The Championship is beginning to really take shape now and we’re beginning to see who could be challenging for promotion to the Premier League and who could be fighting to get away from the trap door to League One.
We’ve seen a good number of shocks already this season, though in the Championship they are probably to be expected more than anywhere else; and you can bet there’ll be far more to come between now and May.
It only takes a short run of form to see a side suddenly fly up the table and there are plenty of teams looking to do that, starting with this weekend.
So, what’s going to happen when the latest round of fixtures kicks-off with Preston against Wigan on Friday night? Well, Football FanCast has the five biggest things you need to look out for in this weekend’s Championship action…
Can Huddersfield continue to set the pace?
Huddersfield beat QPR last time out 2-1 in a game that really suggested they could be in this promotion race for the long haul. They’ve lost just once in eight games and now take their challenge to Reading this weekend. The Royals themselves go into the match in good form with them unbeaten in five so this could be another real test of the Terriers credentials.
Will Blackburn win again?
Blackburn finally won a game last weekend against fellow strugglers Rotherham so the hope for Owen Coyle and his men now will be to get up that table. Whether they can or not starts with a trip to Derby County who are not performing how many thought they would. The Rams lie 20th having lost three of their last four and could really do with sorting their season out as soon as possible.
Can Cardiff stop the rot?
Cardiff have slumped to the bottom of the league after losing four straight games and are the most out of form side in the division. Things need to start turning round for the Welsh club and this weekend presents a good chance to do just that with a trip to Rotherham. The Millers have won just the once in their last six games so this fixture could be a bit of a nerve-jangler for both sets of supporters.
Will Newcastle bounce back?
Newcastle were beginning to fly in the division after their two early losses. Five wins on the trot made for ominous reading for the rest of the sides in the league but as is so often the way with the Championship, a spanner was duly thrown into the works. Wolves won 2-0 at St. James’s last week leaving the Magpies to start again against Aston Villa who have drawn five in their last six.
Could Norwich go top?
With Huddersfield facing a tough looking trip to Reading, Norwich could capitalise. The Canaries are the form side in the league with three wins on the bounce and host a Burton Albion side who are beginning to find themselves towards the bottom of the league. It’s the Championship so anything could happen but Alex Neil will be doing everything to make sure it’s only Norwich celebrating on Saturday.
