Coca-Cola Championship statistics Sunday, May 4
Blackpool (18) v Watford (5)
Ben Burgess and Andy Morrell are competing for a Blackpool striking berth alongside Stephen McPhee following the completion of Paul Dickov's loan spell from Manchester City. Midfielder Gary Taylor-Fletcher, whose heavily pregnant wife has yet to give birth, is expected to be available.
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd may turn to record signing Nathan Ellington with Tamas Priskin and Darius Henderson misfiring against Scunthorpe. Goalkeeper Richard Lee also had a poor afternoon against the Iron so Mart Poom could be in line for a recall.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Blackpool D L L W L; Watford W L D L L
Top scorers: Ben Burgess (Blackpool) 9; Darius Henderson (Watford) 12
Match odds: H 15-8 A 5-4 D 2-1
Referee: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).
Bristol City (4) v Preston (15)
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has no fresh injury concerns. Striker Steve Brooker will undergo a late fitness test on a hamstring strain but midfielder Lee Johnson remains sidelined with a heel injury which could also rule him out of the play-offs. Nick Carle is expected to continue in place of Johnson with Lee Trundle continuing up front alongside Dele Adebola.
Sean St Ledger has made a swift return from a hamstring strain and could come into contention. Neal Trotman - a £500,000 arrival from Oldham in January - made his debut against the Tractor Boys last weekend but could be replaced by St Ledger.
With Billy Jones ruled out of the final game, Michael Hart will continue at right-back. Striker Chris Brown is fit again but Liam Chilvers, Kevin Nicholls and Wayne Henderson remain sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Bristol City W L D L L; Preston W D L D D
Top scorers: Dele Adebola (Bristol City) 12; Neil Mellor (Preston) 10
Match odds: H 19-20 A 29-10 D 9-4
Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).
Cardiff (13) v Barnsley (17)
Cardiff manager Dave Jones could welcome back Robbie Fowler from a hip problem and give him a chance to prove his fitness ahead of the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on May 17. Paul Parry could also be available after resuming training following a hamstring injury. Stephen McPhail has been passed fit to play after limping off in last week's 3-3 draw at Burnley. Jones can also call on defender Darren Purse after his three-game ban for a red card against the Clarets was overturned by the Football Association of Wales.
Barnsley manager Simon Davey is expected to include a handful of youngsters in his squad. Stephen Foster (calf) and wingers Jamal Campbell-Ryce (ankle) and Martin Devaney (thigh) are ruled out. Davey has already revealed Jacob Butterfield could be given a starting berth and he may be joined by fellow youngsters Jamil Adam and Luke Potter. Daniel Nardiello, Lewin Nyatanga and Luke Steele play the last matches of their loan spells.
Last season: Cardiff 2 Barnsley 0, Barnsley 1 Cardiff 2
Last five league matches: Cardiff D W L L D; Barnsley W W L L W
Top scorers: Joe Ledley & Paul Parry (Cardiff) 10; Brian Howard (Barnsley) 14
Match odds: H 19-20 A 23-10 D 9-4
Referee: Clive Penton (Sussex).
Charlton (12) v Coventry (19)
Charlton will be without Zheng Zhi (groin) and have fitness doubts over fellow midfielders Lloyd Sam (thigh) and Jerome Thomas (hamstring) ahead of the clash with Coventry. Full-back Yassin Moutaouakil is suspended. Teenagers Jonjo Shelvey and Scott Wagstaff made their debuts at Barnsley last week and could be joined in the squad by fellow youngsters Grant Basey, Aswad Thomas and Rashid Yussuff as well as Therry Racon, who has been recalled from his loan spell at Brighton.
Midfielder Kevin Thornton is expected to return from an ankle injury for Coventry who have postponed operations for Elliott Ward and Michael Doyle to enable them to play. The players were scheduled to undergo surgery on respective ankle and hernia problems this week, thinking that the club's survival would already be assured.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Charlton L W D L L; Coventry D L L W D
Top scorers: Andy Gray (Charlton) 14; Michael Mifsud (Coventry) 16
Match odds: H 13-10 A 9-5 D 2-1
Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).
Crystal Palace (6) v Burnley (11)
Crystal Palace will give James Scowcroft (hamstring) as long as possible to prove his fitness. Matt Lawrence, who underwent a hernia operation last week, is sidelined and Danny Butterfield is likely to deputise at right-back once again, with Lawrence hoping to be fit for the play-offs if Palace qualify. Midfielder Neil Danns is still sidelined with a groin injury.
