Championship, Round 46
B-Challenge
England – Championship
Matchday 46 Preview (04/05/24, 12:30 pm CET)
Birmingham vs Norwich
St. Andrew’s Stadium gears up for the game of the year: win and hope, otherwise it's a plunge into League One for Birmingham. Gary Rowett's men have scraped together 5 points in the last three outings, with two 'bittersweet' draws: the 0-0 stalemate against Rotherham was full of regrets, while there was a true reaction in the last match against Huddersfield (1-1) – effectively sealing the fate of the hosts to relegation. Now the Blues find themselves one point behind Plymouth and three behind Sheffield and Blackburn combined, but in case of a tie, they rely on a better goal difference. It's unwise to count without the host, in this case, a serene Norwich, although not yet technically qualified for the playoffs. "Mathematics doesn't allow us to relax," says Mister Wagner, keeping the focus high in the yellow-green camp. "We'll play hard on Saturday: we want to win and finish as high as possible." While Norwich has only lost 2 of the last 16 matches, even with a narrow loss at Birmingham, they will still finish among the top 6 – seventh-placed Hull could catch them, but it's unlikely they'll surpass them in goal difference (+16 to +9 at the moment). Considering also the home performance of the Blues (33 points, the tenth-best score in the league), a draw or a home win seems likely. Even so, Birmingham might need more: fans' prayers for Jay Stansfield, with 12 goals this season, including 2 in the last 2 matches at St. Andrew’s.
Coventry vs QPR
Holiday atmosphere in Coventry. Wright and his teammates haven't won any of their last 6 official matches, and with the two seasonal goals gone – playoffs plus FA Cup dream – they've crashed. "The problem is we concede too many goals (57 in the league)," says Mark Robins, already looking ahead to next season. "If we concede that many, it's hard to win: we'll have to work on this in the summer." On the other hand, there's total euphoria at QPR after their best performance of the season: a resounding 4-0 win against highly-rated Leeds secures their safety with a game to spare. Mister Cifuentes applauds his boys' grand finale. "I knew I wasn't crazy: we achieved something remarkable, but this team has important values." Now they travel to Coventry with light hearts, in a match where both teams have nothing to ask for except to end with pride. Expectations of goals, with the balance cautiously tipping towards the home team.
Ipswich vs Huddersfield
Cameron Burgess's scrappy goal could be worth a whole season for Town, who thanks to that goal in the second half, steal the win against Coventry (1-2) and bring themselves within one point of mathematical promotion to the Premier League. "Having earned 93 points in 45 matchdays is extraordinary," says Kieran McKenna, the architect of the potential double promotion. "We didn't imagine such an immediate impact: our only certainty was to keep playing our football. Now Portman Road is gearing up for the big day, against a Huddersfield practically already relegated: the home draw against Birmingham (1-1) seals their fate, second to last with 45 points and potentially punished even if they catch up with Plymouth on 48 points (the goal difference of -27 to -12 is insurmountable in 90 minutes). "Some of the boys lack heart, passion, and the will to fight," the coach blamed his players during the week. Not the best introduction to facing a big team. Ipswich might be tired – they haven't won in the last 4 matches before Tuesday – but they already have one foot over the finish line: it's hard to imagine they won't secure at least the point they need to celebrate.
Leeds vs Southampton
Psychodrama looms in the United camp: the collapse against QPR (4-0) risks costing Daniel Farke's boys dearly in terms of automatic promotion. Now Leeds are tasked with beating Southampton at Elland Road (tough, but doable) and at the same time hoping for a Huddersfield win at Ipswich (a miracle). "I don't believe some players have thrown in the towel," the coach analyzes. "Sure, there's great self-criticism after the last match, but it's important not to lose our composure and look at the bigger picture: my goal is to restore the club to where it belongs, one way or another." And so the clash against the Saints could become an appetizer between the two top favorites for the playoffs: it's certain that the visitors already have their sights set on the post-season, given their 3 consecutive defeats with 8 goals conceded. "There's unity of purpose and awareness of our abilities: the fans believe in us," Mister Martin appeals after the disappointing 0-1 against Stoke. Ready for an unstable big match. Southampton is already fourth and content, Leeds will have to push hard despite several injury absences: a medium-to-high-scoring scenario, with the hosts favored until bad news arrives from Ipswich.
