Weekend Championship Preview, Game 21

With three matches to the half-way stage, we need three wins to break the 25 points mark which offers the prospect of 50 points at the end of the year and safety. Blackpool will be a very hard game and looks like it will be played in bitter conditions. I'm going to take a punt here and go the Addicks to get the first vital win under Phil Parkinon, although I think it will be a desperately close match.

Barnsley v  Reading

Reading came from behind in midweek to beat Coventry and Barnsley were beaten at lowly Forest on Saturday. This is an opportunity for the Royals to cut the gap on the leaders and I expect them to take it.

Prediction; 0-2

Birmingham City v Watford

No respite for Watford here. Brendan Rodgers will have to wait for his first win like Parkinson.

Prediction; 3-0

Blackpool v Charlton Athletic

Three out of four defeats in their last four home games. For once we can play with a bit of confidence and look to cash in on a club who look as vulnerable at home as we have. With two home games to come, we need to get something here to set us up and take a bit of the pressure off. If we can get something here, I'll consider making the trip to Norwich (big incentive for the lads that).

Prediction; 0-1 

Bristol City v Swansea City

Bristol City have been struggling of late and Gary Johnson called for them to stick together this week - a sure sign of trouble in the camp. The Swans are hanging around the play-off fringes and can afford to play a relaxed game.

Prediction; 1-2

Cardiff City v Preston NE

Preston have rallied in recent weeks and are back into a play-off spot. Cardiff can overhaul them here if they win and I'll take them to do just that.

prediction; 1-0

Coventry City v Nottingham Forest

Come on Coventry, do something remotely predictable for once and beat your east midlands rivals. Forest could climb above us if they win but that would be expecting too much wouldn't it...

Prediction; 2-0

Derby County v Crystal Palace

Palace are on a similar run to this time last year. Derby need the win to keep pace but I can see the honours being shared at Pride Park.

Prediction; 1-1

Doncaster Rovers v Plymouth Argyle

Another opportunity for Rovers to take three points. Plymouth blow hot and cold and Paul Sturrock will need a fighting performance if they are to risk an embarrassing defeat here. A draw looks favourite.

Prediction; 1-1

QPR v Wolverhampton Wanderers

I am surprised this isn't the Sunday game but I suppose the Farmers derby nicks it for atmosphere. I know I shouldn't read too much into QPR's tepid performance against us the other week but I can't help myself. Wolves to win again.

Prediction; 0-2

Sheffield United v Burnley

What a season Burnley are having. Owen Coyle is working miracles with his squad and last nights win over Arsenal puts them within 90 minutes of Wembley. This will be a very close game. United are due a home win but I think Burnley will have enough to get a draw in spite of tired legs.

Prediction; 1-1

Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday

Our only hope here is that the Saints have the worst home record in the division having managed only one win. Wednesday aren't exactly Real Madrid on their travels either, so I think the momentum will be with the Saints after their recent performances - undefeated in three.

Prediction; 1-0

Norwich City v Ipswich Town

We can all watch this one on Sunday and hope that Ipswich can beat Norwich and keep them under pressure at the bottom.  A 1-1 draw is probably most likely and I think both clubs would settle for that.

Prediction; 1-1

For those of you making the trip north, I don't envy you. Blackpool in the wind and cold is miserable, so I hope you get somethingto cheer about. Drowning your sorrows in the Tower Lounge whilst laughing at the dregs of the north will be scant consolation.