Coca Cola Championship Previews
QPR v Wigan Athletic
This game stands head and shoulders above the rest of Saturday's programme because of results last time out. After their respective successes of the last two months no-one would have expected Rangers and the Latics to be going into this fixture on the back of a defeat.
Rangers' resurgence was ended by a resolute West Ham, whilst Wigan came unstuck on their own patch as a result of 'not turning up' against a Plymouth Argyle side only too willing to take advantage of such recalcitrance.
This game could almost be a case of the immovable object against the irresistible force. Rangers are unbeaten in their last six league games at Loftus Road, winning five, while Wigan are still unbeaten away from home with three draws and three wins being their impressive form going into a game from which they must take at least a point if they are to put the Plymouth result behind them.
Gareth Ainsworth is set for his first Rangers' start since August and Marcus Bignot returns after suspension. Marc Bircham is banned and Marcus Bean is the likely midfield replacement. Wigan's Nathan Ellington is their major doubt with a rib injury.
Burnley v Nottingham Forest
If media speculation is to be believed, Joe Kinnear's job as Forest boss hangs in the balance with newly appointed coach Mick Harford ready to step into the position, if Burnley win on Saturday. There's not a lot to choose between the teams, in terms of recent record, although the Clarets have won two of their last six at Turf Moor, Forest have only won once in their last six away games so a draw looks the most likely result.
Coventry v Plymouth
The Sky Blues were awful in losing to Leicester on Monday while Argyle stifled Wigan on Saturday to end the last unbeaten record in England. Plymouth tend to blow hot and cold away from home and you can bet Peter Reid will be blowing hot to motivate his under-achieving players to victory - although I believe the visitors will get something out of the game, a point perhaps, at least.
Gillingham v Derby
Don't under-estimate the Gills despite a horrendous home record of four defeats in the last six but more significantly they have taken four points from the last two. Derby's recent improvement has been noted but the Rams still lack enough consistency to be more than a mid-table team. I go for a home win. Gills player-manager Andy Hessenthaler misses the game following an ankle injury in training and Paul Smith is likely to come in. Jeff Kenna is missing for Derby with a virus but Richard Jackson is back after a hamstring injury.
Ipswich v Leeds
This one could finish 5-4 or 0-0 and could be a cracker. Ipswich are sweeping all before them, at home, but need to do something about shoring up a defence which obviously keeps the attack on its toes by leaking goals. Ipswich are likely to be unchanged while Sean Gregan should play for Leeds despite picking up a shin injury against Preston. Leeds still haven't got into their stride and with only one away win in the least six games on the road now might be the best time for Town to take Leeds because once David Healy gets going United could be serious play-off contenders.
Leicester v Sunderland
After beating Coventry, this game will be a godsend for new Leicester boss Craig Levein and a real test of City's newly-discovered confidence. Sunderland are as erratic away from home as Leicester have been at the Walkers Stadium so it may come down to who fancies it most on the day. I think the home side will just shade it.
Preston v Millwall
North End's impressive home record took a hammering against Leeds last time out so Millwall, without an away win in their last six outings, provide an excellent opportunity. I think Preston will take the points but it won't be easy.
Reading v Cardiff
The Royals will be ready to take advantage of any slip-up by Ipswich, just ahead of them in second place and with an impressive home record (seven wins and no defeats out of nine), and they should beat Cardiff. City have won just one of their last six games, on the road, and would view a point as an achievement, but I take Reading to win. Andy Hughes could be back for Reading after recovering from a hamstring problem. Darren Williams should return for Cardiff after having to sit out midweek Carling Cup action.
Rotherham v Wolves
Both sides badly need a win, for similar reasons. The Millers have yet to record a victory this season and Wolves' dismal record has already cost Dave Jones his job. Rotherham have to win at some point so a visiting side low on confidence should be an ideal opportunity - however, I go for a draw. Andy Monkhouse has recovered from a thigh strain and could be recalled by Ronnie Moore while Wolves will be without Mark Clyde who has an ankle injury.
Sheffield United v Watford
Watford will be buoyant after their crushing of Southampton and should get at least a point from this game. United are without Jon Harley, who serves a one-match suspension, while former Blade Paul Devlin returns for the Hornets after injury.
Stoke v Crewe
This will be a tough, physical game and Crewe are notorious pushovers for strong sides. However the Alex are capable of outplaying Stoke if they are allowed to settle but will the Potters be so accommodating? I don't think so. Home win.
West Ham v Brighton
This should be a certain home win as the Hammers have won five of their last six at Upton Park while Brighton don't really travel well. But, having said that, if Brighton catch the Hammers on one of their notorious bad days they could build on a recent away run of two wins and a draw lately.
