Championship Fixtures 16th March Part 1

Barnsley v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest, who have forgotten how to win away, take on Barnsley, who seem to be making a late run for the play-offs. Giving top scorer Robert Earnshaw a place in the starting line-up seems a not unreasonable tactic. You will not be surprised to learn I have no quarrel with Chris Gunter’s ever-presence in defence.

Coventry City v Cardiff City
If Coventry are planning on sneaking into the play-offs, a win over Cardiff today will do the job.
Coventry are doing so well, Freddy Eastwood hasn’t been able to force his way back into the starting line-up following recent injuries, although manager Chris Coleman is considering recalling him. Chris is a Swansea fan so he’ll want nothing more than to dump Cardiff out of the play-offs.
But Cardiff do have a few of their many injured players returning. Maybe even Joe Ledley will be back before the season ends. On the negative side, this probably decreases the chance of Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig getting another start. But if it means Cardiff will win, I’m prepared to sacrifice my favourite players.
Congratulations to Adam, who has won the Championship Apprentice of the Year award at the 2010 Football League Awards. The 2007 winner was another Cardiff player, Chris Gunter, now at Nottingham Forest.

Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Palace continue to fight for survival under a manager who has already been sacked twice this season. Leicester, expected to struggle following their promotion from League One, are seven points clear of seventh place.
Andy King seems likely to keep his place in Leicester’s side, with Nicky Adams remaining on the bench.