Weekend Championship Preview

Well, it is finally upon us, the last day of the season. Immediately I am reminded of fancy-dress at away games and the nail-biting drama of the day on occasions previously when we have been promoted, relegated, stayed up or missed out. None of that on Sunday. It will simply be an end-of-season game for us and it might be left to Wagstaffe, Shelvey, Racon and maybe one or two others to up the effort levels and get us something from this game. Coventry are not safe from relegation either. It would need all three sides below them to win and for them to lose to go down, but they know a point saves them.

Blackpool v Watford

Watford may have blown it. Aidy Boothroyd will pay a high price if they have. Blackpool should have little to play for but they have not rolled over to anyone at home. Only four sides have lost fewer home games and they will want to finish strongly. If they score first, Watford might collapse.

Prediction; 3-1

Bristol City v Preston NE

All credit to Bristol City. I didn't think they were good enough to go up automatically but they have held on and will have a shot via the play-offs - I can't see them doing it. Preston's home form recovered and has saved them this season.

Prediction; 2-0

Cardiff City v Barnsley

Mid-table end-of-season in prospect here. Cardiff's Cup Final looms so Dave Jones may field more squad players here who will determined to play their way into the reckoning. Barnsley may be de-mob happy.

Prediction; 3-0

Charlton Athletic v Coventry City

Another draw I am afraid. Coventry will be desperate to get the point and will probably set their stall out with two goalkeepers and a 4-4-1 formation. We might need something spectacular to break the deadlock. When was the last time we scored from long range? (Ambrose at Blackpool?).

Prediction; 0-0

Crystal Palace v Burnley

Palace only have to clear this last fence to secure an unlikley play-off place and give Jordan bragging airtime. Fate has again handed them Burnley at home, the fixture that secured their top flight promotion in the 80's in front of 50,000 fans. "Claridge in the last minute, Claridge in the last minute!"

Prediction; 2-0

Ipswich Town v Hull City

Stoke will surely beat Leicester to go up with West Brom. That will mean a play-off berth for Hull. Ipswich need the three points to have a hope of joining them.

Prediction; 2-1

QPR v West Bromwich Albion

West Brom need the win for the Championship title and that should be enough motivation for them to see off a QPR side with high ambitions for next year.

Prediction; 1-2

Scunthorpe v Colchester United

Division One game here and both sides will be keen to score a pyschological victory for next year. Scunthorpe's home form has been ok this year and that may be enough.

Prediction; 1-0

Sheffield Wednesday v Norwich City

Both of these sides did the hard part by winning last weekend. City are safe and Sheffield Wednesday will be confident of joining them.

Prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Sheffield United

This will be a real test for the Saints. The Blades have woken up and cruised close to the play-off placings under Blackwell so will give Southampton a hard game. However, Southampton must get something and will be following Leicester's progress at the Brittania Stadium. The first roar at St Mary's may well be for a goal at Stoke.

Prediction; 2-1

Stoke City v Leicester City

Leicester will need a massive performance here and a shock result if they are to avoid justice. The good will out.

Prediction; 2-0

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Plymouth Argyle

Wolves are another side chasing Palace but an early Palace opener and the mood might slump at Wolves. Argyle's faithful, however, will be looking forward to this day immensely. They will be more interested in the fate of Ian Holloway having jumped ship for the big time in Division One!

Prediction; 2-0

Let's look forward to a bit of sunshine, outdoor pursuits, the European Championships, Summer hols and some encouraging transfer activity before we look forward to a fresh start....