Bristol City
Just when Lewin Nyatanga finally seemed to have established himself in the first team, he hurt his Achilles.
League: Boro H 0-4 (played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (out, Achilles)
League: Forest A 1-0 (out, Achilles)
League: Swansea H 0-2 (out, Achilles)
Christian Ribeiro remains out with a hamstring injury.
Brett Pitman didn’t score in this period but two goals in Bristol City’s first two matches of 2011 was enough for him to be shortlisted for the PFA January Player of the Month award.
League: Boro H 0-4 (Y foul 36, played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (played all)
League: Forest A 1-0 (played all)
League: Swansea H 0-2 (played all)
Cardiff City
Darcy Blake was an unused substitute for Cardiff. Or he was when he got on the bench.
League: Norwich A 1-1 (bench)
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-2 aet (unselected)
League: Watford H 4-2 (bench)
League: Reading H 2-2 (bench)
Adam Matthews’ only recent appearance for Cardiff came in the FA Cup replay against Stoke and all sorts of players got into that squad.
Adam has attracted the interest of Celtic.
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-1 aet (bench, on 75)
Jason Koumas spent several weeks out of the Cardiff squad after suffering first a toe injury and then illness but I’m not sure when the toe injury finished and the illness started
League: Norwich A 1-1 (out, toe)
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-1 aet (out, toe)
League: Watford H 4-2 (out, illness)
League: Reading H 2-2 (bench)
Aaron Ramsey joined Cardiff City on loan from Arsenal shortly after Arsene Wenger said he wouldn’t be going to Cardiff on loan. Clearly he didn’t see it coming. Aaron isn’t expecting a long stay with his former club however although that hasn’t stopped Dave Jones from hoping.
Aaron and Darcy Blake help train the Wales stars of the future.
League: Watford H 4-2 (ineligible as he didn’t have international clearance to play in his own country)
League: Reading H 2-2 (played all)
Aaron Wildig has joined Hamilton Academicals on loan following Cardiff manager Dave Jones’ decision to sign too many players on loan. He lost his first match with Hamilton but they’re not very good so I’m sure it wasn’t his fault.
FA Cup replay Stoke H 0-0, 0-1 aet (bench, on 39)
Craig Bellamy was rested for the FA Cup clash against Cardiff but he scored two goals in the three games he did play in the time period covered in this blog post, including a very late equaliser against Reading, four minutes after Reading had got what looked like a very late winner.
Do Manchester City need Craig back now Adam Johnson is injured? Well if they do, they can’t have him.
League: Norwich A 1-1 (Y 80, played all)
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-2 aet (unselected)
League: Watford H 4-2 (G1 14, played all)
League: Reading H 2-2 (G3 97, played all)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood hasn’t scored in any of the last four matches – five if you include the most recent one which I’ll review properly if I can get my arse in gear (which sounds a bit of a smelly concept to me). But he’s done enough to earn a much overdue call-up to the Wales squad. Vital Norwich City heard a rumour that Coventry had accepted a bid from Norwich for Freddy but nothing happened.League: Sheff Utd H 0-0 (played all)
League: Sheff Utd H 0-0 (played all)
FA Cup: FA Birmingham A 3-2 (bench, on 80)
League: Forest H 1-2 (starts, off 67)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman was hauled off the pitch 57 minutes into the defeat to Swansea City – and he hasn’t been seen since. If it’s an injury that’s the problem, Crystal Palace are keeping very quiet about it.
League: Swansea A 3-0 (starts, off 57)
Jermaine Easter was hoping to earn a permanent contract with Swansea after spending nine matches with them on loan. And as he was hoping, Jermaine was part of the squad for Swansea’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. However, it wasn’t Swansea who were his new club.
League: Swansea A 3-0 (bench, on 61)
League: Bristol C H 0-0 (starts, off 70)
League: Norwich H 0-0 (bench)
League: Watford A 1-1 (bench, on 77)
Lewis Price remains Crystal Palace’s second-choice keeper.
League: Swansea A 3-0 (bench)
League: Bristol C H 0-0 (bench)
League: Norwich H 0-0 (bench)
League: Watford A 1-1 (bench)
Showing posts with label andy dorman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label andy dorman. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 2)
Crystal Palace v Bristol City
Palace will hope to make it two wins in their last eight games by beating Bristol City. Bristol City aren’t on a great run either, having won one of their last six.
Jermaine Easter could make his first start for Crystal Palace – and he says he’s hoping to make an immediate impact. Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up but he could be on the bench with Lewis Price.
Brett Pitman should start for Bristol City but Lewin Nyatanga is a doubt due to a sore Achilles. Christian Ribeiro could still be out with a hamstring injury.
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Derby are hoping this match won’t be their seventh defeat in nine matches but Nottingham Forest have forced themselves into play-off contention – yet another reason to enjoy beating Derby.
Derby’s new signing Ben Davies could go straight into Derby’s squad to replace Forest. Former Derby captain Michael Johnson expects him to be a big success.
It has been speculated that Ben is a replacement for Robbie Savage, who could be heading for Vancouver soonas rather than later but I don’t think Robbie’s gone anywhere yet (and trust me, we would notice if Robbie wasn’t there). This could be Robbie’s last ever derby match.
Robbie’s played in midfield, he’s played in goal, he’s even commentated and been a pundit. But now he takes on a new challenge: refereeing. Here’s why – and here’s how he got on.
Gareth Roberts could also start for Derby.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw hasn’t scored for a while and we know what that usually means at Forest. If Rob does play, he’ll be facing a former club.
Palace will hope to make it two wins in their last eight games by beating Bristol City. Bristol City aren’t on a great run either, having won one of their last six.
