Championship Fixtures 16th February Part 1

Blackpool v Middlesbrough
Blackpool and Middlesbrough both have play-off aspirations but as they have played more games than a lot of the teams around them, they need luck as well as wins although Boro have a three-point advantage over Blackpool. So both will be up for this match. No word on whether Neal Eardley is likely to return after being dropped following a night out (although Sporting Life says Neal does have a toe injury – yet another reason not to go clubbing). Daniel Nardiello has also been missing recently, Sporting Life is again a great help – he has a groin injury. David Vaughan and Rob Edwards however have done well for Blackpool and should keep their places – at least in my opinion. Danny Coyne remains Boro’s No. 1 but Rhys Williams probably won’t be ready to return from a pelvic injury.

Bristol City v Leicester City
Not so long ago Bristol City were competing for the play-offs and Leicester were in with a shout of automatic promotion. Now Leicester will probably have to be content with a place in the play-offs while Bristol City are just five points clear of the relegation places. Gavin Williams finally returned to Bristol City’s starting line-up last week, playing alongside Lewin Nyatanga but not so long ago there was talk of sending Gavin out on loan so let’s wait and see what happens. Andy King will hopefully keep his place for Leicester and there might also be a place in the squad for Nicky Adams, who has returned following an impressive loan spell at Leyton Orient.

Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion
WBA might be one of the best teams in the Championship but they’re not as good as Chelsea – a team Cardiff did match for a while before finally going down 4-1. Joe Ledley of course will be absent but Aaron Wildig has established himself as a regular in midfield – a mature performance against Chelsea will only have helped - and Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews have also impressed when given the opportunity.