Championship Fixtures 23rd March Part 2

Doncaster Rovers v Newcastle United
If Doncaster can complete an unlikely promotion to the Premier League, they’ll be facing better teams than Newcastle more often than not. So here is a little test for them. A test they could well pass.
Brian Stock is said to be not far off a return to Doncaster’s tea. Gareth Roberts, who has taken over the captain’s armband in Brian’s absence, will also be out if he fails a fitness test on a tight hamstring. If he can’t play, maybe John Oster will be captain?

Ipswich Town v Plymouth Argyle
Ipswich’s rise up the table shows that all those millions of draws were actually pretty useful. A number of the teams below them have won more games.
Carl Fletcher’s Plymouth probably can’t catch them but if they win and they keep winning, there are some teams who can be caught.

Middlesbrough v Preston North End
Both clubs looked like promotion contenders earlier this season but now a place in the play-offs would be a great achievement for either team.
Danny Coyne was surprisingly dropped to the bench for Boro’s draw against Reading and he could stay there but it’s fair to say the fans were far from thrilled when they found out he wasn’t playing.
Rhys Williams has returned from a one-match suspension after being sent off against Derby County but according to manager, Gordon Strachan he needs to learn to control his emotions.
Paul Parry looks definite not to play for Preston again this season.

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest have struggled away of late but that’s okay because this is a home game. Crystal Palace are in the bottom three and have struggled since losing their manager to Queen’s Park Rangers.
I hope Chris Gunter will continue his ever-present status for Nottingham Forest. Rob Earnshaw should also start as he’s been scoring regularly.

Queen’s Park Rangers v Derby County
Derby are back in relegation trouble again and they face a QPR side who have improved massively under their new manager. Which isn’t like them at all.
Derby manager Nigel Clough could recall Robbie Savage, who is a great player but also a tired one.

Scunthorpe United v Peterborough United
If Peterborough have any chance of avoiding relegation, Scunthorpe are most certainly their relegation rivals.
Craig Morgan didn’t play for Peterborough at the weekend due to an ankle injury and he could miss this match as well.