As the 28th game-week of the EFL Championship approaches this weekend, here are some of our favourite ties to look out for across the game week.
From promotion to playoffs to relegation, the Championship is really coming towards that stage of the season where every match and point is massive. So let’s have a look at some of the key battles across the second tier to keep an eye on this week.
Let us know in the comments if you think there is anything you think we have missed!
1. The Top Two Battle
Of course, we have to kick this off with the most important game of the season and that comes from the King Power Stadium on Monday night.
Leicester City go into this one with a seven-point lead over second-place Ipswich Town, who will be looking to desperately narrow the margin heading into the final months of the season.
When these two teams met on Boxing Day, it ended 1-1 at Portman Road with a last-gasp equaliser from the Tractor Boys coming from Sam Morsy, so expect another evenly-contested and mouthwatering game this time around.
2. Friday Night Blockbuster
The first match of the weekend takes place on Friday night at the Stadium Of Light where Sunderland host Hull City in a crucial game in the race for the playoffs.
This is the Black Cats’ first home match since the demoralising defeat to fierce rivals Newcastle United in the FA Cup, whilst Hull themselves are looking to recover from their own cup disappointment, after losing their replay with Birmingham City in stoppage time during the week.
Sunderland are only outside the playoffs on goal difference, whilst the Tigers are just a point behind them, so a real six-pointer will kick off the weekend’s footy on Friday.
3. A Chance For Wednesday Revival
Results were picking up for Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday over the festive period, with back-to-back victories against Preston North End and Hull City. However, last weekend’s 4-0 battering at Southampton has probably brought a few Owls supporters back down to earth.
Saturday’s opponents, Coventry City, will be no pushover as they have not lost in nine matches, but Wednesday need to start picking up points fast if they want to avoid relegation as they currently sit four points below the dotted line.
4. Saints Opportunity
As mentioned, with the top two Championship clubs playing this weekend, Southampton will have the opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them when they travel to Swansea City at lunchtime on Saturday.
The Saints go into this one on a remarkable 20-match unbeaten run and will look for a repeat of the reverse fixture that they won 5-0. The extra storyline on this fixture will be the return of Southampton boss Russell Martin to his former club and the Swans will be keen to get one over on him and end their impressive unbeaten run.
5. London Derby At QPR
After a good start to life at Queens Park Rangers, manager Marti Cifuentes has definitely struggled as of late, with his side winless in eight matches.
Similar to Sheffield Wednesday, the R’s must start picking up points if they are to stay up next season and with fellow Londoners Millwall in West London on Saturday, QPR will look to make the most of the home advantage to turn their fortunes round and try to pick up some positive results to drag them away from danger.
So, there are our five Championship matches to look out for this weekend. Let us know in the comments what you think and what else we should look out for!