Jermaine Easter could make his first start for Crystal Palace – and he says he’s hoping to make an immediate impact. Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up but he could be on the bench with Lewis Price.
Brett Pitman should start for Bristol City but Lewin Nyatanga is a doubt due to a sore Achilles. Christian Ribeiro could still be out with a hamstring injury.
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Derby are hoping this match won’t be their seventh defeat in nine matches but Nottingham Forest have forced themselves into play-off contention – yet another reason to enjoy beating Derby.
Derby’s new signing Ben Davies could go straight into Derby’s squad to replace Forest. Former Derby captain Michael Johnson expects him to be a big success.
It has been speculated that Ben is a replacement for Robbie Savage, who could be heading for Vancouver soonas rather than later but I don’t think Robbie’s gone anywhere yet (and trust me, we would notice if Robbie wasn’t there). This could be Robbie’s last ever derby match.
Robbie’s played in midfield, he’s played in goal, he’s even commentated and been a pundit. But now he takes on a new challenge: refereeing. Here’s why – and here’s how he got on.
Gareth Roberts could also start for Derby.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw hasn’t scored for a while and we know what that usually means at Forest. If Rob does play, he’ll be facing a former club.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 3)
Swansea City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Swansea’s victory wasn’t a lot of fun for Crystal Palace and the Cardiff fans won’t have appreciated it much either. But it was a kind of good and kind of deserved win for Swansea, who didn’t exactly seem to be struggling.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen played the full match for Swansea. Jazz Richards also started and there was a (very late) substitute appearance for Daniel Alfei following his excellent performance against Colchester United in the FA Cup.
Jermaine Easter couldn’t manage a debut goal for Palace but it’s probably not easy when you’re making your debut against the club you were playing for on loan three days ago. He came close to scoring but he probably got a bit confused about whether he was really shooting the right way. Andy Dorman started for Palace and Lewis Price was on the bench.
Watford 3-0 Derby County
Derby’s horrible run of form continued with Watford the latest club to beat them. The three goals came in a nine-minute spell which probably destroyed any confidence Derby were able to muster following their FA Cup exit to Crawley Town.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby. Robbie says Derby’s FA Cup defeat to Crawley is the players’ fault but he doesn’t seem to have said whose fault the Watford defeat is.
Swansea’s victory wasn’t a lot of fun for Crystal Palace and the Cardiff fans won’t have appreciated it much either. But it was a kind of good and kind of deserved win for Swansea, who didn’t exactly seem to be struggling.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen played the full match for Swansea. Jazz Richards also started and there was a (very late) substitute appearance for Daniel Alfei following his excellent performance against Colchester United in the FA Cup.
Jermaine Easter couldn’t manage a debut goal for Palace but it’s probably not easy when you’re making your debut against the club you were playing for on loan three days ago. He came close to scoring but he probably got a bit confused about whether he was really shooting the right way. Andy Dorman started for Palace and Lewis Price was on the bench.
Watford 3-0 Derby County
Derby’s horrible run of form continued with Watford the latest club to beat them. The three goals came in a nine-minute spell which probably destroyed any confidence Derby were able to muster following their FA Cup exit to Crawley Town.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby. Robbie says Derby’s FA Cup defeat to Crawley is the players’ fault but he doesn’t seem to have said whose fault the Watford defeat is.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 3)
Preston North End v Leicester City
Phil Brown takes charge of Preston for the first time since becoming manager. The last time he played on the Championship, he got promoted. With Hull. But even just saving Preston would be a bit of a miracle. Leicester are four points behind the play-offs and thinking of promotion. So they really ought to be able to beat Preston.
Craig Morgan could start again for Preston but he could also be on the bench or not there at all. It depends what his new manager thinks of him really. Paul Parry has a broken wrist but he’s back in full training and could play.
Andy King will definitely start for Leicester, as long as he has no last-minute injuries or illnesses.
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have the worst away record in the Championship, having won one away match this season – and while Swansea don’t quite have the best home record, they’re not far off.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea but it’s hard to be sure about the others. Daniel Alfei, Joe Allen, David Cotterill and Jazz Richards have all played well in recent matches but there probably won’t be room for all of them. Neil Taylor has an ankle injury and will be out for a few more weeks.
Following Daniel Alfei’s impressive first-team debut, the Swansea youth boss, Tony Pennock, has said that Daniel has a big future ahead of him in professional football. Daniel hopes to keep his place against Palace.
Jermaine Easter’s loan spell at Swansea was cut short early – so parent club Milton Keynes Dons could sell him to Crystal Palace. Jermaine is looking to scoring for Palace and helping them climb the table. Although he’s only just signed, he could play against Swansea tomorrow.
Shaun MacDonald is hoping to fight his way into the Swansea first team. Shaun has spent the first half of the season on loan at Yeovil Town.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price should be somewhere in Palace’s squad.
Watford v Derby County
Derby were doing really really well. They did have a slightly dodgy start but then they went on a run, then they went on a good home run, now they can’t even beat Crawley Town. But the last time Derby went on a run, they kicked things off with a victory over Watford.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage might keep their places. Nigel Clough might still be in a mood about Crawley Town but Gareth and Robbie weren’t actually on the pitch when the winning goal went in. Robbie is disappointed with the Crawley result, the tannoy man and Matthew Tubbs’ tackle. But maybe things will be better at Watford. Robbie also has some wise words (yes, really) for Liverpool fans.
Phil Brown takes charge of Preston for the first time since becoming manager. The last time he played on the Championship, he got promoted. With Hull. But even just saving Preston would be a bit of a miracle. Leicester are four points behind the play-offs and thinking of promotion. So they really ought to be able to beat Preston.
