FourFourTwo’s preview of the Championship this weekend, as Cardiff and Ipswich look to extend their winning streaks, while Leeds prepare for life after Chris Wood as they face Nottingham Forest in the late kick off.
MIDDLESBROUGH VS PRESTON NORTH END (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)
The big talking point: Where are Boro heading? The north-east club are yet to achieve any level of consistency this campaign. They were outclassed in their most recent fixture with Nottingham Forest and have failed to dominate in the opening matches of the season.
What will happen: Relief at the Riverside. Middlesbrough haven’t lost against Preston North End in their previous 10 league encounters. However, Garry Monk should be wary of the Lancashire club who produced a strong performance in their victory over Reading last weekend.
What won’t happen: A warm reception for Preston manager, Alex Neill. The last time he faced Middlesbrough, The Lilywhite boss oversaw Norwich City as his former side beat Boro 2-0 in the 2014/15 Championship play-off final. Middlesbrough supporters won’t forgive or forget Alex Neill, for being the man responsible for their club’s heartbreak play-off defeat.
FFT predicts: 2-0
MILLWALL VS NORWICH CITY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)
The big talking point: The Lions are barely making a whimper. Yet to win this campaign, Neil Harris’s side face a stern test in their upcoming opposition, Norwich City. The Canaries are on a three-match winning streak against Millwall and look all odds to make it four in a row this weekend.
What will happen: Steve Morison will get no luck against his former side. The Millwall striker was pivotal in their promotion campaign, however his side have struggled to deal with life in the Championship. Despite their poor start to the season, Millwall goalkeeper, Jordan Archer has been rewarded with his first call-up to the Scotland squad. The 24-year-old has been a star performer for the Lions in their opening fixtures.
What won’t happen: Nelson Oliveira in Norwich’s starting line-up. Despite leading the goal scoring charts for his club, the 26-year-old is yet to be named in Daniel Farke’s starting line-up. It seems that Farke still hasn’t forgiven the Portuguese striker for his on-field antics in their first-round encounter with Fulham.
FFT predicts: 1-3
SHEFFIELD UNITED VS DERBY COUNTY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)
The big talking point: Make Bramall Lane a fortress. The Blades have secured maximum points from their league fixtures at home this season. If they want to build upon last year’s promotion winning campaign, they’ll need to make sure that they can deliver results in their own backyard. With Billy Sharp fit and on the scoresheet, the Yorkshire based outfit stand a chance against any side.
What will happen: A battle across the middle of the park. If United want to stand a chance in this encounter, they’ll need to contain Derby’s talented midfield. The home side will also have to contend with in form Rams striker, David Nugent who’s fresh from scoring a brace in their previous league outing against Bolton.
What won’t happen: Sheffield United won’t leapfrog their opponents on the Championship table. Unless Billy Sharp is firing for the Blades, Derby will be expected to secure all three points from this encounter. Gary Rowett’s men will most likely widen the gap between themselves and United after Saturday’s tie.
FFT predicts: 0-2
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS LEEDS UNITED (SUNDAY, 2:30AM AEST)
The big talking point: Chris Wood’s departure. The towering New Zealand striker was absent from Leeds’ previous fixture with Sunderland as he finalised his £15 million transfer to Premier League outfit, Burnley. Leeds manager, Thomas Christiansen will be eager to prove that his side can survive without the influential striker. Last week’s performance won’t do his case much harm.
What will happen: Forest will continue where they left off last week. The Reds were convincing 2-1 winners in their previous league fixture with Middlesbrough and will look to make it three wins from three as they overcame Newcastle in their midweek EFL Cup tie. Forest boss, Mark Warburton will be encouraged by the emergence of Daryl Murphy as he anticipates the potential lethal partnership of Murphy and McKay.
What won’t happen: A game of clear cut chances. Both sides will need to be at their best if they plan to take the three points from this encounter. A lack of firepower up front for Leeds may prove decisive, while defensively they’ll most likely struggle to keep a clean sheet if Daryl Murphy or Barrie McKay have their say.
FFT predicts: 2-1
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