Championship, Round 43
Plymouth vs. Leicester (21/04/12, 8:00 PM CET)
Enzo Maresca doesn't want his players distracted by the standings after the unexpected defeat to Millwall (1-0), slowing Leicester's race to the Premier League. The Italian coach opts for rotation, but the good news is that Ipswich and Leeds also settled for a draw. "We must take it one game at a time, aware of the intensity of this end-of-season stretch. We need to get back to winning ways," he says, eyeing a possible victory against Argyle, another manageable away game for the Foxes. Plymouth, just +2 above the relegation zone, shows signs of confidence after securing two useful results consecutively for the first time in over two months. Coach Dewsnip sees this as a morale boost, signaling a changing tide. For Vardy and his team, winning at Home Park won't be easy, but a positive outcome is plausible, even if not expecting a goal fest.
Leeds vs. Blackburn (24/04/13, 12:30 PM CET)
With just one shot on target against Sunderland, who had conceded five goals in their previous away match, Leeds' performance (0-0) was disappointing. Daniel Farke complains, "There were two clear penalties in our favor: it'll be the sixth time this season the referees send us apology letters after the game, but it doesn't help much." Despite the incidents, it feels like Farke's players are struggling with the physical demands of this final stretch: it was the first time in 18 official games that United failed to score at Elland Road. Another goalless game would spark a crisis, especially against Blackburn, who suffered a heavy defeat (5-0) at Bristol but had shown promise in previous matches (just one loss in the last six). "This setback won't have consequences," the coach downplays. "I see a bad night and a strong group: I expect a significant response." With the third-bottom position now three points closer, it's crucial to resume the fight for survival at Leeds. However, regardless of the technical gap, there's confidence in a home win or at least a draw, with both teams likely to find the net.
Birmingham vs. Coventry
Birmingham faces a crisis as they suffer their sixth defeat in seven games, losing at home to Cardiff (0-1), now languishing second from bottom. "We're too soft in defense and lack personality: it's tough," interim coach Gary Rowett admits. On Saturday, they have a chance at St. Andrew's Stadium, but Coventry will be tough opponents. Despite commenting on their second loss in three games after Southampton's 2-1 win, manager Robins remains optimistic. "It would have been a different story if Wright hadn't slipped on the penalty spot in the first half," he regrets. "It's a setback, but especially after the break, we've shown we're stronger than this." For Coventry, the focus remains on the FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United on April 21, but there's also a playoff comeback to complete. Norwich's simultaneous draw in the midweek fixtures keeps the competition wide open: Robins' side trails by five points with a game in hand. Ready to push hard at Birmingham, where the hosts will give their all but face a significant technical disadvantage. Therefore, the balance leans towards a draw or an away win, with both teams potentially scoring.
Bristol vs. Huddersfield
It's a symphony of goals as Bristol thrashes Blackburn 5-0 at Ashton Gate. "Lots of energy, aggression, and a desire to execute the game plan to perfection: a fantastic performance," compliments Liam Manning. Bristol is in golden form, with four wins and five clean sheets in their last six matches, remarkable for a team comfortably mid-table with 57 points. On the other hand, Huddersfield, after taking the lead at Preston, crumbled 4-1 in the end. "When you defend poorly like we did in the second half, losing many balls and lacking team spirit, it's hard to pick up points," analyzes manager Breitenreiter. Now, Huddersfield, with just one win in their last eight, find themselves level on points with Sheffield in third from bottom. It's unclear how the Terriers will respond under pressure, while Bristol is enjoying a purple patch and playing with confidence. It's an unpredictable and slippery match, despite Bristol being the favorites on paper.
Hull vs. QPR
The 2-2 draw between Hull and Middlesbrough in midweek was both thrilling and bitter. "A real tactical battle, stimulating and enjoyable to play: two points dropped, but we're still in the race," analyzes manager Rosenior. The gap to the playoffs remains the same (six points with a game in hand), but Hull has a chance to make up ground against their competitors at MKM Stadium, where they've only won once in their last nine matches. A quick turnaround is needed, starting on Saturday against a resilient QPR. Conversely, the visitors are unbeaten in their last five away games and nearly pulled off a shock victory at Plymouth (1-1) until the 85th minute. "Two points dropped for us too," echoes Cifuentes, "but we hold onto the strong emotional response after Sheffield's slip-up." The coach highlights offensive issues that have prevented his team from securing safety (+4 points with as many games remaining). But QPR is no pushover: Hull faces another tough challenge, with both teams likely to score and the advantage slightly favoring the visitors.
Ipswich vs. Middlesbrough
It's a missed opportunity as Ipswich settles for a goalless draw against Watford in the midweek fixture, failing to reclaim the top spot. "It was a good performance, and every point is crucial at this stage of the season," remains positive manager McKenna. For the second consecutive game, Ipswich failed to score, perhaps paying the price for some inexperience at the top. But on Saturday, Portman Road will host another crucial match against Middlesbrough. With an eighth consecutive positive result after the 2-2 draw at Hull, Carrick's side is upbeat. "It's a result that leaves us frustrated, but the playoffs are still within our reach," says Michael Carrick. Middlesbrough must make up six points in as many games: tough but not impossible, especially if they continue to climb the table against Ipswich. It promises to be a high-quality match between the surprise package of the Championship and a team in good physical shape. The outcome is uncertain, but expect goals from both sides and no easy victories.
