automatic contention. We need Wolves to drop their two games in hand, so I'm backing City here to take the points, although I think Wolves will provide a threat.

Prediction; 2-1

Burnley v Sheffield United

Fast-improving Sheffield United look to have left it too late to catch the play-off train and this could be Burnley's last chance. Neither side can afford to lose and I can see a draw, which would suit us.

Prediction; 1-1

Cardiff City v Blackpool

City can catch us with their game in hand but you have to believe that the F A Cup final will be too big a distraction for them to do so. Blackpool aren't out of Relegation Woods either and despite a decent point at Palace last week, they capitulated to West Brom in the last ten minutes in midweek. They need a point and I think they are capable of getting it.

Prediction; 0-0

Charlton Athletic v Southampton

You know the score here. We should waltz this but I really fear the draw, which would be typical of us this season. If we are going to win it, we could do with +2 or +3 for the goal difference because that is very close amongst the play-off contenders and could prove decisive at the end. Assuming we are going to need four wins, we will move to +10 but really need to be looking for +12 to give ourselves the advantage.

Prediction; 1-1 - prove me wrong.

Coventry City v Stoke City

Having messed the bed at home to Palace, Stoke face a tricky trip to fighting Coventry. They won't get it all their own way here and I'm going for the Sky Blues to spring a surprise.

Prediction; 1-0

Crystal Palace v Scunthorpe United

The Iron will be relegated if they lose and will still need a minor miracle if they don't. Confidence will be low and hope lower. This is a slam-dunk for Palace after their win at Stoke. I am relying upon Watford and Hull to stall their play-off campaign....

Prediction; 2-0

Hull City v QPR

Heady times for the Tigers and great timing to be playing mid-table QPR at home. Their desire should be too much for Rangers.

Prediction; 2-0

Leicester City v Colchester United

Leicester are on the brink of the drop and I will laugh my socks off if Milan Moneybags is in the third division next year. It's just what he deserves after the impatience and arrogance he has displayed this season. Nice bloke though Ian Hollway is, he was too quick in my book to jump ship from Plymouth. He painted an unmissable opportunity with a "big" club which was spin for filthy lucre. Colchester played relaxed relegated football last week and can do so again at the Walker Stadium.

Prediction; 0-2

Preston NE v Barnsley

War of t'Roses match here. Barnsley are a better footballing side than Preston and will have more desire. They would be top half if they hadn't had the distractions of the F A Cup this year.

Prediction; 1-2

West Bromwich Albion v Watford

West Brom can choke the life out of Watford here and I expect them to do just that in the live game. Cue Kevin Phillips to continue his renaissance season with a goal or two.

Prediction; 3-1

Sunday, 13 April
Ipswich Town v Norwich City

Ipswich should be too good for Norwich here but it's a derby and anything's possible. I have to plump for Town to sneak it though.

Prediction; 2-1

Monday, 14 April
Sheffield Wednesday v Plymouth Argyle

This could be Argyle's last chance. Wednesday know that they are within touching distance of safety and that should be all the incentive they need to beat Plymouth.

Prediction; 2-0

So, if I am right it could be Palace and Ipswich who steal the march on Wolves, Plymouth, Burnley, Cardiff and ourselves. If we can get three points, then our match at QPR would take on an added significance next week and tickets for that one should fly off the shelf like they have at Southampton for this weeks Valley clash. Barnsley also have two home games to come before we play them, so could be mathematically safe from the drop before we kick-off (possibly desperate for the points). If we need the points at home in the last game I am very confident we could get them.

Get behind the team on Saturday - Come on you Reds!