In all seriousness, some of our peers who we have looked at jealously in the last few months might now look like they have their backsides hanging out of the window. There might be some light at the end of the tunnel after all.
In the meantime, let's hope we can enjoy the feel-good factor by beating Sheffield Wednesday and advancing up the table in readiness for another win at Selhurst Park.
Barnsley v Norwich City
It's looking increasingly likely that the Tykes have lost something during the Summer and that their early season poor form might be enduring. Norwich, meanwhile, look to be continuing their recovery under Glenn Roeder and last week's final-minute winner over Sheffield United will have them travelling in good spirits. They are still lacking finishing power but I think they will take something at Oakwell.
Prediction; 1-1
Both of these sides have managed a few results of late and sit a point apart just outside the top ten. It's about time Blackpool rediscovered some of last season's fine home form and I'm going for then to do it on Saturday.
Prediction; 2-0
A Lancashire derby hot-pot here. Burnley have finally managed a couple of wins and Preston were beaten for the first time last week by Wolves. It will be a good test of Alan Irvine's charges and I think they have been over-performing so far. Burnley to nick it in a thriller.
Prediction; 3-2
Two of my least favourite clubs and it's a pity they both can't lose this week. Cardiff continue to surprise me and their unbeaten record looks increasingly impressive despite only winning two games. Birmingham were beaten at home by Blackpool last week and Alex McGleish will expect a response but might have to settle for another Cardiff draw.
Prediction; 1-1
This is our chance to capitalise on the four points picked up at Doncaster and Forest. Wednesday cracked at Ipswich last time out and conceded six. They will be determined to try and keep a clean sheet here and the onus will be on us to open the scoring and put the skids under them. High expectations are normally a sign of impending disappointment for Addick fans, but I believe we should have more than enough to pick up three points and climb into the top 6 in the process.
Prediction; 2-0
Poor old Donny have been sticking to their disciplined control, pass and move game despite not getting the results they deserve. Sean O'Driscoll's faith will be rewarded over the course of the season and I have revised my opinion of them from relegation certainties to Championship survival. Southampton, however, are another case altogether and their Dutch manager might find the ice thinning under his feet.
Prediction; 3-0
Seems like nothing's going right for Palace this season and their fixture list doesn't appear to be doing them too many favours. Ipswich will expect to be rampant again here at Portman Road and whilst I can't see them getting anywhere close to scoring six, I think the points are safe. Who you got next Palace?
Prediction; 2-0
Argyle have wagged their tails with two away wins in succession and this is their opportunity to pull clear of the bottom of the table and leave Forest well and truly in the mire.
Prediction; 3-1
Great win for Rangers at Aston Villa last night.The mood in the QPR dressing room will be very good and Iain Dowie looks to have survived any early season doubts. Derby will come down in bouyant mood after a couple of encouraging results but this might be a step too far for them right now.
Prediction; 2-1
Swansea's home form looks like it might be good enough to keep them in the Championship. They will need to improve their away form if they want to prosper. Games like Reading away will make that difficult and this looks like a home banker.
Prediction; 3-0
The Blades are disappointing me this season. They bought well during the Summer having finished strongly last season and I fully expected them to be right up there challenging from the off. Instead they are below mid-table in a start that looks very similar to last year. Unbeaten at home but poor away and they go into this one on the back of a 6-0 tanking by Arsenal's youth side. Only saving grace is that Watford have only managed a draw so far on the road.
Prediction; 1-0
Another exciting Wolves game in prospect here. Bristol City are unbeaten away from home with two wins and a draw but go up against a sparkling Wolves team who have recorded three straight wins at home scoring 11 goals in the process. Everyone drops points somewhere and I'll stick my neck out here for City to take a share.
Prediction; 2-2
Big week for the Addicks. Get behind the team and hopefully we can relax on Saturday evening in anticipation of the Sunday papers drooling over the table and the what-ifs if we can win at Selhurst and beat Ipswich at the Valley Saturday-week. Come on you Reds!
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