Weekend Championship Preview, Game 40

Seven games to go. Defeat tomorrow and confirmation of League One football could be made at the Valley in front of gloating Brummies next week. I really hope it happens at an away fixture.

Barnsley v Nottingham Forest

Barnsley have two games in hand on their rivals at the bottom but a win here would virtually guarantee them Championship football next season. Forest are wagging their tails but might find a draw as much as they can expect.

Prediction; 1-1

Blackpool v Plymouth Argyle

Another relegation six-pointer and I'll take Blackpool to pile the pressure on Paul Sturrock.

Prediction; 2-0

Bristol City v Preston NE

A play-off battle here and Bristol City can leapfrog Preston if they beat them. It might be too late for either of them to catch Cardiff or Burnley.

Prediction; 2-1

Coventry City v Reading

Last chance saloon for Reading. They must win this game or they will be close to conceding automatic promotion if Birmingham beat Wolves on Monday. Coventry will be able to play a relaxed game and I'll take them to get a point at least.

Prediction; 1-1

Derby County v Burnley

Tough game for Burnley here. Derby still need a couple of wins to ensure they avoid the relegation squabble but the Clarets need the points for the play-offs. Another draw in prospect.

Prediction; 1-1

Doncaster Rovers v Watford

Watford need another win and they face a Doncaster side who have lost three on the spin to end a fine run since New Year. A point apiece would probably suit them both.

Prediction; 1-1

Norwich City v Sheffield Wednesday

Norwich need this desperately and they might be playing Wednesday at just the right time. They are safe in mid-table and I can see them slipping to a defeat here.

Prediction; 1-0

QPR v Crystal Palace

A stale derby in prospect here. Neither of these sides have been able to string two results togther in the last few months and this promises to be a drab snorefest.

Prediction; 1-1

Sheffield United v Ipswich Town

The Blades still have an outside chance of automatic promotion. They should see Town off tomorrow but they will probably have to do it via the play-offs.

Prediction; 2-1

Southampton v Charlton Athletic

The press will have a field-day kicking over the ashes here. Southampton look like they have made a right mess of Administration and might have to start next season in League One with a ten point deduction. For that reason, I suspect their players will fight tooth and nail tomorrow as they try to claw their way out of the bottom three. I don't think they are a better side than us but I suspect they will have more fight and if they score first we know the drill.

Prediction; 2-0

Cardiff City v Swansea City

Sunday's south-Wales grudge match. The Swans have an outside chance of the play-offs which would be a remarkable achievement for Roberto Martinez in his first season in the Championship. I'll stick my neck out here and go for Swansea to nick this.

Prediction; 0-1

Birmingham City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

Monday's Sky match and it should be a cracker. I'd love to see Wolves rub the Blues noses in it here but suspect another derby draw is in the offing.

Prediction; 1-1