Craig Morgan could start again for Preston but he could also be on the bench or not there at all. It depends what his new manager thinks of him really. Paul Parry has a broken wrist but he’s back in full training and could play.
Andy King will definitely start for Leicester, as long as he has no last-minute injuries or illnesses.
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have the worst away record in the Championship, having won one away match this season – and while Swansea don’t quite have the best home record, they’re not far off.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea but it’s hard to be sure about the others. Daniel Alfei, Joe Allen, David Cotterill and Jazz Richards have all played well in recent matches but there probably won’t be room for all of them. Neil Taylor has an ankle injury and will be out for a few more weeks.
Following Daniel Alfei’s impressive first-team debut, the Swansea youth boss, Tony Pennock, has said that Daniel has a big future ahead of him in professional football. Daniel hopes to keep his place against Palace.
Jermaine Easter’s loan spell at Swansea was cut short early – so parent club Milton Keynes Dons could sell him to Crystal Palace. Jermaine is looking to scoring for Palace and helping them climb the table. Although he’s only just signed, he could play against Swansea tomorrow.
Shaun MacDonald is hoping to fight his way into the Swansea first team. Shaun has spent the first half of the season on loan at Yeovil Town.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price should be somewhere in Palace’s squad.
Watford v Derby County
Derby were doing really really well. They did have a slightly dodgy start but then they went on a run, then they went on a good home run, now they can’t even beat Crawley Town. But the last time Derby went on a run, they kicked things off with a victory over Watford.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage might keep their places. Nigel Clough might still be in a mood about Crawley Town but Gareth and Robbie weren’t actually on the pitch when the winning goal went in. Robbie is disappointed with the Crawley result, the tannoy man and Matthew Tubbs’ tackle. But maybe things will be better at Watford. Robbie also has some wise words (yes, really) for Liverpool fans.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Two)
Coventry City 2-1 Crystal Palace
Both these teams are in the Championship and form often doesn’t matter where the FA Cup is concerned – and it very nearly didn’t in this match, with a late penalty save needed to prevent Palace from taking the match to a replay. Coventry travel to Birmingham City in the next round.
Freddy Eastwood made it three goals in three games for Coventry, also picking up the assist for their second goal.
Andy Dorman started for Palace and came close to scoring. Lewis Price was on the bench.
Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Only a late equaliser prevented Wolves from being the victim of a cupset but as it was only an equaliser, and with Wolves probably more focused on survival than the FA Cup, the cupset could yet happen. The winner of the reply will play either Stoke City or Cardiff City. The second one, I hope.
A John Oster header was the assist for Doncaster’s second goal. He was also involved in a worrying incident involving a red-carded Wolves player but I’m hoping Mick McCarthy was mistaken about John’s role in it.
Some reports said Wayne Hennessey didn’t play due to injury but as he was on the bench and this was an FA Cup match, I think it’s probably more likely he was rested. Dave Edwards kept his place in the starting line-up but he suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted after just 28 minutes . His replacement, David Jones, came close to a goal but his shot went over the bar.
Fulham 6-2 Peterborough United
Fulham ensured they weren’t going to be embarrassed by putting six past League One Peterborough. Some fans might be worried by the fact that their team let in two goals but as one was a penalty and one was an exceptional strike (not to mention that Fulham weren’t playing their first-choice keeper), maybe there isn’t too much cause for concern. Clean sheet or not, Fulham’s win was emphatic and well-deserved. Maybe they can do the same against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale had to be at his best to deny Peterborough’s Arron Davies early on.
Simon Davies missed an early chance against his former club Peterborough and was substituted at halt-time – hopefully this was to rest him rather than because he was injured/in Mark Hughes’ bad books for missing.
Huddersfield Town 2-0 Dover Athletic
Two early goals in two minutes from Huddersfield were enough for them to beat Dover Athletic, who have had a great FA Cup run and also played well in this game too but they were unable to break Huddersfield down, although they did come close, also working hard to ensure Huddersfield were limited to just the two goals. Dover miss out on a potential trip to the Emirates but maybe Leeds will win the replay and I’m sure Huddersfield won’t be too disappointed if they do.
Adam Birchall, who must surely still be the FA Cup’s top scorer, was unable to add to his eleven goals but with 29 for Dover so far this season, he surely won’t be playing non-league football forever.
Lincoln City 3-4 Hereford United (second round)
Seven goals were scored and it could have been either side who scored the winning goal but in the end it went to Hereford – who were probably especially glad to avoid a replay as they tend to struggle at home. Hereford’s third round match against Wycombe Wanderers is also away and if they get through to the fourth round, they will face giant-killers Sheffield Wednesday away.
Hereford opened the scoring with Lincoln then going 2-1 ahead before Hereford took a 3-2 lead, with Stuart Fleetwood scoring the second and third goals, only for Lincoln to equalise again five minutes later. Stuart then set up Matthieu Manset to score his second and Hereford’s fourth and the away side hung on, despite losing Ryan Green to his second red card of the season after the defender received two yellow cards. This was his third match since returning from his last suspension.
Millwall 1-4 Birmingham City
Millwall had 53% of the possession, almost the same number of shots on target, considerably more off-target, and won 8 corners to Birmingham’s 0. But it was the Premier League side who took their chances to set up a fourth round tie with another Championship team, Coventry City. Darren Carter, Jason Puncheon and Ashley Grimes all found the net but as former Millwall loanees Carter and Puncheon are now back with their parent clubs and Grimes is still out on loan, this didn’t do Millwall any good at all. Millwall miss out on the chance to host Coventry City in the fourth round.
