Chris Hughton has his Birmingham side focused on promotion
Birmingham can arrive fashionably late into the top two if they claim a sixth win in seven at Barnsley this weekend. They will need Burnley to do them a favour in their visit to Southampton, who themselves will be hoping West Ham slip up in their tricky fixture at Peterborough.
Bottom club Coventry host managerless Leeds who could go sixth with a win. Doncaster visit Crystal Palace needing a win to close the gap between them and safety, which will also be the aim of Nottingham Forest who play Watford.
BARNSLEY v BIRMINGHAM 15.00, Oakwell (Saturday)
The Transfer Deadline Day loss of Ricardo Vaz Te, who scored 12 goals for the Tykes this season, was a bitter blow which will not help their recent inconsistency. Keith Hill will be looking to Craig Davies and the veteran Andy Gray to get the point needed to see Barnsley break the 40 point barrier – impressive for one of the pre-season favourites for the drop.
An excellent run of form, which has coincided with the Blues being knocked out of the Europa League, has seen Birmingham climb quietly to third in the table, within touching distance of the top two. While they remain unbeaten at home, on the road they have struggled – already losing seven times.
What to watch out for:
Nathan Redmond has been on the Premier League radar for some time and after a midweek winner against Portsmouth the teenager will be eager to impress again.
Possible line-ups:
Barnsley– Steele, Hassell, Foster, McNulty, McEverly, Dagnall, Tonge, Perkins, Smith, Gray, Davies
Birmingham – Myhill, Spector, Caldwell, Davies, Murphy, Burke, Fahey, Gomis, Elliot, King, Rooney
Recent form: Barnsley – WLWLWL; Birmingham – WWWWDW
Prediction: 1-1
CRYSTAL PALACE v DONCASTER 15.00, Selhurst Park
The Eagles are without a win in five now and what previously seemed like a push for the play-offs has now become a hunt for a safe home in mid-table. It has been 18 games since Palace scored more than a goal in a game – this though is balanced out by having the fourth best defensive record in the division.
Doncaster are four points from safety, but after the postponement of their match last weekend they now have a vital game in hand. The loss of top scorer Billy Sharp will not help Donny in their fight to beat the drop though fellow forward El-Hadji Diouf has extended his contract until the end of the season.
What to watch out for:
Mustapha Dumbaya spent a month on loan from Doncaster to Palace and could feature for the visitors – could he be the ultimate scout for Rovers?
Possible line ups:
Palace – Speroni, Clyne, McCarthy, Gardner, Moxey, Jedinak, Dikgacoi, Zaha, Martin, Ambrose, Murray
Doncaster – Button, O’Connor, Hird, Spurr, Lockwood, Oster, Stock, Gillett, Hayter, Diouf, Bamogo
Recent form: Palace – WLDLDD; Doncaster – LLWDLD
Prediction: 1-0
HULL v BRISTOL CITY 15.00, KC Stadium
The Tigers sit on the brink of the play-off places after picking up 10 points from 12 available. Nick Barmby was left frustrated after the postponement of their last fixture – a win there could have seen Hull sit in fourth going into this game. Three points in a game where they are heavy favourites could still see them reach those heights.
After an impressive start to life as Bristol City manager, Derek McInnes is starting to find the going not so easy. The Robins have lost three of the last four but the poor form of the bottom three has kept them six points clear of the drop zone. Nicky Maynard left for West Ham on deadline say – it will be interesting to see how City cope with that loss.
What to watch out for:
Robert Koren has been in sparkling form for Hull this season with his goals and creativity from midfield.
Possible line-ups:
Hull – Mannone, Rosenior,Chester,Hobbs,Dawson, McKenna, Stewart, Evans, Koren,McLean, Fryatt
Bristol City – James, Fontaine, McGivern, Foster, Kilkenny, Skuse, Elliot, Cisse, Adomah, Pearson, Wood
Recent form: Hull – LLWWWD; Bristol City – LWLWLL
Prediction: 2-0
IPSWICH v MIDDLESBROUGH 15.00, Portman Road
Ipswich have clocked back-to-back wins, scoring eight goals in the process, as they open up a comfortable 10 point gap between themselves and their previous flirtation with the drop zone. Defensive frailties still exist, but with plenty of attacking options, Paul Jewell can now focus on climbing further up the congested mid-table.
Boro are without a win in six now and having recently closed in on the top two, Tony Mowbray’s men are now hanging on to sixth place – a position they could lose with defeat here. He will be expecting more from his side than the drab showing against Palace last weekend.
What to watch out for:
Putting his off field troubles to the side, Michael Chopra scored two in Town’s win over Coventry demonstrating that his poacher’s instinct is in tact. An on form Chopra is a handful for any Championship defence.