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is facing a striking crisis. On-loan Sunderland man Andy Cole (leg), Ade Akinbiyi (chest pains) and Kyle Lafferty (appendicitis) all miss out through injury. Jay Rodriguez is also unable to play as he ineligible following the end of his loan spell with Stirling Albion. That has left Robbie Blake and 18-year-old Alex MacDonald as Coyle`s only attacking options.
Last season: Burnley 1 Crystal Palace 1, Crystal Palace 2 Burnley 2
Last five league matches: Crystal Palace D W W W L; Burnley W L L W D
Top scorers: Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace) 15; Ade Akinbiyi & Robbie Blake (Burnley) 9
Match odds: H 4-9 A 5-1 D 11-4
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
Ipswich (8) v Hull (3)
Ipswich manager Jim Magilton has no fresh injury worries. Macedonian midfielder Velice Sumulikoski returned as a late substitute in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Preston after learning that he did not require surgery on a a torn artery in his shin and is in contention. On-loan striker Shefki Kuqi is also back in action after his spate of hamstring trouble.
Hull manager Phil Brown welcomes back striker Dean Windass and and defender Andy Dawson but Henrik Pedersen is a major doubt after missing training due to a knee problem.
Last season: Hull 2 Ipswich 5, Ipswich 0 Hull 0
Last five league matches: Ipswich L D W D D; Hull W D W L W
Top scorers: Jonathan Walters (Ipswich) 13; Fraizer Campbell (Hull) 15
Match odds: H 5-4 A 6-4 D 13-5
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
QPR (14) v West Brom (1)
QPR will be without Akos Buzsaky (ankle) and Damion Stewart (suspended). Fitz Hall missed the Norwich game with a groin injury and would be Stewart's natural replacement if fit, otherwise Zesh Rehman could get a rare start. Patrick Agyemang has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain and will not be risked.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray has no fresh injury worries. Midfielder James Morrison is expected to be fit despite being substituted with a slight knock in the draw against Southampton. Striker Roman Bednar will undergo a hernia operation once the season is over after playing the last three months of the season with the problem.
Last season: QPR 1 West Brom 2, West Brom 3 QPR 3
Last five league matches: QPR D D D W L; West Brom W D W W D
Top scorers: Patrick Agyemang (QPR) 13; Kevin Phillips (West Brom) 24
Match odds: H 11-5 A 1-1 D 11-5
Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).
Scunthorpe (23) v Colchester (24)
Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins will be without leading marksman Martin Paterson who underwent a hernia operation this week. Kevan Hurst (hamstring) also misses out. Teenage star Jack Cork plays the final game of a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Teddy Sheringham, who made the 983rd appearance of a glittering career during last weekend's home defeat by Stoke, is likely to be denied a last hurrah for Colchester by a toe injury. Centre-half Adam Virgo limped off against Stoke with a thigh strain and is a major doubt but Matt Heath is training again following a groin problem and could step in. Defender Pat Baldwin, winger Mark Yeates and goalkeeper Aidan Davison (all shoulder) are still sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Scunthorpe L D L W W; Colchester L W D L L
Top scorers: Martin Paterson (Scunthorpe) 14; Kevin Lisbie (Colchester) 17
Match odds: H 10-11 A 12-5 D 9-4
Referee: Russell Booth (Nottinghamshire).
Sheff Wed (20) v Norwich (16)
Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Graham Kavanagh is expected to return from a hamstring injury and Sean McAllister is available following his recovery from a calf strain. Captain Lee Bullen is a doubt after he was forced off during the 3-1 victory at Leicester last week with a recurrence of a hamstring injury and Peter Gilbert serves the second game of a three-match suspension.
Norwich striker Dion Dublin will play the 743rd and last game of his 20-year career. Winger Darren Huckerby could also make his final appearance for the club as Roeder has yet to confirm whether he will be offered a new contract. On-loan Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand returned from a hamstring strain to start against QPR and should keep his place. Luke Chadwick is back from his shoulder injury.
Last season: Sheff Wed 3 Norwich 2, Norwich 1 Sheff Wed 2
Last five league matches: Sheff Wed D D D L W; Norwich L W L L W
Top scorers: Leon Clarke (Sheff Wed) 10; Jamie Cureton (Norwich) 14
Match odds: H 6-10 A 19-5 D 12-5
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
Southampton (22) v Sheff Utd (9)
On-loan Southampton defender Chris Lucketti has opted out of the potentially awkward meeting with his permanent employers Sheffield United. Lucketti would have been eligible to play, but with the Blades in the hunt for a play-off place the 36-year-old - who will still be contracted to Bramall Lane next season - has made himself unavailable. Boss Nigel Pearson will choose between Wayne Thomas or Darren Powell as a replacement alongside Chris Perry.