Steve Morison did his best to mount a comeback for Millwall and arguably should have scored three: one from a one-on-one situation, one from a penalty which he missed, and one from a goal that was wrongly disallowed. Maybe Steve is still feeling the affects of the flu that kept him out of the win over Crystal Palace last weekend and clearly hampered him during Millwall’s midweek fixture against Derby County..
Both these teams are in the Championship and form often doesn’t matter where the FA Cup is concerned – and it very nearly didn’t in this match, with a late penalty save needed to prevent Palace from taking the match to a replay. Coventry travel to Birmingham City in the next round.
Freddy Eastwood made it three goals in three games for Coventry, also picking up the assist for their second goal.
Andy Dorman started for Palace and came close to scoring. Lewis Price was on the bench.
Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Only a late equaliser prevented Wolves from being the victim of a cupset but as it was only an equaliser, and with Wolves probably more focused on survival than the FA Cup, the cupset could yet happen. The winner of the reply will play either Stoke City or Cardiff City. The second one, I hope.
A John Oster header was the assist for Doncaster’s second goal. He was also involved in a worrying incident involving a red-carded Wolves player but I’m hoping Mick McCarthy was mistaken about John’s role in it.
Some reports said Wayne Hennessey didn’t play due to injury but as he was on the bench and this was an FA Cup match, I think it’s probably more likely he was rested. Dave Edwards kept his place in the starting line-up but he suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted after just 28 minutes . His replacement, David Jones, came close to a goal but his shot went over the bar.
Fulham 6-2 Peterborough United
Fulham ensured they weren’t going to be embarrassed by putting six past League One Peterborough. Some fans might be worried by the fact that their team let in two goals but as one was a penalty and one was an exceptional strike (not to mention that Fulham weren’t playing their first-choice keeper), maybe there isn’t too much cause for concern. Clean sheet or not, Fulham’s win was emphatic and well-deserved. Maybe they can do the same against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale had to be at his best to deny Peterborough’s Arron Davies early on.
Simon Davies missed an early chance against his former club Peterborough and was substituted at halt-time – hopefully this was to rest him rather than because he was injured/in Mark Hughes’ bad books for missing.
Huddersfield Town 2-0 Dover Athletic
Two early goals in two minutes from Huddersfield were enough for them to beat Dover Athletic, who have had a great FA Cup run and also played well in this game too but they were unable to break Huddersfield down, although they did come close, also working hard to ensure Huddersfield were limited to just the two goals. Dover miss out on a potential trip to the Emirates but maybe Leeds will win the replay and I’m sure Huddersfield won’t be too disappointed if they do.
Adam Birchall, who must surely still be the FA Cup’s top scorer, was unable to add to his eleven goals but with 29 for Dover so far this season, he surely won’t be playing non-league football forever.
Lincoln City 3-4 Hereford United (second round)
Seven goals were scored and it could have been either side who scored the winning goal but in the end it went to Hereford – who were probably especially glad to avoid a replay as they tend to struggle at home. Hereford’s third round match against Wycombe Wanderers is also away and if they get through to the fourth round, they will face giant-killers Sheffield Wednesday away.
Hereford opened the scoring with Lincoln then going 2-1 ahead before Hereford took a 3-2 lead, with Stuart Fleetwood scoring the second and third goals, only for Lincoln to equalise again five minutes later. Stuart then set up Matthieu Manset to score his second and Hereford’s fourth and the away side hung on, despite losing Ryan Green to his second red card of the season after the defender received two yellow cards. This was his third match since returning from his last suspension.
Millwall 1-4 Birmingham City
Millwall had 53% of the possession, almost the same number of shots on target, considerably more off-target, and won 8 corners to Birmingham’s 0. But it was the Premier League side who took their chances to set up a fourth round tie with another Championship team, Coventry City. Darren Carter, Jason Puncheon and Ashley Grimes all found the net but as former Millwall loanees Carter and Puncheon are now back with their parent clubs and Grimes is still out on loan, this didn’t do Millwall any good at all. Millwall miss out on the chance to host Coventry City in the fourth round.
Steve Morison did his best to mount a comeback for Millwall and arguably should have scored three: one from a one-on-one situation, one from a penalty which he missed, and one from a goal that was wrongly disallowed. Maybe Steve is still feeling the affects of the flu that kept him out of the win over Crystal Palace last weekend and clearly hampered him during Millwall’s midweek fixture against Derby County..
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 2)
Burnley v Port Vale
Port Vale are the team on the winning run although it’s only a winning run of one match and Burnley are on a win-lose win-lose run and it’s their turn to win.
Gareth Owen should play in defence for Port Vale – new manager Jim Gannon says he will be a big part of their promotion push. Lewis Haldane might be saved for games they have more chance of winning but you never know.
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
The ‘Championship favourites’ really won’t want to cause their supporters any more embarrassment this season but losing to Burton would certainly do it. Not that Middlesbrough have ever lost to Burton. This is their first ever meeting.
Tony James will probably be on the bench for Burton.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams still isn’t ready to return from a pelvis injury.
Coventry v Crystal Palace
There are only two matches in this round of the FA Cup where both teams are members of the Championship. This is one of them although Coventry are closer to some Premier League teams than they are to Palace.
Freddy Eastwood has two goals in the last two games for Coventry and should keep his place.
Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Port Vale are the team on the winning run although it’s only a winning run of one match and Burnley are on a win-lose win-lose run and it’s their turn to win.
Gareth Owen should play in defence for Port Vale – new manager Jim Gannon says he will be a big part of their promotion push. Lewis Haldane might be saved for games they have more chance of winning but you never know.