Millwall vs. Cardiff
A spark from Longman at the start of the second half and Millwall rises to the occasion when needed, defeating league leaders Leicester and pushing the relegation zone four points further away. "Some of these players played their best game in this shirt," Manager Harris can be satisfied, having also criticized his team after recent poor results. Saturday sees another match at The Den, a fortress where the Lions have won three of their last four games. The opponent, Cardiff, sits mid-table but performs better away from home, with a similar record in this regard. "We could have scored more," says Erol Bulut, not satisfied after the 1-0 win at Birmingham. "We need to maintain this level of play in the upcoming matches." A physical match is expected, with few goals, as both teams have stronger defenses than attacks. Despite Cardiff's quality, Millwall's hunger for points cannot be underestimated.
Preston vs. Norwich
It's showtime for Milutin Osmajic - entering in the 76th minute, he scores a hat-trick between the 84th and 92nd minutes - and Preston resolves the puzzle of Huddersfield convincingly (4-1). "Pure class and a hunger for revenge: players like these are worth their weight in gold. And Saturday's game will be of paramount importance," Manager Lowe revs up his team. Deepdale's crowd prepares for a heated direct clash: defeating Norwich would bring Preston within three points of sixth place. It's an unexpected achievement this season, but Preston has shown consistency and earned this opportunity. Norwich, on the other hand, is disappointed after conceding a 2-0 lead to Wednesday. "We weren't clinical enough," regrets David Wagner. "We need to learn from it because overall, we've been playing well," with just two losses in the last 13 games, a strong record for the season's finale. Get ready for a real contest: for Preston, technically the underdog, it's the game of their lives; Norwich relies on quality (having scored 19 more goals) but has won just one of their last eight away matches. Avoiding defeat in this 43rd matchday would be acceptable: jot it down in your notebook.
Sheffield vs. Stoke
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Sheffield never gives up. Even in the midweek fixture, from 0-2 down to 2-2 against the much more renowned Norwich, securing a precious point in the relegation battle that now sees Rohl's boys treading water (43 points). "I was bothered by certain statements from the opponents," the manager snaps, after the rival coach labeled his Wednesday side as old-school defense. "Everyone tries to make the best of what they have." And indeed, this Sheffield might have little on paper, but thanks to one of the Championship's finest managerial minds, they're achieving a lot. Stoke, technically superior, is warned, but they're only three points ahead and emotionally diminished after the heavy 3-0 defeat to Swansea. It's a clash for the brave at Hillsborough: despite the uncertainties, one might be inclined to trust Sheffield, who already won the first leg (0-1) and have rarely disappointed against their direct competitors.
Southampton vs. Watford
A stellar first half for the Saints secures victory against Coventry (2-1), ending a four-game winless streak. Russell Martin revels in his team's resurgence and the Premier League attention, with his name linked to the Brighton managerial position after De Zerbi's departure. Summer distractions aside, promotion is the target, most likely through playoffs, as they're set to be seeded. This weekend, Adams and his team return to St. Mary's Stadium, facing a Watford side far from resigned to mid-table anonymity. Their goalless draw against Ipswich, preventing the latter from reclaiming the top spot, marks Watford's fifth consecutive positive result. "We've shown we can compete at the highest levels of this league," says a satisfied Mr. Cleverley, already eyeing a protagonist role next season. Expect another high-paced game in Southampton, where both teams have nothing to lose and everything to gain: a potentially high-scoring affair.
Swansea vs. Rotherham
A reaction was needed, and a reaction was delivered. Swansea regains form, dispatching Stoke with a resounding 3-0 win, putting an end to nightmares of being embroiled in the relegation battle. "This victory must be a turning point: reaching 50 points, we can only aim higher," applauds Mr. Williams. The first match point to end the season on a high arrives Saturday afternoon against a Rotherham already relegated, without an away goal in 443 minutes and seven consecutive defeats. At home, the Swans already ponder League One reconstruction. With a technical and motivational gap between the teams, Swansea's victory is anticipated, perhaps with more than one goal to spare.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Sunderland
The prediction holds true as Albion swiftly deals with Rotherham in the first half (2-0), securing their second consecutive victory after three draws. It's their 11th consecutive result without defeat, excellent credentials to seal their playoff spot with a few rounds to spare. "Returning to victory is a significant emotion," Carlos Corberan smiles, recently named one of Championship's best managers for March. His WBA side plays well, rarely being out of contention in matches and relying on well-tested team mechanisms. They'll need to maintain focus against the resurgent Sunderland, who managed to hold Leeds to a goalless draw away from home against all odds. "Not conceding a single shot on goal to United without being a tough group: we're finding our way back," says the interim Black Cats coach, who, after a disastrous spell, has lost just one of their last five games. The next match will be the toughest yet: the visitors have what it takes to complicate matters, but in the end, West Bromwich Albion's victory is expected.