Leicester vs Blackburn
Foxes jubilation, and it couldn't be without the timeless Jamie Vardy: his brace drags Leicester to a 3-0 victory against Preston, securing promotion to the Premier League with a game to spare – promotion had already arrived with Leeds' simultaneous stumble, but so be it. "We've achieved something far from obvious," Enzo Maresca is pleased. "And we've done it by following a precise game plan, often starting one way and finishing another – tactically speaking – depending on the opponent: I believe having a constant Plan B has earned us at least 15 more points." And now Leicester, by winning on Saturday, could also indulge in reaching the 100-point mark: they would only be the sixth team to do so in Championship history. King’s Power Stadium is getting ready to party, against a Blackburn that can't afford to be a sacrificial lamb. The recent 0-0 draw against Coventry is valuable but doesn't yet guarantee safety for Rovers: a point will be enough for mathematical safety, maybe even none if good news comes from other fields. "The goal is in our hands," mister Eustace charges. "It's fantastic to go and play everything at the champions' home: compact we can achieve a positive result." Keep an eye on the top scorer Szmodics (already 25, unstoppable), with the Foxes' defense potentially relaxed. But in the end, finishing without a win would be a bit bitter for this Leicester: confidence is key.
Middlesbrough vs Watford
With authority, Boro scores four at Cardiff (1-4) and clinches the eighth spot in the standings. A growing momentum for Carrick's men, who, once they've recovered from injuries, have sent a clear message to the Championship: this team will have promotion ambitions next year. High morale also in the Watford camp, after the win against Sunderland (1-0) that celebrates Tom Cleverley
's contract extension – who, along with Carrick, formed the midfield of Manchester United. "We got the win last weekend, but we didn't play particularly well: now we want to finish with a great performance," the coach isn't satisfied. A high level of uncertainty in this game, with all scenarios on the table: both teams won't have any particular objectives, but they're among the most in-form teams at the moment. Middlesbrough boasts the best performance in the league in the last 10 (19 points), while the Hornets have stepped up since mid-March. And if the hosts have lost only one match in the last 11, the visitors have lost only one in the last 8: those seeking a risky bet might opt for a draw.
Plymouth vs Hull
Safety and playoffs, intertwined destinies between Birmingham and Plymouth. After the defeat at Millwall (1-0), Argyle will have to get a result against Hull to be certain of staying in the Championship. Otherwise, they'll have to hope for Birmingham's failure against Norwich: he who helps himself, helps three, in these cases. "A lot is going through our heads and hearts," mister Dewsnip admits the delicacy of the moment. Just two weeks ago, the Pilgrims thought they had the finish line in hand, after their feat against league leaders Leicester. Then two consecutive defeats and everything to redo. It will be tough against Hull, technically superior and obliged to win to keep their hopes alive for sixth place: Rosenior's men have just nailed Ipswich with a spectacular 3-3, showing they're in great shape. Especially with Noah Ohio, a wildcard with 2 decisive goals in the last 2 substitute appearances. Given Plymouth's wobbliness, the clarity of the visitors might prevail over the hunger of the hosts: a propensity for a draw or an away win.