The Blades will be without central defenders Ugo Ehiogu (calf) and Chris Morgan, who completes a two-match ban. Their absence could mean a return to the starting XI for Derek Geary with John Halls moving from right back to partner Matt Kilgallon in the centre. James Beattie is also missing with a hamstring problem, as is Lee Martin who ruptured his knee ligaments last weekend.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Southampton L W D L D; Sheff Utd W D W W W
Top scorers: Stern John (Southampton) 18; James Beattie (Sheff Utd) 22
Match odds: H 6-5 A 13-8 D 5-2
Referee: Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire).
Stoke (2) v Leicester (21)
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has a fully-fit squad to choose from as his side seek the point they need to guarantee automatic promotion. Salif Diao's has recovered from his hamstring injury and is likely to feature and Dominic Matteo and Andy Griffin are expected to be included in the squad after recovering from foot and hamstring problems.
Leicester boss Ian Holloway has a number of injury concerns. Defender Patrick Kisnorbo could be out for six months after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury. Midfielders Matt Oakley (foot) and Lee Hendrie (ankle) are doubtful while Stephen Clemence (heel operation), Levi Porter (cruciate ligament) and Elvis Hammond (knee) remain sidelined.
Last season: Stoke 4 Leicester 2, Leicester 2 Stoke 1
Last five league matches: Stoke D L W W W; Leicester W L D W L
Top scorers: Ricardo Fuller & Liam Lawrence (Stoke) 15; Iain Hume (Leicester) 11
Match odds: H 4-8 A 13-5 D 12-5
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Wolves (7) v Plymouth (10)
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is expected to be able to call on Darron Gibson and Karl Henry after ankle and knee injuries.. Midfielder David Edwards (knee) hopes to return.
Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock is sweating on the fitness of left-back Jim Paterson, who had to pull out of last week's 3-0 home win over Blackpool due to a back complaint and will undergo a late fitness test. Gary Teale - on loan from Derby and in talks with Argyle about making the switch permanent - will return after missing out against the Tangerines with a thigh injury.
Last season: Wolves 2 Plymouth 2, Plymouth 1 Wolves 1
Last five league matches: Wolves D L D W D; Plymouth L L D D W
Top scorers: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves) 25; Jamie Mackie (Plymouth) 16
Match odds: H 8-15 A 4-1 D 13-5
Referee: Mike Pike (Cumbria).
Ben Burgess and Andy Morrell are competing for a Blackpool striking berth alongside Stephen McPhee following the completion of Paul Dickov's loan spell from Manchester City. Midfielder Gary Taylor-Fletcher, whose heavily pregnant wife has yet to give birth, is expected to be available.
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd may turn to record signing Nathan Ellington with Tamas Priskin and Darius Henderson misfiring against Scunthorpe. Goalkeeper Richard Lee also had a poor afternoon against the Iron so Mart Poom could be in line for a recall.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Blackpool D L L W L; Watford W L D L L
Top scorers: Ben Burgess (Blackpool) 9; Darius Henderson (Watford) 12
Match odds: H 15-8 A 5-4 D 2-1
Referee: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).
Bristol City (4) v Preston (15)
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has no fresh injury concerns. Striker Steve Brooker will undergo a late fitness test on a hamstring strain but midfielder Lee Johnson remains sidelined with a heel injury which could also rule him out of the play-offs. Nick Carle is expected to continue in place of Johnson with Lee Trundle continuing up front alongside Dele Adebola.
Sean St Ledger has made a swift return from a hamstring strain and could come into contention. Neal Trotman - a £500,000 arrival from Oldham in January - made his debut against the Tractor Boys last weekend but could be replaced by St Ledger.
With Billy Jones ruled out of the final game, Michael Hart will continue at right-back. Striker Chris Brown is fit again but Liam Chilvers, Kevin Nicholls and Wayne Henderson remain sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Bristol City W L D L L; Preston W D L D D
Top scorers: Dele Adebola (Bristol City) 12; Neil Mellor (Preston) 10
Match odds: H 19-20 A 29-10 D 9-4
Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).
Cardiff (13) v Barnsley (17)
Cardiff manager Dave Jones could welcome back Robbie Fowler from a hip problem and give him a chance to prove his fitness ahead of the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on May 17. Paul Parry could also be available after resuming training following a hamstring injury. Stephen McPhail has been passed fit to play after limping off in last week's 3-3 draw at Burnley. Jones can also call on defender Darren Purse after his three-game ban for a red card against the Clarets was overturned by the Football Association of Wales.
