Championship Fixtures 19th October 2010 (Part 3)

Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough
Both these teams were supposed to be challenging for promotion. The only good news is that it’s probably still possible. Nottingham Forest, amazingly, have an unbeaten home record to defend while Middlesbrough are desperate to add to their solitary away point.
Forest’s Robert Earnshaw still isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury but Chris Gunter should play.
It’s hard to know who will start for managerless Middlesbrough but I’d like to think Danny Coyne is in with a chance although Jason Steele undoubtedly has a great future in goal. Rhys Williams is out with a pelvic injury.

Preston North End v Scunthorpe United
Preston fans were probably all hopeful after their dramatic 6-4 victory over Leeds and a not half bad draw against Reading. Then Derby came along and spoiled the party. But can Preston get things going again against Scunthorpe?
Craig Morgan will hope to keep his place in central defence for Preston after returning to the starting line-up for the defeat to Derby. Paul Parry might be in with a chance of starting due to the suspension of winger Keith Treacy.

Swansea City v Queen’s Park Rangers
Swansea are storming up the league, unbeaten at home, the gap between them and Cardiff City becoming scarily smaller by the day. But if any team is going to stop them in their tracks, that team is unbeaten QPR, who are unbeaten everywhere.
Joe Allen has recovered from the groin injury that ruled him out of Swansea’s weekend match. Ashley Williams should also start with Neil Taylor and David Cotterill on the bench at the very least.

Watford v Ipswich Town
Play-off contenders Watford and Ipswich (if there is such a thing at this stage of the season) are both hoping to bounce back from weekend defeats.
Young goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is away with Wales so presumably he won’t be on the bench for Watford.
Ipswich manager Roy Keane said the young players, including Troy Brown, would get their chances this season. I think it’s time to give Troy another chance, don’t you, Roy? He could be the answer to all the defensive problems Ipswich have had recently.