Rotherham vs Cardiff
The goal drought continues for bottom-placed Rotherham, who also fell at Bristol (2-0, their 29th defeat in the league) and haven't scored in the last 5 matches. For the red and white team, the only slim consolation might be bidding farewell to the Championship with a positive result in front of their home crowd: difficult but not impossible against a Cardiff already looking to the next season. Last weekend, the Welsh were overwhelmed away by Middlesbrough (1-4), and during the week, the only thing keeping the atmosphere on edge was Erol Bulut's contract renewal: "The early signs are encouraging, we'll continue to talk about it in the coming days," explains the coach. "But here we started building something important from a winning mentality: the intention is to take the next step together." If Cardiff triumphs at Rotherham, they'll finish in the left side of the table (currently 62 points) signaling their summer ambitions. The important thing is that the team truly shows up for the match: technical gap aside, it would be misleading to expect an easy win for the visitors. But at least a point is reasonable to expect.
Stoke vs Bristol
A coup at Southampton (0-1), a second consecutive victory, and Stoke celebrates, with a game to spare, a safety that at a certain point in the season seemed seriously in doubt. "Now let's finish strong in front of our fans," says Mister Schumacher, not content. The final match of this season will be against an equally in-form opponent: Bristol has never lost in the last 7, conceding only 2 goals. "There's a lot of good in our finish, we'll have to make the most of it for the next Championship," smiles Liam Manning. In the meantime, the Robins have acquired considerable maturity, showing they can hold their own against even stronger teams – highlighted by their 1-0 win against Leicester in the 39th. Prepare for a high-level match, potentially tight between two teams that are working better defensively than offensively. But with the goal achieved, Stoke could take a breather, and the momentum of Bristol is impressive: cautiously, towards a draw or an away win.
Sunderland vs Sheffield
On the brink of a masterpiece. Sheffield doesn't falter, surprises WBA, and bids farewell to their home crowd with a notable 3-0 victory: on Saturday, they'll need at least a point for mathematical safety. Unthinkable, given their disastrous start to the season and the limitations of the squad. But the arrival of Danny Rohl in the dugout changed everything. And in the last 20, Wednesday has almost pulled off a playoff-level performance (31 points). "If we're not ready to show our opponents how strong we are, how much mentality we have, then we'll risk big. But I know if we are ourselves, we'll have excellent chances of making it," the coach feels the finish line. On the other side, Sunderland under Dodds, ad interim, is closing out a season that started well beyond disappointment: 56 points, 52 goals scored and conceded. The Black Cats have lost two consecutive matches 1-0, but generally have found balance by lowering the pace: 8 of Sunderland's last 9 matches have ended without either team scoring. Signs for another match with a medium-to-low score, with Sheffield – even a defeat could be enough – ready to take what they need.
Swansea vs Millwall
Swansea doesn't give up an inch, after 3 consecutive victories they impose a 2-2 draw at home against a Norwich not yet certain of the playoffs. "Let's finish this streak unbeaten, attacking hard in the last match in front of our fans," appeals Mister Williams. In Wales, an equally 'on fire' Millwall will arrive, who against Plymouth (1-0) secured their fourth consecutive victory, earning Neil Harris the nomination for best manager of the month in this Championship. "We keep playing freely and having fun," the coach smiles. A classic end-of-season joyful clash: 57 points to 56, Swansea leading and Millwall behind, the desire to play football will prevail. All options on the table, therefore, with the home crowd waiting to see some goals.
WBA vs Preston
A very delicate moment for Albion: the collapse against Sheffield (3-0, the third consecutive defeat) slides the blue and white to sixth place with more than a few risks in terms of playoffs. "We've trained all week, we have a few players unavailable but we're ready," mister Corberan doesn't lose concentration. On Saturday, they'll need at least a point against a Preston also in freefall, fortunately for WBA: 4 consecutive defeats with no goals scored. Losing the direct clash against Norwich, last chance for the playoffs, it's evident that Lowe's boys have thrown in the towel. Physiological, given that the technical value of the squad is probably lower than the current tenth place. It would be surprising then to see a last-minute burst of energy: with no downpour of goals on the horizon, be prepared for a match tilted towards the hosts. Who remain superior in quality and motivation. Unless there's an authentic sporting suicide.