COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS
Sunderland v Wigan Athletic
This game stands out, for me, for two reasons. 1. Sunderland, with just four points from four games, badly need to boost that total after losing to the new boys Plymouth last Saturday, as anything less than a victory over Wigan will increase the already massive expectation on Mick McCarthy and the Black Cats. 2. Wigan, unbeaten from the start of the season, are already looking likely front runners, even at this early stage, so this will be a clash of ambitions as well as football philosophy.
Languishing in 16th place, as they are, Sunderland only have one team above them who have scored less goals than they have conceded, Gillingham, and if the home side are unable to beat Wigan the Black Cats could find themselves even lower in the table come Saturday teatime as Preston visit bottom club Brighton.
Although this is only the start of the new season Wigan have a fairly impressive away record, six wins in the last six games, carrying over from last campaign, and despite the fact they have new faces in the squad, an unbeaten run will give the Latics confidence going to the Stadium of Light.
It's often been said that the surroundings often inspire visiting teams whilst piling pressure on Sunderland if things aren't going their way.
Sunderland expect to have Argentine defender Julio Arca back after his midweek spell in hospital following a jellyfish sting although keeper Thomas Myhre is doubtful with a knee injury. Wigan are expected to recall their awesome strike duo Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts. I think this will be a draw and Paul Jewell will be happy with that.
Watford v Plymouth
Brynjar Gunnarson is set to return for Watford after a knee injury, Lloyd Doyley could also be in contention. Plymouth's Graham Coughlan should be fit despite a nose injury. Unbeaten Argyle could be good enough to claim a draw and extend their unbeaten start.
West Ham v Burnley
Steve Lomas could return for the Hammers after testing his ankle injury in a private midweek friendly against Peterborough. Hayden Mullins and Anton Ferdinand should be back in the side after injury. Richard Chaplow is Burnley's only doubt after injuring his knee. Lee Roche stands by for what would be the Clarets' first change of the season. West Ham should win this one.
Wolves v Leicester
How both sides need to win this one with them being fifth and sixth from bottom, respectively. Wolves' injury list seems to have lightened and they welcome back Joleon Lescott while Lee Naylor and strikers Carl Cort and Dean Sturridge are all pushing for a place. Dion Dublin and Chris Makin are in line for a City recall after recent suspensions but James Scowcroft and Keith Gillespie are injury doubts. I take Wolves to get their first league win of the campaign.
Brighton v Preston North End
Leon Knight's shin injury isn't as serious as first thought so he should start and Charlie Otaway could return although his hamstring strain will probably require a pain-killing injection. Preston should have David Healy and Graham Alexander back after injury but Dickson Etuhu is suspended. I have a hunch that Brighton could shock North End and claim their first win of the campaign.
Cardiff v Stoke
Not for the feint-hearted this one. Willie Boland is set to start his first league game of the season and Jobi McAnuff will make his home debut. Graham Kavanagh and John Robinson should be back with Lee Bullock and Paul Parry stepping down and Alan Lee will replace Andy Campbell up front. Stoke will be without Chris Barker who is on loan from Cardiff and who cannot play as part of the deal. Wayne Thomas is suspended. This will be a hard game and Cardiff might just test Stoke's unbeaten start to the full but a draw is on the cards.
Derby v Crewe
Tommy Smith should be back for Derby after a dead leg. Morton Bisgaard should also be back after recovering from a hip injury but Richard Jackson's ankle problem keeps him out. Crewe boss Dario Gradi is hoping midfielder Neil Sorvel will be fit after a leg strain against Blackpool in midweek. This one could go either way, although Derby are running into form after a dodgy start.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry
Forest, seeking to extend their unbeaten record to 14, may make just one change with Andy Reid returning. David Johnson, Gareth Taylor or Marlon King will make way. Coventry are set to reward Patrick Suffo's midweek brace, from the bench, with a starting place. I take Forest to win.
Rotherham v Ipswich
Paul Shaw will return for the Millers with Paolo Vernazza, John Mullin or Darren Garner making way. Paul Gilchrist faces a late fitness test on his injured ankle. Ipswich will be without Matt Richards, so Fabian Wilnis should deputise if he recovers from a gash. Tony Dining is expected to be fit after a neck problem while Jason de Vos and Jim Magilton are both in contention. Rotherham are due a win.
Millwall v Reading
Dennis Wise has no new injury problems for the visit of Reading who expect Nicky Forster to shake off a slight groin strain. However, Steve Coppell could well retain Shaun Goater and leave Forster on the bench. Tough call this but Reading's start, three wins out of four, should get at least a point.