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
The ‘Championship favourites’ really won’t want to cause their supporters any more embarrassment this season but losing to Burton would certainly do it. Not that Middlesbrough have ever lost to Burton. This is their first ever meeting.
Tony James will probably be on the bench for Burton.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams still isn’t ready to return from a pelvis injury.
Coventry v Crystal Palace
There are only two matches in this round of the FA Cup where both teams are members of the Championship. This is one of them although Coventry are closer to some Premier League teams than they are to Palace.
Freddy Eastwood has two goals in the last two games for Coventry and should keep his place.
Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 2)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 18th December 2010 (Part 2)
Ipswich Town v Leicester City
Six defeats on the spin have left Ipswich just three points from the relegation zone. I seem to have recollections of them being unbeaten in the league, then unbeaten at home… but that seems like such a long tme ago and it probably seems like even longer if you’re an Ipswich fan.
Even more worryingly, Roy Keane thinks he’s been too nice to his players. Now there’s a scary thought.
Leicester could be feeling confident after thrashing Doncaster Rovers 5-1 last weekend. Or they could be feeling worried after losing their last two away games.
Troy Brown could keep his place in Ipswich’s defence but considering they can only beat Premier League teams at the moment, Roy Keane might make a few changes.
Andy King will start for Leicester.
Elliott Chamberlain is apparently on trial with Blue Square Premier club Oxford United. I did wonder if it was an old article but I think they just got the league wrong.
Leeds United v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR’s long unbeaten run came to an end last weekend when Watford beat them 3-1. They can’t even comfort themselves by remembering that they still remain unbeaten at home. Not when this match is away. Leeds are unbeaten in eight matches. So they’ve still got a way to go before they match what QPR achieved.
Sanchez Watt is apparently in contention for a place in the squad but I know what Leeds are like, I’ll believe it when I see it. He scored in a behind-closed-doors match where Leeds beat Newcastle United 4-1.
Millwall v Barnsley
Barnsley are unbeaten in five matches – three points from the play-offs, and not forgetting their game in hand. But Millwall are just one point behind them and unbeaten in four. They also have the home advantage: Barnsley have only won twice away.
Millwall’s striker crisis has probably eased a bit by now but even so, they’ll almost certainly pick Steve Morison. And Kenny Jackett says Nottingham Forest haven’t made a bid for Steve which is good news.
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
I don’t want to speak to soon but for the moment it looks like Nottingham Forest might actually be able to play their match this time. Their last two have fallen victim to the weather.
Forest are the only team in the Championship who are still unbeaten at home and they’ll be hoping things stay that way. If they draw again they’ll still be unbeaten but they’ll have drawn half their league matches this season. Palace have only one win – and one draw – from away games this season.
Aaron Ramsey is probably struggling to build up match fitness as there have’t been any matches but he should get a substitute appearance in this one. If it happens.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw should start.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman will probably be on the bench for Palace.
Six defeats on the spin have left Ipswich just three points from the relegation zone. I seem to have recollections of them being unbeaten in the league, then unbeaten at home… but that seems like such a long tme ago and it probably seems like even longer if you’re an Ipswich fan.
Even more worryingly, Roy Keane thinks he’s been too nice to his players. Now there’s a scary thought.
Leicester could be feeling confident after thrashing Doncaster Rovers 5-1 last weekend. Or they could be feeling worried after losing their last two away games.
Troy Brown could keep his place in Ipswich’s defence but considering they can only beat Premier League teams at the moment, Roy Keane might make a few changes.
Andy King will start for Leicester.
Elliott Chamberlain is apparently on trial with Blue Square Premier club Oxford United. I did wonder if it was an old article but I think they just got the league wrong.
Leeds United v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR’s long unbeaten run came to an end last weekend when Watford beat them 3-1. They can’t even comfort themselves by remembering that they still remain unbeaten at home. Not when this match is away. Leeds are unbeaten in eight matches. So they’ve still got a way to go before they match what QPR achieved.
Sanchez Watt is apparently in contention for a place in the squad but I know what Leeds are like, I’ll believe it when I see it. He scored in a behind-closed-doors match where Leeds beat Newcastle United 4-1.
Millwall v Barnsley
Barnsley are unbeaten in five matches – three points from the play-offs, and not forgetting their game in hand. But Millwall are just one point behind them and unbeaten in four. They also have the home advantage: Barnsley have only won twice away.
Millwall’s striker crisis has probably eased a bit by now but even so, they’ll almost certainly pick Steve Morison. And Kenny Jackett says Nottingham Forest haven’t made a bid for Steve which is good news.
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
I don’t want to speak to soon but for the moment it looks like Nottingham Forest might actually be able to play their match this time. Their last two have fallen victim to the weather.
Forest are the only team in the Championship who are still unbeaten at home and they’ll be hoping things stay that way. If they draw again they’ll still be unbeaten but they’ll have drawn half their league matches this season. Palace have only one win – and one draw – from away games this season.
Aaron Ramsey is probably struggling to build up match fitness as there have’t been any matches but he should get a substitute appearance in this one. If it happens.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw should start.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman will probably be on the bench for Palace.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Crystal Palace 0-0 Hull City
Palace were back in the relegation zone despite drawing against Hull, who are themselves only two points clear.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman stayed on the bench for Palace.
Leicester City 5-1 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster took the lead as early as the sixth minute but they were unable to build on it – and even if they had, it might not have been enough with Leicester in such a rampant mood. Whatever Sven-Goran Eriksson gave the Leicester players at half-time, I want some.
Andy King played well for Leicester and provided the assist for their third and fifth goals. He nearly scored a couple too.
