Come the end of September we will all have played 10 games and table will be worth looking at in some detail. Already Birmingham and Wolves have set their stalls out for automatic promotion and Preston look the surprise early-season package for a challenge. Charlton fans won't surprised with our 8th placing so far, but Derby and Palace fans will be in a state of mild shock.
The division has a similar feel to last year in that a large number of teams look capable of beating anyone else on their day. Birmingahm apart, and they have had it easy so far, Derby and Reading have both found it harder to cope than they would have anticipated.
Saturday's fixtures see us at Forest where we traditionally struggle. However, Forest have lost four in-a-row and have dropped into the trap-door places. I believe this is as good a time any to play them and we can get another which would set us up for Sheffield Wednesday and Palace which promises to secure us a higher placing than 8th when we consider the table after everyone's played 10 games.
The fixtures have been kind to Brum so far and again they have a home match against weaker opposition who are not firing on all cylinders. Blackpool were disappointing at Burnley in midweek and I suspect they will find the going hard here.
Prediction; 3-0
I was very impressed with Doncaster's organisation and discipline on Tuesday. They play a very quick and neat game, although they do look short upfront in terms of real class. darren Byfield might get to play on his old turf but I can see Bristol City getting a home win irrespective.
Prediction; 2-1
Coventry have been a bit of a puzzle so far. They have managed to win, draw and lose at home and away so far. Rangers are beginning to look hard to beat having started slowly and their 3-0 slump at Sheffield still sticks in the mind. They had a good win at Norwich last night and I think they will again avoid defeat on their travels.
Prediction; 1-1
Palace were unfortunate to lose at Wolves in midweek whilst Argyle had a surprise 2-1 win at Watford. I'll go for a draw here as I can't see either side winning.
Prediction;1-1
Intriguing clash here. Derby have steadied the ship with a win and a draw and will be desperate to win again at Pride Park in front of their loyal 28,000 home gate. Cardiff meanwhile have continued to get results and are still unbeaten. they had a solid result at Barnsley in midweek and will be hard to beat here. A late goal might settle this one and I'll go for the Rams to edge it.
Prediction; 2-1
Nothing's going for City at the moment. They are playing well at home and not getting their just deserts. The Blades, meanwhile, have been struggling with confidence and were blasted by their manager in midweek for a stuttering home draw with Coventry. A draw is probably the safe bet but I'm going with City for two Saturday wins on the trot; Lupoli to score again.
Prediction; 2-1
We will need to be far more adventurous at the City ground than we were at the Keepmoat if we are to get anything. As I have said, it's a good time to play Forest. My only nagging doubt is that we are winning and losing in equal measure and I think that's probably about right in terms of our quality and expectations this season. the heart's saying win and the head is telling me to expect a slap in the face. I'm going to go with the heart here in view of where Forest are. Luke varney to score in the east Midlands and Nicky Bailey to get his second.
Predcition; 1-2
Well both of these sides can't win here. I think Preston have been over-performing of late whilst Wolves do look to have a combination of youth, talent, strength and confidence. If they are genuine contenders this year, I think they'll close this one out.
Prediction; 1-2
Ouch! 6-0 away from home hurts and I expect wednesday to start like a train. Ipswich are blowing hot and cold but aren't the best away from home. I can Wednesday taking the points here.
Prediction; 2-0
Barnsley are propping up the table and have three straight defeats away from home. The Saints have yet to win at home and are only two places above the Tykes. they won't get a better opportunity than this.
Prediction; 1-0
Neither of these teams are showing any consistency but Swansea look the better playing side and I'll go with home advantage here.
Prediction; 2-0
A derby of sorts and Reading will fancy their chnaces after scoring six. watford need to bounce back after a disappointing result at home to Plymouth. A draw looks inevitable.
Prediction; 1-1
I won't be travelling to Nottingham so hope we can find some commentary. It's a poor show in 2008 when we can't manage to sort out regular radio coverage.
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