Championship Fixtures 17th April Part 1

Blackpool v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are guaranteed a play-off place now – and their away form has been dodgy since their long unbeaten run came to an end. Blackpool are two points outside the play-offs and might fancy their chances.
David Vaughan was taken off the field worryingly early in Blackpool’s last game but whatever the reason, he seems fine now. Rob Edwards is also likely to be in the squad but he’s right out of favour where starts are concerned. Neal Eardley was expected to be out for the season with a hamstring injury but he might even play in this match if he can pass a fitness test. Daniel Nardiello has an injured hamstring too but he won’t even be getting a fitness test.
Chris Gunter has played every minute of Nottingham Forest’s Championship season so I really hope he keeps his place. Especially after that assist. Robert Earnshaw should also play after getting a goal and an assist against Ipswich Town. He says he’s really enjoyed the season and he wants to ‘go the extra mile’ and help the team into the Premier League. I would be very happy if Forest got into the Premier League but Cardiff City have got to be my first choice.

Coventry City v Preston North End
Both teams are looking safe from relegation – Coventry seven points clear and Preston eight points. But they’ll probably be disappointed. Coventry certainly had play-off aspirations while Preston managed it last year.
Freddy Eastwood is expected to get his first start since returning from a back injury last week – I think Coventry’s season could have been very different if Freddy had stayed fit for the whole season. But then, I would think that wouldn’t I?
Preston’s Paul Parry is out with a knee injury. Or with patella pains, if you want to continue the alliteration.

Derby County v Crystal Palace
Derby are just seven points from safety but I think they’ll be fine. Crystal Palace however are quite another matter. They are currently one point outside the relegation places – they’ll be glad Derby’s home form has stuttered of late.
Robbie Savage will play in midfield for Derby. He’s been talking about his fellow Welshmen in his column. He’s so lucky, I wish I had a column. Robbie says Craig Bellamy is in electric form (true), it could be Ryan Giggs’ last ever Manchester derby (really?) and that he won’t be getting his own vote in the Derby Player of the Year awards (he won’t be getting mine either but only because I haven’t paid enough attention to the other Derby players to know if he’s really the best or if I’m just being patriotic/biased so it’s not really fair for me to vote. But I do think he’s the best and he’s got the best hair too).