Brian Stock and John Oster played the full match for Doncaster but they probably didn’t enjoy it as much as Andy.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Cardiff City
Who could have predicted this? True, Cardiff have stuttered of late – losing to Queen’s Park Rangers was disappointing, while drawing with Preston North End was just embarrassing – but now Cardiff lose to Middlesbrough, who are even now only out of the relegation places on goal difference.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Bellamy was the only Welshman to feature for Cardiff but he couldn’t find the back of the net, only the side of it. Darcy Blake (who has been ill recently) and Adam Matthews were on the bench, while Jason Koumas was kept out presumably by his toe injury.
Palace were back in the relegation zone despite drawing against Hull, who are themselves only two points clear.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman stayed on the bench for Palace.
Leicester City 5-1 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster took the lead as early as the sixth minute but they were unable to build on it – and even if they had, it might not have been enough with Leicester in such a rampant mood. Whatever Sven-Goran Eriksson gave the Leicester players at half-time, I want some.
Andy King played well for Leicester and provided the assist for their third and fifth goals. He nearly scored a couple too.
Brian Stock and John Oster played the full match for Doncaster but they probably didn’t enjoy it as much as Andy.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Cardiff City
Who could have predicted this? True, Cardiff have stuttered of late – losing to Queen’s Park Rangers was disappointing, while drawing with Preston North End was just embarrassing – but now Cardiff lose to Middlesbrough, who are even now only out of the relegation places on goal difference.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Bellamy was the only Welshman to feature for Cardiff but he couldn’t find the back of the net, only the side of it. Darcy Blake (who has been ill recently) and Adam Matthews were on the bench, while Jason Koumas was kept out presumably by his toe injury.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Championship Results 4th December 2010 (Part 2)
Ipswich Town 1-3 Swansea City
Ipswich have forgotten how to win against Championship sides so Swansea ended up getting all three points, thus putting pressure on Cardiff, which Swansea probably didn’t mind doing at all.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s starting line-up.
The only good thing about Swansea’s result is that Joe Allen scored again. It’s good for Wales. It’s probably also good for Wales that Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor only let one goal in. It seems like a horrible thing to happen but I’m sure it’s good really. David Cotterill was left on the bench which is a bit of a waste but maybe he’s saving his goals for Wales. Jermaine Easter finally made his Swansea debut. If he can go on a scoring run, that could be great for Wales too.
Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leeds are unbeaten in seven after the double promotion hopefuls beat the surviving-by-the-skin-of-our-teeth-again hopefuls.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman was unused substitutes for Palace.
Millwall 3-0 Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe won the play-off final the season before last but Millwall are winning the race to stay there. My dad says they could have got four but that would have lifted Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone and no Millwall fan would want that.
Steve Morison scored not once but twice for Millwall.
Watford 3-2 Leicester City
Watford’s run of five matches without a win came to an end in this match but Leicester are five points outside the play-offs so it could be worse.
Andy King played 63 minutes for Leicester. I hope that was a tactical substitution rather than another injury.
Ipswich have forgotten how to win against Championship sides so Swansea ended up getting all three points, thus putting pressure on Cardiff, which Swansea probably didn’t mind doing at all.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s starting line-up.
The only good thing about Swansea’s result is that Joe Allen scored again. It’s good for Wales. It’s probably also good for Wales that Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor only let one goal in. It seems like a horrible thing to happen but I’m sure it’s good really. David Cotterill was left on the bench which is a bit of a waste but maybe he’s saving his goals for Wales. Jermaine Easter finally made his Swansea debut. If he can go on a scoring run, that could be great for Wales too.
Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leeds are unbeaten in seven after the double promotion hopefuls beat the surviving-by-the-skin-of-our-teeth-again hopefuls.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman was unused substitutes for Palace.
Millwall 3-0 Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe won the play-off final the season before last but Millwall are winning the race to stay there. My dad says they could have got four but that would have lifted Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone and no Millwall fan would want that.
Steve Morison scored not once but twice for Millwall.
Watford 3-2 Leicester City
Watford’s run of five matches without a win came to an end in this match but Leicester are five points outside the play-offs so it could be worse.
Andy King played 63 minutes for Leicester. I hope that was a tactical substitution rather than another injury.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Sheffield United
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010 (Part 2)
Ipswich Town v Swansea City
Ipswich haven’t beaten Swansea since they were both in the top division together which must have been a very long time ago. Ipswich are hoping to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
Troy Brown played well in Ipswich’s Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion but he’s not expected to keep his place.
Jermaine Easter is yet to make his debut for loan club Swansea after injuring his thigh. He will have a fitness test to determine whether he’s able to play in this match. If he does, it will be his 250th career league appearance. Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and David Cotterill will also hope to start – but if not they should be on the bench.
Leeds United v Crystal Palace
Palace could be out of the bottom three if they manage to beat or even just draw with Leeds but with Leeds unbeaten in five matches, that’s a big if. Palace’s away form is identical to Middlesbrough’s which kind of says it all really.
Sanchez Watt has apparently recovered from his ankle injury but he’s yet to appear in a Leeds squad.
Palace are short of midfielders which could see Andy Dorman’s first start since it was revealed he was having trouble adapting to the Championship. Lewis Price will also hope to return to the bench.
Millwall v Scunthorpe United
Millwall will attempt to beat one of the Championship’s struggling sides in an effort not to become one of them themselves.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Nottingham Forest P-P Bristol City
This match has been postponed as the streets of Nottingham are hazardous.
Aaron Ramsey will hope Forest’s fixtures don’t all get postponed now he’s joined them on loan. He was glad to get back to playing against Leicester City. And it’s not just you who’s glad, Aaron.