Possible line-ups:
Ipswich – Lee-Barrett, Cresswell, Sonko, Smith, Edwards, Drury, Emmanuel-Thomas, Martin, Hyam, Murphy, Chopra
Middlesbrough – Steele, Hoyte, Hines, Bennett, Bates, McMahon, Zemmama, Thomas, Williams, Emnes, Jutkiewicz
Recent form: Ipswich – LLDLWW; Middlesbrough– DLLLDD
Prediction: 2-2
LEEDS v BRIGHTON 15.00, Elland Road
Leeds thumped Bristol City 3-0 in their first game after sacking Simon Grayson and another three points against Brighton could see the Elland Road outfit back in the top six – raising more eyebrows about Grayson’s sacking. Robert Snodgrass scored in that win and all potential managers must view him as a key part of any current Leeds side.
Like the hosts, three points could see Brighton return to the play-off places as the Gus Bus looks to continue a five match unbeaten run. Will Buckley has been in eye-catching form of late and the attacking player will be determined to maintain his, and Brighton’s, run.
What to watch out for:
Craig Mackail-Smith has a new partner in Sam Vokes – and as the latter helped Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez hit a run of scoring form, Albion will be confident he can help their £3million man.
Possible line-ups:
Leeds – Lonergan, Thompson, Lees, White, O’Dea, Brown, Clayton, Pugh, Townsend, Snodgrass, McCormack
Brighton – Brezovan, El-Abd, Greer, Dunk, Calderon, Bridcutt, Forster-Caskey, Barnes, Buckley, Voakes, Mackail-Smith
Recent form: Leeds – LWDWLW; Brighton – LWWWDW
Prediction: 2-1
LEICESTER v CARDIFF 15.00, KP Stadium
A heartbreaking last minute defeat to Brighton came after two players were sent off for Nigel Pearson’s side, as Leicester continue to struggle in their search for consistency. A win over Southampton was followed by a draw and a defeat, but the Foxes received a boost this week in the form of Jermaine Beckford’s red card being rescinded.
Cardiff remain in touching distance of the automatic promotion places – a win over the Foxes could see them just into second place. Malky Mackay will be eager for his Bluebirds to get back on track after a subdued performance in the 3-1 home loss to Blackpool.
What to watch out for:
Danny Drinkwater was a key part of Barnsley’s form in the first half of the season and now the midfielder will be the man Nigel Pearson turns to in their quest for a consistent run of form.
Possible line-ups:
Leicester – Schmeichel, Peltier, Mills, St. Ledger, Konchesky, Dyer, Drinkwater, Wellens, Gallagher, Nugent, Beckford
Cardiff – Marshall, McNaughton, Gerrard, Turner,Taylor, Kiss, Gunnarsson, Conway, Cowie, Whittingham, Miller
Recent form: Leicester – LWLWDL; Cardiff – WWDWDL
Prediction: 1-2
MILLWALL v DERBY 15.00, New Den
Kenny Jackett’s week has involved dealing with a controversial defeat in a heated derby against West Ham and then continued speculation about his job. Going into this game aware the teams below have a game in hand, he will be focused on getting the points needed to maintain the safety buffer. The Lions will be buoyed after their midweek cup win over Southampton.
Derby’s excellent run of form came to an abrupt halt with a disappointing defeat to Barnsley, leaving the Rams six points adrift of the play-offs. With injuries continuing to clear up for Nigel Clough, Derby could yet be in the play-off mix with another run of form which saw them win five on the bounce.
What to watch out for:
Andy Keogh signed for Millwall from Premier League Wolves and the creative forward will be eager to get his career back on track after a disappointing spell at Molinuex.
Possible line-ups:
Millwall – Forde, Smith, Ward, Robinson, Lowry, Trotter, Feeney, Abdou, Bouazza, Kane, Henderson
Derby – Fielding, Brayford, Roberts, Barker, Shackell, Bryson, Carroll, Hendick, Ward, Ball, Nobel
Recent form: Millwall – LLLWLL; Derby – WWWWDL
Prediction: 1-2
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v WATFORD 15.00, City Ground
Forest are still coming to terms with the tragic and unexpected death of owner Nigel Doughty. The players and fans will be determined to pay tribute to him in the best possible way on the pitch by earning just their third win in 12 matches. A win would be welcome, but not enough to lift them out of the bottom three.
Back-to-back wins have lifted Watford up to 16th and they are now closer to the play-off places than the drop zone. Sean Dyche’s hard working side will have to adjust to life without the livewire Marvin Sordell who joined Bolton on deadline day but Adrian Mariappa remained a Hornet providing a welcome boost to all at Vicarage Road.
What to watch out for:
Dexter Blackstock, after a long period injured, is slowly getting more and more game time and though he may start on the bench here, Forest will rely on him for the goals needed to claw them to safety.
