Championship Fixtures 2nd May Part 2

Derby County v Cardiff City
Derby manager Nigel Clough wants his team to finish the season on a high note but they face an in-form Cardiff, who could finish in 3rd if they win and Nottingham Forest lose (or draw, if Cardiff win by enough goals to overcome Forest’s superior goal difference.
Robbie Savage played for Derby’s reserves in midweek, in an effort to help them win their league. So he might be too tired to face Cardiff although I have trouble imagining a tired Robbie Savage. Robbie has been named Derby’s Player of the Year. Robbie may also be going goal again over the summer, facing penalties from children in a charity event for former Derby star Nigel Callaghan, who is undergoing chemotherapy.
Joe Ledley should be playing in this match – but, play-offs aside, it could be his last for Cardiff. Joe says he will stay with Cardiff if they get promoted but the implication is if they don’t, he won’t. There is some talk of Cardiff’s new investors selling Joe but that would be difficult as he’s out of contract.
Darcy Blake – another whose contract is coming to an end - was substituted in Cardiff’s last match after suffering a head injury but there’s nothing to suggest he’s not fine now. Cardiff captain Mark Hudson is an option to replace Darcy but he feels Darcy deserves to stay in the team. Aaron Wildig could get a start if manager Dave Jones opts to rest players. Adam Matthews is another who could play.
If some players are rested, Aaron Morris (who is also out of contract) and Jonathan Meades could be among the ‘young players’ on the bench.

Ipswich Town v Sheffield United
If Ipswich win by enough goals and Doncaster Rovers lose by enough, Ipswich could finish in the top half of the table. But it’s not very likely and maybe most fans will just be glad they’re not adrift at the bottom of the table anymore. Sheffield United have a chance of finishing 8th.
Again, Roy Keane has said some of Ipswich’s young players will be involved but Troy Brown was left out last week and the same could happen again. Troy has however been given a one-year contract extension so maybe he’ll get his chance next season.
Ched Evans might get his first start since returning from a collarbone injury. He says his collarbone is still a bit sore but otherwise he’s in good shape and he’d love to end the Blades’ disappointing season with a win.

Leicester City v Middlesbrough
Leicester are already in the play-offs but even if they win they’re unlikely to catch Cardiff City on goal difference. Of the three teams that were relegated from the Premier League last season, Boro are the only team who aren’t going back up.
Andy King is almost certain to start for Leicester again, probably with Nicky Adams on the bench. Andy is one of Leicester’s two Players’ Players of the Year was shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Season award but it went to Newcastle United’s Kevin Nolan instead. If he plays, this match will be Andy’s 100th appearance for Leicester. Not bad for a twenty-one year old.
Rhys Williams won’t play as he has a pelvis injury and really wants to be fit enough to play for Australia in the World Cup. He’s being assessed this week. Danny Coyne will be on the bench.