Barnsley manager Simon Davey is expected to include a handful of youngsters in his squad. Stephen Foster (calf) and wingers Jamal Campbell-Ryce (ankle) and Martin Devaney (thigh) are ruled out. Davey has already revealed Jacob Butterfield could be given a starting berth and he may be joined by fellow youngsters Jamil Adam and Luke Potter. Daniel Nardiello, Lewin Nyatanga and Luke Steele play the last matches of their loan spells.
Last season: Cardiff 2 Barnsley 0, Barnsley 1 Cardiff 2
Last five league matches: Cardiff D W L L D; Barnsley W W L L W
Top scorers: Joe Ledley & Paul Parry (Cardiff) 10; Brian Howard (Barnsley) 14
Match odds: H 19-20 A 23-10 D 9-4
Referee: Clive Penton (Sussex).
Charlton (12) v Coventry (19)
Charlton will be without Zheng Zhi (groin) and have fitness doubts over fellow midfielders Lloyd Sam (thigh) and Jerome Thomas (hamstring) ahead of the clash with Coventry. Full-back Yassin Moutaouakil is suspended. Teenagers Jonjo Shelvey and Scott Wagstaff made their debuts at Barnsley last week and could be joined in the squad by fellow youngsters Grant Basey, Aswad Thomas and Rashid Yussuff as well as Therry Racon, who has been recalled from his loan spell at Brighton.
Midfielder Kevin Thornton is expected to return from an ankle injury for Coventry who have postponed operations for Elliott Ward and Michael Doyle to enable them to play. The players were scheduled to undergo surgery on respective ankle and hernia problems this week, thinking that the club's survival would already be assured.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Charlton L W D L L; Coventry D L L W D
Top scorers: Andy Gray (Charlton) 14; Michael Mifsud (Coventry) 16
Match odds: H 13-10 A 9-5 D 2-1
Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).
Crystal Palace (6) v Burnley (11)
Crystal Palace will give James Scowcroft (hamstring) as long as possible to prove his fitness. Matt Lawrence, who underwent a hernia operation last week, is sidelined and Danny Butterfield is likely to deputise at right-back once again, with Lawrence hoping to be fit for the play-offs if Palace qualify. Midfielder Neil Danns is still sidelined with a groin injury.
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is facing a striking crisis. On-loan Sunderland man Andy Cole (leg), Ade Akinbiyi (chest pains) and Kyle Lafferty (appendicitis) all miss out through injury. Jay Rodriguez is also unable to play as he ineligible following the end of his loan spell with Stirling Albion. That has left Robbie Blake and 18-year-old Alex MacDonald as Coyle`s only attacking options.
Last season: Burnley 1 Crystal Palace 1, Crystal Palace 2 Burnley 2
Last five league matches: Crystal Palace D W W W L; Burnley W L L W D
Top scorers: Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace) 15; Ade Akinbiyi & Robbie Blake (Burnley) 9
Match odds: H 4-9 A 5-1 D 11-4
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
Ipswich (8) v Hull (3)
Ipswich manager Jim Magilton has no fresh injury worries. Macedonian midfielder Velice Sumulikoski returned as a late substitute in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Preston after learning that he did not require surgery on a a torn artery in his shin and is in contention. On-loan striker Shefki Kuqi is also back in action after his spate of hamstring trouble.
Hull manager Phil Brown welcomes back striker Dean Windass and and defender Andy Dawson but Henrik Pedersen is a major doubt after missing training due to a knee problem.
Last season: Hull 2 Ipswich 5, Ipswich 0 Hull 0
Last five league matches: Ipswich L D W D D; Hull W D W L W
Top scorers: Jonathan Walters (Ipswich) 13; Fraizer Campbell (Hull) 15
Match odds: H 5-4 A 6-4 D 13-5
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
QPR (14) v West Brom (1)
QPR will be without Akos Buzsaky (ankle) and Damion Stewart (suspended). Fitz Hall missed the Norwich game with a groin injury and would be Stewart's natural replacement if fit, otherwise Zesh Rehman could get a rare start. Patrick Agyemang has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain and will not be risked.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray has no fresh injury worries. Midfielder James Morrison is expected to be fit despite being substituted with a slight knock in the draw against Southampton. Striker Roman Bednar will undergo a hernia operation once the season is over after playing the last three months of the season with the problem.
Last season: QPR 1 West Brom 2, West Brom 3 QPR 3
Last five league matches: QPR D D D W L; West Brom W D W W D
Top scorers: Patrick Agyemang (QPR) 13; Kevin Phillips (West Brom) 24
Match odds: H 11-5 A 1-1 D 11-5
Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).
