Weekend Championship Preview, Game 32

So, 15 games left to the end of this nightmarish season. Eight at home and seven away. Six winnable at home (Plymouth, Doncaster, Watford, Preston, Blackpool and Norwich) three possible aways (Barnsley, Southampton and Derby). If you assume we won't get all of those points but might balance up some from the other games, it's conceivable that we could get to 49 points which would give us half-a-chance. Thing is, we have to win the next three home games all of which are against opposition within seven places of us.

I think we are playing Plymouth at the right time and, if we can score first , as in recent weeks, then I believe we will see them off. Neither side scores that many, so I can't see a repeat of the four goals shared at Home Park earlier in the season. One-nill could be enough.

Due to the F A Cup there are only seven Championship games being played on Saturday, although there are another seven in midweek as teams catch-up with postponements (not us this time around).

Birmingham City v Nottingham Forest

Two points behind Reading and City play twice before Reading have another league game. This is their chance and I expect them to take it for now.

Prediction; 2-0

Bristol City v Southampton

Looks like mission impossible for the Saints. They are in the same sinking boat us as.

Prediction; 2-0

Burnley v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fireworks in prospect here. Burnley have managed to raise their game all season against better opposition and I can see them doing it again. The Clarets arguably need the points more than Wanderers who have a four point lead at the top. 

Prediction; 2-1

Charlton Athletic v Plymouth Argyle

We won't get an easier home match than this one. If we put out an attacking formation and maintain a good tempo, then we should have too much for floundering Argyle.

Prediction; 1-0

Doncaster Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday

Fresh from the jubilation of having completed their first Sheffield derby double in 95 years (I thought our record against Millwall was bad), Wednesday have a glorious opportunity to repeat it by doubling Doncaster Rovers whom they overcame 1-0 earlier in the season. Rovers might be wagging at the moment but I'll take Wednesday to see them off here as they push for their last shot at the play-offs.

Prediction; 0-1

Ipswich Town v Blackpool

I have to go with Ipswich here, although both of these sides have tripped me up all season - Town by failing to win at home and Blackpool by nicking results away. 

Prediction; 2-0

Preston NE v Norwich City

Despite a recovery under Bryan Gunn in recent weeks, Norwich are still only two points from the drop zone. Much will depend on their fixtures between now and the end of the season, especially at Carrow Road. Preston have been strong at home all season and should romp this one.

Prediction; 2-0