Chris Gunter says Aaron is mentally stronger after his injury.
Christian Ribeiro seems to be making the right back spot his own – Bristol City were relieved when he was declared fit to play in this weekend’s match – although obviously he won’t be playing now.
Sam Vokes was expected to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Bristol City but it’s not clear whether this happened or not.
Sheffield United P-P Reading
This match has been postponed as it’s just too cold.
Watford v Leicester City
Leicester hope to win their fifth games in seven matches but the last seven matches have been less kind to Watford, who haven’t won any of them.
Andy King returned from injury with a bang last weekend. He says Leicester aren’t scared of anyone and they could get promoted.
Ipswich haven’t beaten Swansea since they were both in the top division together which must have been a very long time ago. Ipswich are hoping to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
Troy Brown played well in Ipswich’s Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion but he’s not expected to keep his place.
Jermaine Easter is yet to make his debut for loan club Swansea after injuring his thigh. He will have a fitness test to determine whether he’s able to play in this match. If he does, it will be his 250th career league appearance. Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and David Cotterill will also hope to start – but if not they should be on the bench.
Leeds United v Crystal Palace
Palace could be out of the bottom three if they manage to beat or even just draw with Leeds but with Leeds unbeaten in five matches, that’s a big if. Palace’s away form is identical to Middlesbrough’s which kind of says it all really.
Sanchez Watt has apparently recovered from his ankle injury but he’s yet to appear in a Leeds squad.
Palace are short of midfielders which could see Andy Dorman’s first start since it was revealed he was having trouble adapting to the Championship. Lewis Price will also hope to return to the bench.
Millwall v Scunthorpe United
Millwall will attempt to beat one of the Championship’s struggling sides in an effort not to become one of them themselves.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Nottingham Forest P-P Bristol City
This match has been postponed as the streets of Nottingham are hazardous.
Aaron Ramsey will hope Forest’s fixtures don’t all get postponed now he’s joined them on loan. He was glad to get back to playing against Leicester City. And it’s not just you who’s glad, Aaron.
Chris Gunter says Aaron is mentally stronger after his injury.
Christian Ribeiro seems to be making the right back spot his own – Bristol City were relieved when he was declared fit to play in this weekend’s match – although obviously he won’t be playing now.
Sam Vokes was expected to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Bristol City but it’s not clear whether this happened or not.
Sheffield United P-P Reading
This match has been postponed as it’s just too cold.
Watford v Leicester City
Leicester hope to win their fifth games in seven matches but the last seven matches have been less kind to Watford, who haven’t won any of them.
Andy King returned from injury with a bang last weekend. He says Leicester aren’t scared of anyone and they could get promoted.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 3)
Sheffield United 3-2 Crystal Palace
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.
Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.
Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City v Leeds United
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Championship Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Crystal Palace 2-0 Coventry City
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Crystal Palace v Coventry City
If Palace win this one, they could get off the bottom of the table – they’re only bottom on goal difference at the moment.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace. Lewis Price could be on the bench if he’s recovered from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood was back in the squad for Coventry’s last match – maybe he’ll actually get to play a bit this time.
Ipswich Town v Barnsley
Ipswich have not lost to Barnsley for twelve years. I’m not sure how often they were in the same division as they’ve spent three seasons between them in the Premier League and Barnsley had some time in League One but whatever. Barnsley haven’t been known for their away wins but they did get one in their last game. It was only against Preston North End but maybe it’s given them a bit of confidence.
Troy Brown could be in Ipswich’s squad again – and he’s one of Roy Keane’s reasons for not buying a right back although unfortunately some centre back is first choice instead of Troy.
Leeds United v Bristol City
Leeds and Bristol City play each other in the League for the first time in 31 years which just seems impossible but I suppose they must have passed each other when Leeds went down to League One and Bristol City came up.
Sanchez Watt could return to Leeds’ squad after recovering from an ankle injury but they might prefer not to risk him. They’ve risked him at least twice already and it so wasn’t worth it. Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds.
Brett Pitman is probably most likely to be on Bristol City’s bench (are you sure you didn’t want to go to Blackpool, Brett? A manager who thinks nothing of resting eleven players?). There is some dispute about whether Christian Ribeiro (groin) is ready to return to the squad but I think Sam Vokes (hamstring) is definitely out.
Leicester City v Derby County
Leicester have been doing really well lately, especially considering who their manager is. Derby, however, have been doing even better and have gone from relegation battle to play-off places in the space of a few games.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Robbie Savage will hope to start for Derby against his old club but he does get rested every now and then. It’s his age. If he does play, it will be Robbie’s 100th appearance for Derby. Robbie feels Andy Carroll deserves to be in the England squad. Very true, he does, but I hope you don’t mean against Wales, Robbie. Hopefully you’ll be there to help deal with him but I don’t want good players like that playing against Wales. Not that I think Wales couldn’t beat a good England team, I just think the win will be even funnier if Emile Heskey plays. Yes, I know he’s retired but players are always coming out of retirement these days. And I only hope it becomes common among the Welsh.
Gareth Roberts will probably be on the bench. Apparently he was close to being recalled for Derby’s win over Ipswich but close doesn’t count.
Millwall v Sheffield United
Millwall are looking for their first win in five games but Sheffield United have won only one in the last nine.
Steve Morison is back in Millwall’s squad after serving a one-match suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Ched Evans will hope to start for Sheffield United.
If Palace win this one, they could get off the bottom of the table – they’re only bottom on goal difference at the moment.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace. Lewis Price could be on the bench if he’s recovered from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood was back in the squad for Coventry’s last match – maybe he’ll actually get to play a bit this time.
