Championship preview: Weekend fixtures, form guide and talking points

By Oliver Shorland

The Championship returns this weekend with a full slate of fixtures that could shake up both the promotion race and relegation battle.

Action kicks off on Friday night as Coventry City travel to Wrexham, who are still reeling from their recent cup exit to Welsh rivals Cardiff City.

Promotion hopefuls Stoke City and Bristol City go head-to-head, Middlesbrough face Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday search for a much-needed win at West Bromwich Albion.

Oliver Shorland’s preview breaks down the key clashes and form trends, giving fans a clear guide to what to watch this weekend.

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Leicester City vs Blackburn Rovers (12:30pm kick off)

Fourth from bottom Blackburn Rovers will travel to the King Power Stadium this weekend to take on Leicester City, who reside in 10th place.

With just three wins to their name this season, pressure is mounting on Rovers boss Valerien Ismael.

Last week’s victory over Southampton offered some brief relief, but with only Sheffield United scoring fewer goals in the Championship, the scrutiny remains intense.

In the middle of a congested mid-table battle, the Foxes will look to propel themselves back into playoff contention with a win on Saturday.

Norwich City vs Hull City (12:30 kick off)

Second from bottom Norwich City will look to climb out of the relegation zone this Saturday as they welcome Hull City to East Anglia.

One of the biggest spenders in the Championship this summer, Canaries boss Liam Manning admitted that the job was a pressure cooker in an interview last week.

The Tigers will look to be the latest team to capitalise on Norwich’s poor form this weekend to boost their playoff hopes.

West Bromwich Albion vs Sheffield Wednesday (12:30 kick off)

Sheffield Wednesday will travel down to the Midlands to take on West Brom, still in search of their first win since filing for administration last week.

However, the Baggies will prove a tough test for Henrik Pedersen’s Wednesday as they look to keep up the pace with those around them.

Birmingham City vs Portsmouth (3pm kick off)

Birmingham City welcome 18th-placed Portsmouth to St Andrew’s this Saturday.

After storming to the League One title last season, life back in the Championship hasn’t gone quite to plan for the Bluenoses, who currently sit 15th in the table.

And things won’t get any easier this weekend, with Portsmouth having won the last two meetings between the sides.

Charlton Athletic vs Swansea City (3pm kick off)

Swansea City will travel to the capital this weekend to take on Charlton Athletic at the Valley.

Nathan Jones has the Addicks purring this season, sitting pretty in the final play-off spot after just 12 games into this season.

However, the Swans will prove no easy task, having won each of the last three meetings between the sides.

Oxford United vs Millwall (3pm kick off)

Gary Rowett’s Oxford United will make the short trip to London to face Millwall at The Den this weekend, with the U’s looking to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Two wins in their last five, including a draw against QPR, has helped propel Oxford up the table in recent weeks and into 19th place.

However, they face a stern test against third-placed Millwall, who have won four of their last five and will be eager to close the gap on Coventry City and Middlesbrough this Saturday.

QPR vs Ipswich Town (3pm kick off)

A mid-table clash will see QPR take on Ipswich Town at Loftus Road this weekend, with both teams shooting for a place in the playoffs come the end of the weekend.

After a 1-0 loss to Derby County last time out, the Hoops will be looking to bounce back straight away with a positive result on Saturday.

Ipswich, however, will be aiming to build on last week’s impressive win over second-placed West Brom and keep their upward momentum going.

Sheffield United vs Derby County (3pm kick off)

After a horror start to the season, Sheffield United have picked up form in recent weeks as they look to continue to climb the table with a victory against Derby County.

The Rams have only lost one in their last five, though, with back-to-back wins against Norwich and QPR in recent weeks.

Southampton vs Preston North End (3pm kick off)

Preston North End will travel to the south coast to take on Will Still’s Southampton at St Mary’s at the weekend.

It’s been a contrast in fortunes for the two sides so far this term, with Saints sitting just three points off the bottom four following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

However, the Lilywhites sit just outside the playoff places, only on goal difference, as they look to end their 11-year stay in the division come the end of the season.

Stoke City vs Bristol City (3pm kick off)

A top-six tussle will see Stoke City welcome Bristol City to the bet365 Stadium this Saturday afternoon.

Bristol City will surely have their sights set on leapfrogging both Millwall and Middlesbrough into second place should results go their way.

Likewise, the Potters will be hoping to move past the Robins to potentially capitalise on any slip-ups from their promotion rivals.

Watford vs Middlesbrough (3pm kick off)

Middlesbrough will be keeping a close watch on league leaders Coventry as they face Wrexham tonight.

Rob Edwards’ side heads to Watford on Saturday but will need to tread carefully, with the Hornets having claimed victory in the last two encounters between the teams.

That said, Javi Gracia’s men have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, leaving them vulnerable at the back.

READ MORE: Wrexham vs Coventry City: Sky Blues look to extend historic winning streak against Red Dragons