Wolves v Leeds
This is my game of the day and not just because both teams were relegated from the Premiership meaning this is, in essence, almost a Premier League fixture. I think it's such a big game because of its importance in the context of the start to the campaign by both sides.
Leeds, roared on by a huge crowd and the emotion that aroused, swept to victory over Derby on the opening day, while Wolves lost to Stoke. In midweek, Leeds had a reality check when they were beaten at Gillingham, while Wolves hit back from 2-0 down to claim a point against Preston.
Hence this game could be so crucial for each side. August sees the teams in this division play six games, with a healthy points total available for any team that can reach the month's end unbeaten. Conversely, any team that reaches September without a win could find themselves with considerable ground to make up on the leading pack.
Wolves need to beat Leeds, if only to get the psychological boost of that first win, while United would happily settle for a draw at Molineux because that would mean a fairly decent return of four points out of nine.
Dave Jones' team is in the midst of such an injury crisis, notably to his strikers, that he has called youth team players Keith Lowe and Kevin O'Connor into the squad for this game. If either makes as big an impact as Leon Clarke, who marked his league debut with a goal against Preston, then the manager will be delighted.
Stephen Crainey, who was an unused substitute at Gillingham, stands by to make his Leeds bow, but Mark Kennedy will be missing from the Wolves line up after damaging medial ligaments against Preston.
I think this will finish as a draw, mainly because Wolves are so down on firepower.
Brighton v Coventry
Brighton's Dan Harding is suspended after being sent-off against Plymouth and Charlie Otaway has a hamstring problem, but the home side are expected to recall Ben Roberts in goal after his recent back problem. Coventry crashed at Cardiff in midweek and need to win, which I forecast they will.
Cardiff v Plymouth
I think Cardiff will extend their unbeaten start to the season at the expense of Plymouth's, although the Pilgrims are yet to concede a goal. But the atmosphere at Ninian Park will favour the home side for whom Peter Thorne is back in contention.
Derby v Ipswich
Two defeats out of two isn't what George Burley expected from the start of the season and not what he would have wanted going into a game against his former club, especially as Joe Royle's side are unbeaten so far. Burley has no new injury problems and may benefit from the thigh injury that will keep Town's influential skipper, Jim Magilton, out of the game. I think Derby might just shade this one.
Gillingham v Preston
Preston are on a bit of a roll with four points out of six so far and, if Ricardo Fuller returns in time from America to play, I think North End could extend their unbeaten start. Gillingham will be without Nicky Southall and Nyron Nosworthy, but Ian Cox could be back in contention for a place.
Millwall v Leicester
Millwall, without a win, and Leicester, unbeaten, has all the makings of a cracker. City's credentials for promotion will be severely tested by a Lions side that sits fourth from the bottom. Not a place for weak hearts on Saturday. I take Millwall to dent City pride.
Nottingham Forest v Crewe
Heart says Crewe, head says Forest. Joe Kinnear's side has a little more quality about it than the Alex and that could be the deciding factor. I go for a home win, especially as The Railwaymen had a long, pointless trek to Sunderland in midweek but, with Dean Ashton around, you can never totally discount Crewe.
Rotherham v Stoke
Millmoor will definitely not be a place for the faint-hearted. Both teams are unbeaten, although the Millers have yet to win. Stoke are a strong and powerful unit and may just have too much firepower for the home side, especially as Gifton Noel-Williams is available after his three-match ban was overturned. Rotherham welcome back Shaun Barker after a toe injury, but they will be without Andy Monkhouse.
Sheffield United v Reading
The Blades, though unbeaten, are still without a win, but I think that will change on Saturday. New signing Paul Thirlwell is out with a groin injury, while Simon Francis is unavailable. With their fanatical home support I tip the Blades to take the honours in this one.
Sunderland v QPR
Sunderland will look to build on their midweek victory over Crewe with another home win and, with QPR struggling to adjust to this division, I think the Black Cats will take the points. The club signed centre-half Neil Collins from Dumbarton this week and he is set for his debut, but Rangers will have to give late fitness tests to strikers Tony Thorpe and Jamie Cureton.
Watford v Burnley
Not much to choose between these two sides. Burnley haven't really impressed in their two games so far, but Watford did a thoroughly professional job in beating QPR on Monday and I expect them to follow up with another win. However, the Hornets must keep a close eye on Ian Moore, who can win a game in an instant.
West Ham v Wigan
Both teams won in midweek but Wigan's victory at Millwall was more impressive than West Ham's success over Reading. Although it's still very early, I think whichever team wins this game will gain so much confidence for the campaign ahead that it could almost be pivotal in the season for each club.
