Stoke City v QPR
This has to be the Championship match of the day with the visitors level in fourth place with their hosts, with the two sides separated only on goal difference.
Rangers boss Ian Holloway has just won the Manager of the Month award for September after a run of five successive wins that has seen QPR race up the table from the relegation zone into the play-off group. Stoke, meanwhile, have slipped a little since they topped the table in August, but they have lost just one game of their 11 so far this season, and five wins and five draws is promotion form even at this early stage.
While QPR were thrashing Coventry in midweek, courtesy of a hat-trick from Jamie Cureton, Stoke were showing how hard they are to score against with a hard won point in their goalless draw at Leeds. And it may give a clue as to how this game will go when the offensive and defensive records of the two teams are scrutinised.
Only four teams have conceded less goals than the Potters, while only second placed Wigan (with 20), and third placed Ipswich (21), have scored more goals than QPR's 19. However, the crucial factor could be the number of goals conceded by Rangers (16 in 11 games), although their rearguard has tightened up during that five game winning streak.
Rangers could be without cover for goalkeeper Chris Day, as the usual number two, Jake Cole, is struggling to be fit. However, the side is likely to be unchanged from midweek. And Stoke boss Tony Pulis sees the visitors as a real threat to his team's unbeaten home record, insisting: "No doubts, QPR are one of the divisions form teams at the moment.'
I think there will be a few goals in this one but the stats suggest a draw and I go along with that.
Brighton v Sheffield United
With Adam Virgo converted from centre-half to centre-forward, Brighton have moved away from the foot of the table. Sheffield United, however, are still struggling for consistency. The visitors are likely to give debuts to new signings Danny Cadamarteri and Emanuele Garbriel, but I think the Blades will do well to come away from the south coast with a point.
Cardiff v Leeds
Two of the pre-season promotion favourites are struggling to justify that tag, City more so than Leeds. Graham Kavanagh and Alan Lee are both suspended while Gary O'Neill, on loan from Porstmouth, will make his Cardiff debut. With Rob Earnshaw now at West Brom goals have been in short supply for the Bluebirds and I think the crucial battle will be between the two defences. Leeds have a better record in that department so I go for an away win.
Crewe v Watford
Danny Webber is the Championship's top scorer and most of Watford's attacking threat comes from him. Crewe, on the other hand, have two in-form strikers in Dean Ashton and Steve Jones. Still seeking a first home win, the Alex will be boosted by the midweek success at Rotherham, but it may come down to which defence handles the opposing attack best. Full-back Jon Ostenboor, on loan from Liverpool, will make his debut for Crewe, while Watford should be unchanged. I think Crewe may just shade it, 3-2.
Leicester City v Preston
City's recent improvement has seen them climb up to 10th, a point ahead of Preston, whose recent form earned Billy Davies the manager's job on a permanent basis. The Walkers Stadium hasn't yet become the fortress Micky Adams wants and Preston are a tough team to beat these days. Jordan Stewart and David Connolly are both suspended for City. Marlon Broomes and Andy Smith should return for North End. I think this one will be a draw.
Millwall v Nottingham Forest
After the trauma of their trip to Hungary, there is a danger Millwall could suffer a European hangover on Saturday. They will be without Danny Dichio, but may well still be too good for Forest, who have just one win to their name so far and don't travel too well. If the Lions can recover from their midweek disappointment, this will be a home win.
Plymouth v Gillingham
Peter Gilbert and David Norris are back in contention for Plymouth, who need to start winning again fast before they drop any closer to the relegation zone, while the Gills must do likewise to stay ahead of the bottom four. Adam Nowland, on loan from West Ham, will make his Gillingham debut. Home advantage should ensure the points for Argyle.
Reading v Burnley
The Royals will be without Adie Williams (hamstring) and Lloyd Owusu (knee), and the league leaders will find Burnley no pushovers. Under Steve Cotterill, the Clarets have lost only twice this season and they will be a tough nut to crack, especially with defender Michael Duff back from suspension and striker Robbie Blake fit again. But if Reading have the self-belief that they are top on merit, they should win.
Sunderland v Derby
I cannot see anything but a convincing win for the Black Cats. They seem to get a lift playing at home, while Derby seem to blow hot and cold. Gary Breen is suspended but Marcus Stewart should return after recovering from the hamstring problem that has kept him out of the last two games. Derby are without Inigo Idiakez (ankle) and Mo Konjic, who is still struggling with knee and thigh problems.
West Ham United v Wolves
Despite the disparity in the league positions of the two sides, I actually think Wolves will win this one. Maybe it's something to do with the Hammers great reliance on Teddy Sheringham. Wolves will give a debut to Mikkel Biscoff, who is on loan from Manchester City.
Wigan v Rotherham
If Wigan don't win this one against bottom club Rotherham, the phrase 'home banker will never again be used in these divisional previews. Gary Teale has a knee injury so is missing, while Rotherham will be sweating on Mark Burchill, who was injured against Crewe. Rotherham were taken apart by Crewe strikers Ashton and Jones in midweek, and Millers boss Ronnie Moore knows that Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts are a whole different ball game.
