Championship, Round 39
Bristol-Leicester (03/29/24, 1:30 PM)
Bristol, suffering 5 defeats in their last 6 matches, hopes the break will bring back key midfielders Matty James and Joe Williams. Manager Manning expects at least the former to be fit. They face a Leicester side on the decline, recently caught at the top by Leeds and troubled by off-pitch unrest. Despite good results, coach Enzo Maresca has recently been targeted by some fans. Financial issues loom over the team, potentially leading to a significant penalty next season. “My players are professionals but also human: they read the news like everyone and it doesn’t improve the mood,” admitted the coach during the break. It's his task to bring back serenity after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea and securing only one league win in the last 5: Bristol might be a good start, given the technical and motivational gap, with the white and reds having little left to play for in their season. Thus, an away win by a narrow margin is foreseen, not excluding a goal from the Rovers.
Millwall-WBA (03/29/24, 2:00 PM)
Millwall's run of 4 consecutive positive results was halted at Leeds (2-0). For the Lions, the survival battle is far from over but well underway: Neil Harris confirmed that “the atmosphere is positive and the team has worked well over these weeks of break.” However, an extra effort from The Den's crowd is needed, facing a strong WBA side in a solid playoff position, having lost only one game in their last 10, and starting to collect points away from home. “We feel an incredible motivation,” said captain Jed Wallace during the week, “and Carlos Corberan is a top manager.” A tough clash between two physically fit teams but with a performance gap more significant than the standings suggest: +23 goal difference for WBA, -14 for Millwall. Signs point to a draw or an away victory, not expecting a flood of goals.
Cardiff-Sunderland
Cardiff regrets the loss in the Wales derby (2-0), moving further away from playoff dreams. It seems the team paid the price for the effort of the previous 4 consecutive victories. The break might prove helpful. Sunderland managed to stop the bleeding against QPR (0-0 home draw) after 6 consecutive defeats. The injury of Jack Clarke (15 goals so far) has been a significant blow, and the Black Cats haven't found effective offensive countermeasures yet. A risky game, with Cardiff slightly favored and a low-to-medium scoring match expected: the visitors seem blunt, the hosts lack a designated striker.
Huddersfield-Coventry
More than a warning bell for Huddersfield: failing to win against virtually relegated Rotherham (0-0) complicates survival chances. Andre Breitenreiter tries to stay positive but frankly, his analysis is unconvincing. A reaction is expected on Friday against a Coventry side buzzing from an FA Cup high and consistent league form. Huddersfield faces a tough match but Coventry, with standout player Haji Wright, might secure another positive away outcome.
Hull-Stoke
Hull's performance, more than the result (2-2) against league leaders Leicester, marks 4 consecutive draws: playoffs are at risk despite the club's enthusiasm “for a season where the team rediscovered its identity thanks to manager Rosenior.” Against a Stoke team downsized by a poor game against Norwich (0-3), the upcoming game is crucial. The match is hard to predict: Hull has conceded in 7 of the last 8 games, while Stoke has the third-worst attack in the Championship. Hull is called to win, but a draw, considering Stoke's desperation, isn't out of the question.
Norwich-Plymouth
Norwich, smooth at Stoke (0-3), eyes the playoffs again: 6 wins in the last 10. Coach Wagner has been dealing with some player injuries but reassured about Joshua Sargent's condition. Plymouth, at high risk of capsizing, has only a 2-point lead over the relegation zone and one win in the last 9. “The Championship is ruthless, and these results only add to our frustration,” admits Ian Foster. A difficult correction course at Carrow Road, where Norwich has won 6 in a row: another home success expected, with both teams potentially scoring.
Preston-Rotherham
Preston, with only one defeat in their last 9, approaches the season's end with nothing to lose and everything to gain: 5 points off the sixth place, with a game in hand. Dreaming is allowed. Facing last-place Rotherham, potentially facing mathematical relegation this Easter weekend, Preston is not expected to underestimate the task: a victory for the Lily whites is anticipated, possibly with more than a goal difference.
QPR-Birmingham
A high-stakes survival clash at Loftus Road. QPR, one point ahead, enters this critical match on the back of their best season phase – only 2 defeats in their last 11. Manager Cifuentes confirms that “the team is gaining self-esteem and a hunger for results,” with Sam Field's midfield performances being particularly commendable. The situation is starkly different for Birmingham, winless in 7 games and goalless in 3. The coaching chaos is unprecedented: Gary Rowett, stepping in during the break, is the seventh coach this season for the Blues – Venus was dismissed, not Mowbray who technically remains on medical leave. It's a challenging time for the players, already lacking confidence though not in complete disarray. The match is uncertain, potentially hard-fought, and expected to be low-scoring given the stakes.
Sheffield-Swansea
Sheffield's recent form is concerning: 8 goals conceded and none scored against top teams. However, prior to this, they had 5 wins in 6 matches, keeping their survival hopes alive. With coach Rohl's guidance (35 points in 27 matches), the team would be safe, his leadership compensating for evident squad limitations. Rumors of Sunderland's interest in Rohl have surfaced, adding distraction. Sheffield needs to focus and respond on the field against Swansea, which has little to play for. However, Swansea's victory over Cardiff propels them towards a calm season end, with recent successes pulling them away from the danger zone. A tough match is expected at Hillsborough, with no hints of a scoring frenzy but a balanced result throughout. For those believing in thrilling survivals, a home victory should not be discounted.
Southampton-Middlesbrough
Southampton holds a solid fourth place, with aspirations for direct promotion still alive. They need a high-caliber final sprint, particularly tightening up a defense not among the best (47 goals conceded). Armstrong's impact on the field is significant, making him the most decisive player in the tournament. Middlesbrough faces a challenging test on Friday, complicated by the international break which saw key players injured or fatigued. Despite these setbacks, Middlesbrough has adapted well, making the most of their situation in pursuit of the playoffs. An open game is expected, likely to feature 3 or more goals, with both teams capable of clinching the win.
Blackburn-Ipswich (03/29/24, 6:30 PM)
Blackburn, with 3 consecutive draws and winless in 9, is only 3 points above the relegation zone. Manager Eustace remains hopeful, emphasizing the need for goals from top scorer Szmodics (21 goals so far) against Ipswich. The visitors bounced back from a disappointing loss to Cardiff with a commanding 6-0 victory over Sheffield. With 7 wins in their last 8 and the league's best attack, direct promotion is within reach under McKenna's stewardship. Ipswich doesn't dominate away games but has capitalized on opponents' lapses, a concern for currently vulnerable Blackburn. A draw or an away victory is likely, within a medium-to-high scoring match.
Watford-Leeds (03/29/24, 9:00 PM)
Manager Cleverly sees the recent victory over Birmingham as key, hoping for a swift return of injured players. Watford, with 48 points and recently ending a negative streak, virtually steps closer to safety. They host a Leeds side on a winning streak, aware of controlling their destiny. Watford has struggled at home, while Leeds has been strong away. Without relying on star players, Leeds has the potential to secure the match. A draw or Leeds win is anticipated, without expecting a high-scoring affair.