Championship Predictions – The Championship season continues and we’re intrigued to see if West Brom can close the gap on Bournemouth and Fulham. There are lots of interesting match-ups, with Derby County looking to accumulate points over Christmas in a bid to make the Great Escape. Meanwhile, Steve Cooper returns to their former club Swansea with his Forest team.
AFC Bournemouth 15:00 Blackburn Rovers
This is a pick we have included in our weekend accumulator. These are two of the highest-scoring teams in the Championship. Bournemouth are chasing automatic promotion, while Blackburn could easily be in the play-offs. We’re expecting goals to be scored and the Cherries could win a high-scoring encounter.
Derby County 15:00 Blackpool
Derby faces almost an impossible job to stay in the Championship this season. However, the Rams might be able to beat Blackpool at a busy Pride Park. Wayne Rooney’s side wouldn’t be in the drop zone without the points deductions. They face a Tangerines outfit who are acquitting themselves well although they are currently without a win in six games.
Luton Town 15:00 Fulham
Fulham have recently hit the buffers although they’re in a strong position to get promoted. We are expecting the Cottagers to leave Kenilworth Road with a maximum haul. The Hatters are doing reasonably well under Nathan Jones, although their 3-0 win at Blackpool was their first in five attempts.
Peterborough United 15:00 Millwall
Both teams have scored in the past five Millwall matches. Gary Rowett’s side claimed a 3-1 win over Birmingham City last weekend and they could have more joy against Posh. The home side is in danger of losing touch with the teams above them and they have to start going for victories at this stage of the season.
Swansea City 15:00 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have been rejuvenated since Steve Cooper took charge, with the manager having previously done well with Swansea City. There is little between the two clubs in the table and we’re expecting an entertaining clash at the Liberty Stadium. The visitors will be going for another win and it’s hard to split the two teams. We also have just published some English League Two and English League One predictions for our readers to enjoy.
West Bromwich Albion 15:00 Reading
We think West Brom can close the gap on the leading two teams. Valerien Ismael’s side are unbeaten at The Hawthorns last season and they ended a four-game winless run by landing three points at Coventry. There is plenty to like about Karlan Grant’s attacking prowess and they should get the better of a Reading team with a porous defence.
The big question is whether West Brom, Blackburn or Stoke can make up ground on the leading two teams. The team at Football24-7 were impressed by Bournemouth and Fulham’s bright start. However, with so many sides in the chasing pack, it’s far from certain as to whether the automatic promotion spots are banked right now. Check out the Official Championship EFL website for more information about the league and teams.