Midweek Championship Preview, Game 9

Off to Palace tomorrow then to try and make up for the points lost on Saturday. Last week I was very optimistic of another Charlton victory at Selhurst to maintain our recent run against them but Saturday's disappointment has tempered that. However, I am going to go for the win because that would be typical of us and that's just how we appear to be playing right now. If we can get three points tomorrow the players will feel complacent enough to squander a few more against Ipswich on Saturday. Unusually, the whole Championship programme takes place tomorrow night instead of being split Tuesday/Wednesday.

Bristol City v Plymouth Argyle

Argyle sneaked a home win over Forest on Saturday and will have a go here following two successive away wins. However, City are going well too and will want to get back on track after going down at Wolves.
Prediction; 2-1

Burnley v Watford

I thought Burnley could turn PNE over on Saturday and they did just that. This is their opportunity to cement their recovery from a stuttering start and it would push Watford closer to the bottom three.
Prediction; 1-0

Cardiff City v Coventry City

Cardiff beaten finally, although it took high-flying Birmingham to do it. At home again, they get a second bite at the cherry but Coventry might fight hard here having salvaged a point at Blackpool at the weekend. Freddie Eastwood saved the day at Bloomfield Road and I'll take him to do the same here.
Prediction; 1-1

Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic
Palace might not be pulling up any trees this year but they can be hard to beat. They have the derby incentive here as well as some player issues with Hudson and McCarthy swopping places during the Summer. I'm taking Hudson to atone for a mistake or two on Saturday and show the 14,000 Palace faithful just what they are missing. We'll toil here and it's a game Nicky Bailey needs to remember to stay calm in or he'll risk a sending off. I think we'll get a goal and that should be enough. Three points here would go towards the first real achievement in a season likely to short on plus points.
Prediction; 0-1

Derby County v Birmingham City
You wait a year for a league win and then two come along in quick succession. Saturday's 2-0 win at Loftus Road was the result of the day and Derby will be itching to repeat the feat in front of their loyal home fans. A draw is probably the right result but I'll go for Derby to build on recent results and turn Brum over.
Prediction; 2-1

Doncaster Rovers v Sheffield United
The Keepmoat should be packed for this one. Shame they lost again to a poor Southampton team on Saturday. Despite playing good attacking football, Rovers are struggling to score and Darren Byfield looks the main threat. can't see past United here.
Prediction; 1-2

Ipswich Town v Barnsley
Disappointing draw for Town yesterday against lowly Palace but I expect them to recover quickly here. Barnsley are having a hard time of it and might ship some goals here.
Prediction; 3-0

Preston NE v Swansea City

Two defeats in-a-row for Preston and a chance to recover. Swansea will need a slice of luck here to get anything but they are good on the ball and will get chances.
Prediction; 1-1

QPR v Blackpool

No slip-up for Rangers here. It's a long trip for Blackpool on what promises to be a long wet night in London. Dexter Blackstock to get back on the score-sheet.
Prediction; 3-0

Sheffield Wednesday v Nottingham Forest
Wednesday didn't look anything but ordinary on Saturday but they battled to hold on to their lead and they will present tougher opposition at Hillsbrough. Forest have lost all four away so far and this will make five.
Prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Norwich City
Norwich picked at a useful point at Oakwell on Saturday but might find Southampton have more to fight for after their win at Doncaster. I can see this being very tight but will go with home advantage.
Prediction; 2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Reading
Two form teams clash here but Reading's Achilles Heel appears to be away from home. Wolves have been too strong for almost everyone they have faced so far but Reading might rise to the challenge. They have the players to score against anyone in this division and I'll go with them to take a share here.
Prediction; 1-1