Coca Cola Championship Previews
QPR v West Ham This is the big one for the weekend as West Ham, one of the pre-season promotion favourites for promotion, take on the in-form team of the Coca Cola Championship, QPR, on their own patch.
Rangers won six consecutive league games before the break for internationals, as the team swept up the table into the play-off zone and fourth place, and will prove a stiff test at Loftus Road. The incentive for the Hammers, should they need it, is the fact they trail Rangers by two points, back in fifth place.
Marcus Bignot, who, in the words of his manager Ian Holloway, is playing the best football of his life, says that the team will have no problem rediscovering their pre-break form. He says: "The way we train when we have the international break is different to what we do in the lead up to games normally. So I do not think it will hinder us."
Bignot believes that this fixture is one of the 'big games' the Rangers players relished when they looked at the forthcoming games in the summer.
"We are above them now and if we can finish ahead of them at the end of the season we will be looking at promotion. Although West Ham are not top of the league at the moment I think every professional in this division would fancy them to go up. These were the kind of games we were looking forward to when we were promoted."
I think this is going to be a tough test for both teams and will give significant indication as to long term hopes and ambitions, as far as promotion is concerned. Home advantage should favour Rangers but I have a sneaking feeling it will be a draw.
Sunderland v Millwall
Sunderland have clawed their way up to seventh in the table and must not pass up the chance to keep up their momentum. Millwall have slipped a little but only because they have played less games. Barry Hayles could be back for the Lions after his midweek reserve run-out. But I fancy Sunderland, just.
Cardiff v Rotherham
Cardiff , struggling second from bottom, cannot afford to slip up against bottom club Rotherham, although the stats would indicate a draw. Ronnie Moore has failed to lure Dele Adebola to Millmoor but the Millers are boosted by news of new ownership so they could celebrate with a win, they certainly need it, having gone 12 games without a three-pointer thus far.
Coventry v Leicester
Dave Bassett and his new assistant, Howard Wilkinson, take charge of Leicester's first game post-Micky Adams. Although the Foxes are six places higher than the Sky Blues only three points separate the sides and this could be a scrappy local derby. Claus Jorgensen is out of the Coventry side after injuring a rib whilst on international duty with the Faroe Islands. I take Coventry, just.
Crewe v Brighton
Richard Walker has an ankle injury so Dario Gradi has been trying to get a centre half in as the Alex seek their third win in a row. Brighton have climbed well clear of the bottom three and should provide stiff opposition for Crewe although Dario feels they are a team 'Crewe can beat'. I agree 'D'.
Derby v Watford
Derby have taken Isaac Okoronkwo on trial as Mo Konjic is still struggling with injury and fellow centre back Tom Huddlestone is doubtful with an ankle problem. Watford are sweating on the fitness of striker Omari Coleman after he was injured in reserve action. A draw methinks.
Ipswich v Burnley
The last thing Burnley wanted in the build up to this game was speculation that manager Steve Cotterill is being linked with the manager's job at Leicester. Ipswich are unstoppable at home and I can't see the Clarets spoiling that record.
Leeds v Preston North End
Interesting scenario for this one. Leeds want Preston striker David Healy but North End say the £100,000 bid is derisory. So the Northern Ireland international will probably line up against his former Deepdale teammate Sean Gregan. I think Leeds will shade this encounter.
Plymouth v Wigan
What a cracker this promises to be. Early leaders Argyle against the team currently top of the pile. For the home side David Norris should be fit after a recent thigh injury and two goals in midweek reserve action indicates he should play. Jason Roberts returns for Wigan after a finger operation and Nicky Eaden faces a race against time to be fit after injuring a hamstring in training. I can't see Wigan losing so a draw it must be.
Stoke v Reading
Sixth hosts third and Reading will know they are in for a battle but that contest should be a tad easier with the suspension stared by City centre half Gerry Taggart. Reading should welcome back skipper Adie Williams who has recovered from a hamstring problem. Reading will do well to take a point at the Britannia Stadium, but I think they will.