Possible line-ups:
Forest – Camp, Lynch, Cunningham, Moloney, Gunter,Anderson, McGugan, Greening, Guedioura, Miller, McCleary
Watford – Loach, Hodson, Doyley, Mariappa, Nosworthy, Yeates, Kacaniklic, Eustace, Murray, Deeney, Garner
Recent form: Forest – DLLWLLL; Watford – WLLLWW
Prediction: 0-0
PETERBOROUGH v WEST HAM 15.00, London Road
Peterborough are the third highest scorers at home in the league this season while at the other end, only Forest have conceded more than Posh at home which will only be compounded when Ryan Bennett leaves at the end of the month. To his credit, Darren Ferguson has steered his side 10 points clear of trouble, despite winning just one of their last six.
Big spending West Ham are four points clear at the top and Sam Allardyce will be confident their excellent away record will not suffer a blemish here. Though he has a plethora of strikers to choose from, midfielder Kevin Nolan’s red card in their game against Millwall means he will begin a three match ban.
What to watch out for:
With Carlton Cole, Sam Baldock, Nicky Maynard, John Carew and Ricardo Vaz Te to choose from – just who will play up top for the Hammers?
Possible line-ups:
Peterborough – Lewis, Little, Bennett, Zakuani, Alcock, Ball, McCann, Rowe, Frecklington, Boyd, Taylor
West Ham – Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney, Noble, Collison, O’Neil, Taylor, Cole, Maynard
Recent form: Peterborough – DDLLLD; West Ham – LWWWLW
Prediction: 1-3
READING v COVENTRY 15.00, Madejski Stadium
After losing two of their last four and then having their last match postponed, Reading have slipped out of the play-off places. This encounter provides a great opportunity for the Royals to pick up again. With star names retained in the window and Jason Roberts, Tomasz Cywka and Matthew Connelly joining, Brian McDermott has added competition to places in his top six hunt.
Coventry remain rooted to the bottom after losing it late against Ipswich last time out. Losing top scorer Lukas Jutkiewicz was a blow for the Sky Blues and without a recognised replacement signed there is a lack of optimism amongst Coventry fans who have remained patient throughout the season.
What to watch out for:
Jason Roberts’ move to Reading fell under the radar somewhat – having already opened his account he will be confident of making a lasting impression.
Possible line-ups:
Reading – Federicic,Griffin, Pearce, Gorkss, Cummings, McAnuff, Tabb, Karacan, Antonio, Hunt, Roberts
Coventry – Murphy, Keogh, Craine, Hreidarsson, Christie, Clingan, Bell, Deegan, McSheffrey, Platt, Nimely
Recent form: Reading – WWLWLW; Coventry – WLLWLL
Prediction: 2-0
SOUTHAMPTON v BURNLEY 15.00, St. Mary’s
Having lead the division for so long, Saints now find themselves the same number of points off the top that they are from fifth place after a stuttery spell. Nigel Adkins moved late in the transfer window to sign Billy Sharp from Donny to provide some much needed support and back-up for Rickie Lambert. Between them, they have scored 30 goals this season.
Just one defeat in eight for Burnley as Eddie Howe plots a move into the play-offs which could happen with a win here. After a slow start to the season, Jay Rodriguez has now scored 17 goals this season including a late leveller last time out against Peterborough.
What to watch out for:
Billy Sharp debuted off the bench forSouthampton – it will be interesting to see whether he partners Lambert or if Saints will keep the shape they have thus far this season.
Possible line-ups:
Southampton – Davis, Richardson, Fonte, Hooiveld, Harding, Schneiderlin, Cork, Guly, Lallana, Lambert, Sharp
Burnley – Grant, Trippier, Duff, Edgar, Mee, McCann, Wallace, Marney, McQuoid, Rodriguez, Austin
Recent form: Southampton – LLWLDD; Burnley – WLWDWD
Prediction: 2-2
BLACKPOOL v PORTSMOUTH 17.20, Bloomfield Road
Four wins in six have put Blackpool, so long out of the top six this season, in the hunt for automatic promotion – a win in Saturday’s late kick off could see them rise to third. While scoring has not been a problem, clean sheets have and the loss to suspension of Ian Evatt will not help matters.
Off field problems continue to shadow Pompey this season with revelations this week that the staff have not been paid for January – a concern as five more days without payment will mean players are entitled to terminate their contracts.
What to watch out for:
Winger Matty Phillips has come to life for Blackpool – equally effective on both flanks and with an eye for goal, it’s no wonder Ian Holloway has warned potential suitors off.
Possible line-ups:
Blackpool – Gilkes, Cathcart, Crainey, Basham, Baptiste, Sylvestre, Ferguson, M Phillips, Fleck, Taylor-Fletcher, Bednar
Portsmouth – Henderson, Ward, Rocha, Pearce, Halfrod, Ben-Haim, Lawrence, Mullins, Huseklepp, Futacs, Etuhu
Recent form: Blackpool – LWDWWW; Portsmouth – DWLLWL
Prediction: 3-0
Tags: Barnsley, Birmingham City, Cardiff City, Championship, Chris Hughton, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, West Ham United