Bristol City vs. Cardiff (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Bristol City play host to Cardiff City in the Severnside derby looking to improve on a sequence of three defeats from their last four Championship fixtures.
While the home side sit in 16th position in the standings, the Bluebirds are four places and seven points behind after a five-game winless streak.
We say: Bristol City 1-1 Cardiff City
The pressure is on the shoulders of Cardiff more so than Bristol City, but that is something which could stimulate an improved performance. Nevertheless, we can only back this contest to end in a competitive draw.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Nott'm Forest vs. Derby (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Nottingham Forest head into their East Midlands showdown with Derby County looking for the victory which could get them back into the hunt for the Championship playoffs.
Despite their ongoing off-the-pitch troubles, Derby have put together a five-match unbeaten streak in the Championship, moving the club to within eight points of safety.
We say: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Derby County
Despite the difference in league positions, this should be regarded as 50-50 contest, and Derby will relish the chance to get one over their hosts. Nevertheless, we feel that Forest might just edge this contest, potentially by the odd goal in three.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Birmingham vs. Barnsley (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Two of the Championship's most out-of-form sides meet on Saturday afternoon as Birmingham City host Barnsley.
The Blues (18th) and the Tykes (24th) have picked up just five points between them over the last six matches so will be desperate to get a win on the board at St. Andrew's.
We say: Birmingham City 0-0 Barnsley
In truth, it is hard to see either side having the confidence or the quality to win this game. It is more likely that Birmingham will get the three points, but the Blues will be physically and mentally drained after a three-game week and the thrashing at Fulham. We are going for a draw that does neither team much good.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Blackpool vs. Millwall (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
A mid-table battle between two out-of-form Championship sides will take place at Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon as Blackpool host Millwall.
The Tangerines have lost three of their last four games across all competitions, conceding at least twice on each occasion, while the Lions are hoping to avoid three successive defeats at the beginning of the New Year for the first time since 1948.
We say: Blackpool 1-1 Millwall
Both sides are struggling with several absentees so neither will be at full strength for Saturday's contest, which could prove to be an open game at Bloomfield Road. With little to separate these two out-of-form teams, a score draw could be on the cards.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Stoke vs. Fulham (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Leaders Fulham make the trip to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City looking to continue their remarkable scoring record in the Championship.
While the Cottagers hold a five-point lead at the top of the standings, Stoke are four points adrift of the playoffs with a game in hand.
We say: Stoke City 0-2 Fulham
Regardless of who they are playing, it is simply not realistic to back against Fulham in second-tier action right now. While we feel that Stoke will put up a stronger fight than Fulham's previous opponents, we still expect another three points for the West Londoners.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
West Brom vs. Peterborough (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
West Bromwich Albion play host to Peterborough United on Saturday afternoon looking to end a four-match winless streak in the Championship.
While the Baggies currently occupy a position in the playoffs, Peterborough remain in the relegation zone after posting successive defeats.
We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Peterborough United
Despite the difference in league positions, this feels like it could be a close game, and Peterborough will feel that they can take advantage of their opponent's poor form. However, we have to back West Brom to hold their nerve, possibly edging this contest in the closing stages when Posh may settle for a point.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Coventry vs. QPR (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Championship playoff contenders Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers go head-to-head at the CBS Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Sky Blues are currently ninth in the table and five points behind the top six but with two games in hand over sixth-place Middlesbrough, while the Hoops are fourth.
We say: Coventry City 2-2 Queens Park Rangers
This should be a fascinating encounter between two well-coached sides with big aspirations. QPR have momentum following three consecutive wins, but Coventry's confidence will also be high after easing past Peterborough. We cannot separate them, so are predicting an entertaining draw.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Reading vs. Huddersfield (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Huddersfield Town will be aiming to break back into the Championship playoffs when they travel to struggling Reading on Saturday afternoon.
The Terriers are currently seventh in the table and a point behind the top six, while the Royals are 21st and just three points above the relegation zone.
We say: Reading 0-1 Huddersfield Town
Spirits are at rock-bottom at Reading at the moment and it is difficult to see anything other than another defeat for the Royals, particularly against a Huddersfield side who thrashed them earlier in the season and have proven hard to beat of late.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Swansea vs. Preston (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Swansea City will welcome Preston North End to the Liberty Stadium for their Championship encounter on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts have picked up just one point from their last 12 available, while the visitors have claimed eight points under new head coach Ryan Lowe in the same period.
We say: Swansea City 1-1 Preston North End
With both teams almost at full strength, Saturday's contest will be a difficult one to call despite their contrasting runs of form.
Swansea will be desperate to end their five-game winless streak, however, they may have to settle for just a point against a resurgent Preston outfit.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Sheff Utd vs. Luton (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Sheffield United supporters will be relishing their first game at Bramall Lane since November 28, when their side play host to Luton Town in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams could not be separated in the reverse fixture back in August when they played out a goalless draw at Kenilworth Road.
We say: Sheffield United 1-1 Luton Town
Both sides will fancy their chances of claiming all three points this weekend, with Luton heading into this fixture in better form than the hosts.
However, with little to separate these two teams, an entertaining score draw could be on the cards at Bramall Lane.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Bournemouth vs. Hull City (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Bournemouth host Hull City on Saturday afternoon as they aim to make up ground on Championship leaders Fulham.
The Cherries are currently second in the table and five points behind the Cottagers, while the Tigers are 19th and have been rejuvenated by confirmation of a takeover.
We say: Bournemouth 2-1 Hull City
The boost that Hull's takeover will give the club should not be underestimated and they should provide a stern test for Bournemouth, but we think that the Cherries will have just too much quality for the Tigers and will come away with the three points.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
