Saturday's Championship predictions including Leeds United vs. Derby County

Leeds vs. Derby (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Aiming to bounce back following a shock defeat last weekend, promotion-chasing Leeds United will host Derby County at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites came out on the losing side of a hard-fought contest at Blackburn Rovers at the end of November, whilst the Rams have suffered back-to-back blows at Pride Park over the past fortnight.

We say: Leeds United 3-0 Derby County

With Leeds welcoming a newly-promoted side to Elland Road, this weekend's clash has all the hallmarks of a comfortable victory for Farke's troops.

Due to the absence of midfield enforcer Adams, Derby are in serious risk of being overrun in the engine room, so we can only envisage a troubling afternoon for the visitors.

Sheff Weds vs. Preston (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Aiming to climb further up the Championship table towards the playoff places with a third straight win, Sheffield Wednesday will welcome Preston North End to Hillsborough on Saturday.

The hosts moved into the top half with an away win over Derby County at the weekend, while their visitors sit 18th in the midst of an eight-match winless streak.

We say: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Preston North End

Preston North End have shown their resilience in tight contests recently, but they could fall short at Hillsborough against a Sheffield Wednesday side growing in confidence.

Sunderland vs. Stoke (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Sunderland play host to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon looking to end their six-match winless streak in the Championship.

At a time when the Black Cats sit in fourth position in the table, the Potters are 14th after their own poor run of form in the second tier.

We say: Sunderland 2-1 Stoke City

This could turn into a tense game between two teams who are gradually losing confidence in getting wins on the board. However, Sunderland have more reason to throw caution to the wind and it may lead to them delivering a late victory at the Stadium of Light.

Cardiff vs. Watford (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Cardiff City play host to Watford on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that could move the club away from the relegation zone.

At a time when the Bluebirds sit in 20th position in the Championship table, Watford are in sixth as they continue to churn out results under Tom Cleverley.

We say: Cardiff City 1-2 Watford

Given Watford's away record, Cardiff will feel that they are the marginal favourites to come through this contest. However, we feel that the Hornets' superior quality will shine through at some stage, earning them a narrow win.

Hull City vs. Blackburn (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Hull City will welcome Blackburn Rovers to the MKM Stadium on Saturday for an important game at both ends of the Championship table.

Fresh off the departure of Tim Walter and a fifth straight defeat at the weekend, the hosts sit in the relegation zone, while their visitors only trail the playoff spots by two points after three consecutive wins.

We say: Hull City 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Hull City failed to end their dismal run last weekend and face another tough test on Saturday.

With the visitors gaining confidence on the back of three straight wins and two clean sheets against strong opposition, we fancy them to come out on top again at the MKM Stadium.

Luton vs. Swansea (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Luton Town play host to Swansea City on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that could kick-start their season.

The Hatters sit in 19th position in the Championship table at a time when Swansea have recently improved to 13th place.

We say: Luton Town 1-1 Swansea City

This match is difficult to call as one of the worst defences square off against one of the poorest attacks. With that in mind, we are playing it safe and predicting a competitive draw, a result that suits neither of these teams.

Millwall vs. Coventry (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Aiming to stretch their unbeaten run in the second tier to 10 matches, Millwall will welcome a struggling Coventry City side to The Den for a Championship clash on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions were denied victory by a late Oxford United equaliser last weekend, whilst the Sky Blues left it until the final moments to secure a point at home to Cardiff City.

We say: Millwall 1-0 Coventry City

Despite a number of suspension issues impacting their backline, Millwall should be confident of recording another solid success at The Den this weekend.

Coventry will have benefitted massively from a clear week on the training ground with new boss Lampard, but we still believe that the Sky Blues will suffer a narrow defeat in the capital.

Plymouth vs. Oxford Utd (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United meet at Home Park on Saturday afternoon at a time when they are separated by just one point in the Championship table.

The teams - who are in 21st and 17th place respectively - are each on a run of four matches without a win.

We say: Plymouth Argyle 2-1 Oxford United

On paper, this has all the makings of being a tight contest. However, there is no comparison when it comes to Plymouth's home record and Oxford's efforts away from the Kassam Stadium, and Rooney's side are the clear favourites to prevail here.

Portsmouth vs. Bristol City (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Bristol City will look to claim a second straight victory when they travel to Fratton Park for Saturday's Championship clash against Portsmouth.

The Robins are currently sitting in 11th place in the Championship table, while Pompey are languishing at the foot of the standings.

We say: Portsmouth 1-1 Bristol City

After sweeping past Plymouth last weekend, Bristol City will be looking to claim a second straight win on Saturday, but we think they may have to settle for a point when they face a Pompey side that would have taken confidence from the fact they have collected four points from their last two matches.

QPR vs. Norwich (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Both aiming to extend their unbeaten runs to four matches in the second tier, Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City will lock horns for a Championship battle on Saturday afternoon.

The R's managed a solid share of the spoils at the home of Watford last weekend, whilst the Canaries continued their stellar form at Carrow Road with the smashing of recently-relegated Luton Town.

We say: Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Norwich City

Looking for their first home league win at the 10th attempt this weekend, QPR will not be excited at the prospect of an in-form Norwich visiting Loftus Road on Saturday.

The Canaries are significantly weaker on their travels compared to at Carrow Road, although we still believe that they will have enough for maximum points from this clash.

Written by

Ben Knapton