CREWE v WEST HAM
I don't know what it is, but most games involving West Ham seem to be candidates for the match of the day in the Coca Cola Championship. Perhaps it's down to the under-achievement since the club was relegated from the Premier League or perhaps it's because of the quality of players Alan Pardew has to call on.
Whatever it is I will be at Gresty Road, sorry can't get used to calling it the Alexandra Stadium, on Saturday for what promises to be an intriguing clash between two sides renowned for the way they play football. It doesn't always work for Crewe, and West Ham can also be tarred with the same brush, but this should be a clash of 'like minds' and philosophy which, if the teams play to potential, could be a cracker.
Certainly Mark Rivers, three goals in his last two games, will be relishing it as he seems closer to match fitness following his return to Crewe from Norwich and so will Dean Ashton.
There's only one worry for Dario Gradi and that is the fitness of Keith Briggs, on loan from Norwich. He is short of match fitness following hamstring problems at the start of the season, but Crewe are boosted by the return of Adie Moses after he shook off a thigh injury. Ben Rix, who has recovered from shin splints, is set for the bench.
David Vaughn's stomach strain caused him to withdraw from Wales' Under 21 duty in midweek so he is doubtful.
West Ham are enduring a defensive crisis, off the field. Andy Melville was injured playing for Wales and Christian Dailly has had a knee operation. The Michael Carrick situation remains in limbo but Alan Pardew has taken Rangers full back Maurice Ross on trial with a view to making it a loan signing.
The Hammers have more experience and that can count for a lot against Crewe but if Dario's team can sustain any kind of momentum they could secure a first win of the season.
BURNLEY v WOLVES
Steve Cotterill has no new injury worries and Micah Hyde (Jamaica) and Michael Duff (Northern Ireland) are expected to return from international duty in time for the game. Burnley have two home draws behind them while Wolves are still seeking a first win of the season. Looks like a draw to me.
COVENTRY v MILLWALL
Calum Davidson is set to return after recovering from a sore toe but Eric Deloureaux is still out with a hamstring problem. Millwall are stretched to the limit and may have to rest Josh Simpson and Adrian Serioux, who have been on international duty with Canada this week. Peter Sweeney returned late from international duty with Scotland's Under 21s and may also miss out. To make matters worse for Dennis Wise Paul Ifill is still out with a calf injury. Home win.
IPSWICH v CARDIFF
Joe Royle has been sweating on the fitness of Jim Magilton and Jason De Vos. Magilton, who has not played this season due to a torn thigh muscle, has trained this week and could feature. De Vos has a stress fracture of the fibula but still hasn't ruled himself out of the game. Cardiff's Welsh trio of Rob Earnshaw, Daniel Gabbidon and Paul Kerr all withdrew from the Wales game Against Latvia, through injury, but are likely to be fit for Portman Road. I go for a draw.
LEEDS v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Kevin Blackwell has to make a decision between Clarke Carlisle and Matthew Kilgallon as to who partners Peter Butler in the heart of the defence, with Michael Duberry suspended. Matt Spring is expected to make his Leeds debut after recovering from a hamstring problem. It will be a difficult game for Leeds as Forest have lost just two of their 20 games under Joe Kinnear, who has no fresh injury problems as Forest seek their first win of the season. I think Leeds will win this one.
LEICESTER v WATFORD
Micky Adams has been sweating on the fitness of Keith Gillespie after he was injured playing for Northern Ireland. But at least the Foxes manager has seen the return, unscathed, of Nikos Dabizas, David Connolly and Joey Gudjonsson. Sean Dyche is in contention after recovering from a rib injury and Neil Ardley and Neil Cox should be back. Watford have made a decent enough start to the campaign but Leicester are desperate for a win and I think they will take the points.
PLYMOUTH v SUNDERLAND
Bobby Williamson is expected to field a side unchanged from that which beat Cardiff last week but Sunderland will give late fitness checks to a number of players; Mart Poom, Stephen Wright, Steve Caldwell, Jeff Whitley, John Oster and Kevin Kyle. This will be as tough a test for the Black Cats as it will for Plymouth. I think it will end all square.
QPR v DERBY
Gareth Ainsworth is doubtful so Lee Cook is expected to deputise for Rangers. Derby's Jamie Vincent, after a succession of thigh and hamstring injuries, is expected to miss out and Mo Konjic is still out with a knee problem. I think Rangers will win this one.
READING v ROTHERHAM
Fourth-placed Reading will expect to build on their fine start to the campaign. Andy Hughes could return to the side after recovering form a groin injury but Graham Murty is doubtful. Rotherham's Phil Gilchrist is their only major doubt, with an ankle injury. Reading to win, sorry Ronnie.
STOKE v GILLINGHAM
There are no fresh injury worries for Tony Pulis who will be seeking to extend the Potters' unbeaten start to the campaign at the expense of the club that sacked him. Gillingham have plenty to choose from as Ian Cox, Alan Poulton and David Perpetuini all return. But Nyron Nosworthy is out with a groin strain and Mark Saunders, with a broken leg, is likely to miss the entire season. Stoke should win this one.
WIGAN v BRIGHTON
Wigan expect to be unchanged while Brighton welcome back Leon Knight from suspension. Knight, last season's leading scorer, is set to line up alongside Maketa Molango up front with Jake Robinson dropping down to the bench. Brighton will also have Dan Harding back from suspension. Wigan will be too strong for the Seagulls; home win.
