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Saturday's Championship predictions including Blackburn Rovers vs. Leeds United

sportsmole.co.uk, 30 November 2024, 06:05
Middlesbrough vs. Hull City (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Fresh off the departure of manager Tim Walter, Hull City will travel to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday to take on Middlesbrough.

Heading into their first game following the German's dismissal, the visitors find themselves in the bottom three of the Championship table while their hosts remain in the final playoff place despite also suffering a midweek defeat.

We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Hull City

While Middlesbrough are ravaged by injuries throughout their squad and Hull City could feel a boost from a change in management, we still see the gulf in quality being too large and back Middlesbrough to return to winning ways at the Riverside Stadium.

Oxford Utd vs. Millwall (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Oxford United play host to Millwall on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would move the club clear of the Championship relegation zone.

Meanwhile, the Lions make the trip to the Kassam Stadium sitting in ninth position in the table on the back of a prolonged unbeaten streak in the second tier.

We say: Oxford United 1-2 Millwall

With Oxford's unbeaten run at the Kassam Stadium having now come to an end, it remains to be seen how they will react. With Millwall having not played in midweek, we feel that their extra freshness could prove key in sealing a hard-earned win.

Watford vs. QPR (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Watford play host to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will keep the club in the playoff places.

At a time when the Hornets sit in fifth place in the Championship table, the visitors to Vicarage Road are 23rd after a rare triumph in midweek.

We say: Watford 2-0 Queens Park Rangers

Although QPR will be on a high after their success in midweek, facing Watford on away territory is an entirely different challenge. We feel that the Hornets will come through with a clean sheet, albeit in a match that could remain competitive throughout.

Blackburn vs. Leeds (Saturday, 1.30pm)

Leeds United will bid to strengthen their position at the top of the Championship table on Saturday, when they travel to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers.

The visitors returned to the summit with a third straight victory on Wednesday, while their hosts climbed to eighth spot with a midweek win of their own.

We say: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Leeds United

Blackburn Rovers certainly showed their ability to compete with the Championship's stronger sides in their away win over Middlesbrough, but they face another tricky test on Saturday.

With Leeds United growing in confidence and boasting plenty of quality all over the pitch, we back Farke's men to continue their winning run at Ewood Park.

Bristol City vs. Plymouth (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Bristol City square off against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon looking to end a run of two straight defeats.

At a time when the Robins sit in 12th place in the Championship table, the Pilgrims are down in 20th after their own run of poor form.

We say: Bristol City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle

With Plymouth having been read the riot act by Rooney, an improved performance is anticipated at Ashton Gate. Nevertheless, Argyle's away record is abysmal, leading us to predict a comfortable home success for Bristol City.

Coventry vs. Cardiff (Saturday, 3.00pm)

After 18 months out of management, Frank Lampard will return to the dugout as Coventry City head coach when the Sky Blues play Cardiff City in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts are looking to compete for a top-six finish in the second tier this term, whilst the Bluebirds are aiming to avoid an unthinkable relegation to League One.

We say: Coventry City 2-0 Cardiff City

With Lampard in the dugout, Coventry's players will be raring and desperate to put a relegation-threatened Cardiff side to the sword this weekend.

The Bluebirds have been woeful on the road so far this season, and we do not expect their fortunes to change in the East Midlands on Saturday afternoon.

Norwich vs. Luton (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Norwich City play host to Luton Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will keep the Canaries in the top 10 of the Championship table.

Meanwhile, Luton make the trip to Carrow Road occupying 16th place in the standings after generally getting back on track either side of the international break.

We say: Norwich City 3-1 Luton Town

Having conceded eight goals in their last two away games, we do not envisage this fixture going Luton's way. Although Norwich have lost ground on the playoff spots, their performance versus Plymouth should stand them in good stead ahead of this contest.

Preston vs. West Brom (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Looking to halt their worrying winless run, Preston North End will welcome promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion to Deepdale for a Championship match on Saturday afternoon.

The Lilywhites secured a point at the home of Stoke City earlier in the week, whilst the Baggies forced a share of the spoils with Sunderland in the North-East.

We say: Preston North End 0-1 West Bromwich Albion

Without a win in eight games across all competitions, Preston will not be looking forward to the visit of promotion-chasing West Brom this weekend.

The Baggies are relatively reliable for a positive result, and we feel that a stubborn away performance should lead to maximum points at Deepdale.

Stoke vs. Burnley (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Aiming to extend their winning run in the division to four matches, promotion-chasing Burnley will travel to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday afternoon in the Championship.

The Potters have endured a spell of draws following the international break, whilst the Clarets are making significant strides towards promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

We say: Stoke City 0-1 Burnley

Failing to find a spark against Preston last time out, Stoke look set for another frustrating match in front of goal this weekend when they face a stubborn Burnley outfit.

The Clarets eased past Coventry on Tuesday night and should be confident of repeating the trick against the Potters on Saturday afternoon.

Swansea vs. Portsmouth (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Swansea City will look to build upon their successful midweek outing against Derby County when they welcome Portsmouth to South Wales for Saturday's Championship contest.

Meanwhile, Pompey are set to return to action for the first time since November 9 after seeing their last two league matches postponed.

We say: Swansea City 2-1 Portsmouth

Pompey will be raring to go following the recent postponement, but while they will be targeting a second straight win, we think that the relegation-threatened side may fall to a narrow defeat when they face a Swansea side that have won three of their last five matches.

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