Championship Preview

LFW looks ahead to the final day of fixtures in the Coca Cola Championship.

Its the final day of the season this Sunday and with so many issues unresolved, it looks like it's going to be one hell of a day! There are untold amounts of permutations, of which if I continue with, will be writing this all night, but will start this week with the fixtures...

Sunday, 4 May, 2008

Blackpool v Watford (14:00)
Bristol City v Preston North End (14:00)
Cardiff City v Barnsley (14:00)
Charlton Athletic v Coventry City (14:00)
Crystal Palace v Burnley (14:00)
Ipswich Town v Hull City (14:00)
Queens Park Rangers v West Bromwich Albion (14:00)
Scunthorpe United v Colchester United (14:00)
Sheffield Wednesday v Norwich City (14:00)
Southampton v Sheffield United (14:00)
Stoke City v Leicester City (14:00)
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Plymouth Argyle (14:00)

Monday night saw West Brom, barring an absolute miracle, promoted to the Premier League and our congratulations go to them. It remains to be seen whether or not the Baggies go up as Champions ans whether the R's will be as generous as they were at Carrow Road last week. Somehow, I don't think so.

Sky have got it just about right (did I just say that?) by selecting Stoke v Leicester as one of the live games. Stoke need just a point to clinch their promotion but will also be wanting to go up as Champions. However, the Foxes must also win to confirm their Championship status next year.

The second Sky game is Ipswich v Hull and another must win for both sides. Ipswich need all three points if they are going to sneak into the play offs, results depending. But Hull will be also be looking for the win and if Stoke slip up, the Tigers will be playing Premier League football next season.

With Hull and Bristol City assured of the play offs, two spaces are up for grabs and Watford, Ipswich, Wolves, Palace, and Sheffield United will all be fighting for them. Wolves take on Plymouth at home, Palace take on Burnley at Selhurst Park. But Sheffield United travel to St Marys to take on third from bottom Southampton, who simply, must win. A point will NOT be good enough for the Saints who have a far inferior goal difference to that of Leicester.

Other sides who are not safe are Sheffield Weds, Blackpool and Coventry. The Owls take on Norwich at home, Coventry travel to Charlton and Blackpool take on Watford, who are on a wretched run and could actually miss out on the play offs if results go against them.

Well, my head is spinning already and we are not even there yet. But it all makes for what is surely the most exciting finish to a Championship season ever!

LFW's Preview of QPR v West Brom will be online soon...

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