Championship Fixtures 11th September 2010 Part 1

Burnley v Preston North End
Preston’s only win so far came against one of the teams relegated from the Premier League but they need another win to make sure they don’t fall back into the relegation zone. But local rivals Burnley have only lost once this season – and that wasn’t at home.
Preston’s Craig Morgan has recovered from the toe problem which made him a doubt for Wales last week. Paul Parry is in contention to return to the first team after building up his fitness..

Cardiff City v Hull City
Last season was disappointing for both teams, with Hull getting relegated and Cardiff losing in the play-offs. Financial worries for both teams didn’t help matters. Cardiff have bounced back and are second in the table without a league defeat but since Hull’s opening-day win, they have managed just one point and they haven’t won away from home since March – which sounds bad enough but their last away win was actually in March 2009.
Cardiff’s star signing Craig Bellamy is one of four Cardiff players who need a late fitness test. It’s his knee again. Cardiff’s other Welsh Premier League loan signing, Jason Koumas, is still building up match fitness but he is likely to start if the fitness tests are failed. It’s not clear whether Darcy Blake is ready to return from an ankle injury. Adam Matthews, who replaced him in the team, has done well but he too has a fitness test. Aaron Wildig could also be in the squad.

Coventry City v Leicester City
Leicester are still without a win this season and playing away to a team with a 100% home record might not be the best place to get one. But who knows, anyone can beat anyone in this league.
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood has a knee injury and will need a fitness test.
Leicester have been keeping Andy King on the bench recently but as his introduction from the bench usually makes Leicester play better, perhaps they’ve seen the error of their ways by now.

Derby County v Sheffield United
Gary Speed hopes to see Sheffield United win for the second time since he became manager. They travel to Derby, who haven’t won at home in the league this season.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage should both start for Derby.
Ched Evans could keep his place in Sheffield Utd’s starting line-up but he hasn’t scored in the league since the first day of the season and that never goes down too well with managers.