Scunthorpe (23) v Colchester (24)
Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins will be without leading marksman Martin Paterson who underwent a hernia operation this week. Kevan Hurst (hamstring) also misses out. Teenage star Jack Cork plays the final game of a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Teddy Sheringham, who made the 983rd appearance of a glittering career during last weekend's home defeat by Stoke, is likely to be denied a last hurrah for Colchester by a toe injury. Centre-half Adam Virgo limped off against Stoke with a thigh strain and is a major doubt but Matt Heath is training again following a groin problem and could step in. Defender Pat Baldwin, winger Mark Yeates and goalkeeper Aidan Davison (all shoulder) are still sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Scunthorpe L D L W W; Colchester L W D L L
Top scorers: Martin Paterson (Scunthorpe) 14; Kevin Lisbie (Colchester) 17
Match odds: H 10-11 A 12-5 D 9-4
Referee: Russell Booth (Nottinghamshire).
Sheff Wed (20) v Norwich (16)
Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Graham Kavanagh is expected to return from a hamstring injury and Sean McAllister is available following his recovery from a calf strain. Captain Lee Bullen is a doubt after he was forced off during the 3-1 victory at Leicester last week with a recurrence of a hamstring injury and Peter Gilbert serves the second game of a three-match suspension.
Norwich striker Dion Dublin will play the 743rd and last game of his 20-year career. Winger Darren Huckerby could also make his final appearance for the club as Roeder has yet to confirm whether he will be offered a new contract. On-loan Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand returned from a hamstring strain to start against QPR and should keep his place. Luke Chadwick is back from his shoulder injury.
Last season: Sheff Wed 3 Norwich 2, Norwich 1 Sheff Wed 2
Last five league matches: Sheff Wed D D D L W; Norwich L W L L W
Top scorers: Leon Clarke (Sheff Wed) 10; Jamie Cureton (Norwich) 14
Match odds: H 6-10 A 19-5 D 12-5
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
Southampton (22) v Sheff Utd (9)
On-loan Southampton defender Chris Lucketti has opted out of the potentially awkward meeting with his permanent employers Sheffield United. Lucketti would have been eligible to play, but with the Blades in the hunt for a play-off place the 36-year-old - who will still be contracted to Bramall Lane next season - has made himself unavailable. Boss Nigel Pearson will choose between Wayne Thomas or Darren Powell as a replacement alongside Chris Perry.
The Blades will be without central defenders Ugo Ehiogu (calf) and Chris Morgan, who completes a two-match ban. Their absence could mean a return to the starting XI for Derek Geary with John Halls moving from right back to partner Matt Kilgallon in the centre. James Beattie is also missing with a hamstring problem, as is Lee Martin who ruptured his knee ligaments last weekend.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Southampton L W D L D; Sheff Utd W D W W W
Top scorers: Stern John (Southampton) 18; James Beattie (Sheff Utd) 22
Match odds: H 6-5 A 13-8 D 5-2
Referee: Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire).
Stoke (2) v Leicester (21)
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has a fully-fit squad to choose from as his side seek the point they need to guarantee automatic promotion. Salif Diao's has recovered from his hamstring injury and is likely to feature and Dominic Matteo and Andy Griffin are expected to be included in the squad after recovering from foot and hamstring problems.
Leicester boss Ian Holloway has a number of injury concerns. Defender Patrick Kisnorbo could be out for six months after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury. Midfielders Matt Oakley (foot) and Lee Hendrie (ankle) are doubtful while Stephen Clemence (heel operation), Levi Porter (cruciate ligament) and Elvis Hammond (knee) remain sidelined.
Last season: Stoke 4 Leicester 2, Leicester 2 Stoke 1
Last five league matches: Stoke D L W W W; Leicester W L D W L
Top scorers: Ricardo Fuller & Liam Lawrence (Stoke) 15; Iain Hume (Leicester) 11
Match odds: H 4-8 A 13-5 D 12-5
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Wolves (7) v Plymouth (10)
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is expected to be able to call on Darron Gibson and Karl Henry after ankle and knee injuries.. Midfielder David Edwards (knee) hopes to return.
Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock is sweating on the fitness of left-back Jim Paterson, who had to pull out of last week's 3-0 home win over Blackpool due to a back complaint and will undergo a late fitness test. Gary Teale - on loan from Derby and in talks with Argyle about making the switch permanent - will return after missing out against the Tangerines with a thigh injury.
Last season: Wolves 2 Plymouth 2, Plymouth 1 Wolves 1
Last five league matches: Wolves D L D W D; Plymouth L L D D W
Top scorers: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves) 25; Jamie Mackie (Plymouth) 16
Match odds: H 8-15 A 4-1 D 13-5
Referee: Mike Pike (Cumbria).
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