Championship Preview
Thursday, 28th Aug 2008 22:21

After a mixed week for Championship Clubs in the Carling Cup, LFW's takes a look ahead to this weekends fixtures in the Coca Cola Championship.

This week’s fixtures follow hot on the heels of a midweek Carling Cup programme and yet again, there were more Championship casualties. Coventry, Bristol City, Palace, Preston, Wolves and Birmingham were all firmly shown the door. The draw for the 3rd Round is at Noon this Saturday and yes, QPR will be in it!!!

Moving swiftly on and we will start with the live games and Sky, yet again have pulled off an absolute masterstroke. Okay, Southampton v Blackpool looks an interesting enough fixture, but to force Blackpool supporters to travel all the way down to the South Coast, for a 12.45 kick off, is just shocking!!

The evening kick off is also an interesting looking clash from Vicarage Road as Watford take on Ispwich. Watford’s form looks pretty decent at home with a win in the league over Charlton and two Carling Cup wins. Ipswich however, will be glad to be back on the road this weekend following two home defeats in two home games, which is twice as many home defeats in the league than the whole of last season.

After three games, leaders Birmingham take the only 100% record in the Championship to Carrow Road to take on Norwich who are yet to record a win, but got a more than creditable draw away at Cardiff last weekend. Second placed Wolves take on Forest in what is arguably the game of the day at Molinuex. Wolves have started well with two wins and a draw so far, whereas Forest have adjusted to life in the Championship well with four points from three games, their first win coming last week with a 3-2 home victory over Watford.

The only team in the Championship without a single point are Barnsley, who this week must fancy their chances to finally get off the ground with a home tie against Derby. The Rams have had a wretched start with just one point from three games following their relegation from the Premier League last season. They will surely take some heart however, following a decent win away at Preston in the Carling Cup midweek.

Championship Fixtures in Full;

Saturday, 30 August 2008

Barnsley v Derby County, 15:00

Bristol City v Queens Park Rangers, 15:00

Burnley v Plymouth Argyle, 15:00

Doncaster Rovers v Coventry, 15:00

Norwich City v Birmingham City, 15:00

Preston v Charlton, 15:00

Reading v Crystal Palace, 15:00

Sheff Utd v Cardiff City 15:00

Southampton v Blackpool 12:45

Swansea City v Sheffield Wednesday, 15:00