Ipswich Town v Barnsley
Ipswich have not lost to Barnsley for twelve years. I’m not sure how often they were in the same division as they’ve spent three seasons between them in the Premier League and Barnsley had some time in League One but whatever. Barnsley haven’t been known for their away wins but they did get one in their last game. It was only against Preston North End but maybe it’s given them a bit of confidence.
Troy Brown could be in Ipswich’s squad again – and he’s one of Roy Keane’s reasons for not buying a right back although unfortunately some centre back is first choice instead of Troy.
Leeds United v Bristol City
Leeds and Bristol City play each other in the League for the first time in 31 years which just seems impossible but I suppose they must have passed each other when Leeds went down to League One and Bristol City came up.
Sanchez Watt could return to Leeds’ squad after recovering from an ankle injury but they might prefer not to risk him. They’ve risked him at least twice already and it so wasn’t worth it. Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds.
Brett Pitman is probably most likely to be on Bristol City’s bench (are you sure you didn’t want to go to Blackpool, Brett? A manager who thinks nothing of resting eleven players?). There is some dispute about whether Christian Ribeiro (groin) is ready to return to the squad but I think Sam Vokes (hamstring) is definitely out.
Leicester City v Derby County
Leicester have been doing really well lately, especially considering who their manager is. Derby, however, have been doing even better and have gone from relegation battle to play-off places in the space of a few games.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Robbie Savage will hope to start for Derby against his old club but he does get rested every now and then. It’s his age. If he does play, it will be Robbie’s 100th appearance for Derby. Robbie feels Andy Carroll deserves to be in the England squad. Very true, he does, but I hope you don’t mean against Wales, Robbie. Hopefully you’ll be there to help deal with him but I don’t want good players like that playing against Wales. Not that I think Wales couldn’t beat a good England team, I just think the win will be even funnier if Emile Heskey plays. Yes, I know he’s retired but players are always coming out of retirement these days. And I only hope it becomes common among the Welsh.
Gareth Roberts will probably be on the bench. Apparently he was close to being recalled for Derby’s win over Ipswich but close doesn’t count.
Millwall v Sheffield United
Millwall are looking for their first win in five games but Sheffield United have won only one in the last nine.
Steve Morison is back in Millwall’s squad after serving a one-match suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Ched Evans will hope to start for Sheffield United.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 9th November 2010 (Part 1)
Burnley v Doncaster Rovers
Burnley are still yet to win away but their home form is very good, meaning they’re just two points outside the play-offs. Doncaster’s away form is better than Burnley’s and they’ve always been good at springing surprises. They’re only behind Burnley on goal difference.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both keep their places in Doncaster’s midfield after a series of good performances. John will be facing a former club.
Crystal Palace v Watford
A win for Palace is unlikely to lift them out of the bottom three but they’ll struggle against Watford, who have an excellent away record.
Andy Dorman will hope to be back in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price missed out at the weekend due to a back injury and he hasn’t yet recovered so he’s out.
Ipswich Town v Derby County
A great run from Derby recently means they’re now ahead of Ipswich on goal difference but their away form has not been so good and Ipswich won on the last five occasions on which teams met.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Robbie Savage should keep his place in Derby’s starting line-up but he has been rested a couple of times this season already. Gareth Roberts might come in to cover a suspension.
Leeds United v Hull City
For the last two seasons, Hull have been two divisions above Leeds but things are very different now. A second successive promotion certainly doesn’t look impossible for Leeds while Hull aren’t an obvious candidate for bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt. They have only won twice at Elland Road.
Jason Brown came into the starting line-up last week when Kasper Schmeichel became a father but he’s expected to be back on the bench for this match. Sanchez Watt is still out with an ankle injury.
Burnley are still yet to win away but their home form is very good, meaning they’re just two points outside the play-offs. Doncaster’s away form is better than Burnley’s and they’ve always been good at springing surprises. They’re only behind Burnley on goal difference.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both keep their places in Doncaster’s midfield after a series of good performances. John will be facing a former club.
Crystal Palace v Watford
A win for Palace is unlikely to lift them out of the bottom three but they’ll struggle against Watford, who have an excellent away record.
Andy Dorman will hope to be back in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price missed out at the weekend due to a back injury and he hasn’t yet recovered so he’s out.
Ipswich Town v Derby County
A great run from Derby recently means they’re now ahead of Ipswich on goal difference but their away form has not been so good and Ipswich won on the last five occasions on which teams met.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Robbie Savage should keep his place in Derby’s starting line-up but he has been rested a couple of times this season already. Gareth Roberts might come in to cover a suspension.
Leeds United v Hull City
For the last two seasons, Hull have been two divisions above Leeds but things are very different now. A second successive promotion certainly doesn’t look impossible for Leeds while Hull aren’t an obvious candidate for bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt. They have only won twice at Elland Road.
Jason Brown came into the starting line-up last week when Kasper Schmeichel became a father but he’s expected to be back on the bench for this match. Sanchez Watt is still out with an ankle injury.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Middlesbrough 2-1 Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough remain in the bottom three despite winning for the fourth time this season. The team they lost to are the only team below them. Palace have just four points from their eight away matches this season.
Middlesbrough were without Danny Coyne due to a calf injury but he wouldn’t have played anyway.
Andy Dorman came off the bench for Palace but there was no sign of goalkeeper Lewis Price.
Norwich City 2-2 Burnley
Norwich are outside the play-offs onluy on goal difference after coming back from 2-0 down to draw with Burnley, who are still without an away win this season.
It was quite a match for Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts. It really had a bit of everything. He got the assist for their first goal, scored the second to get Norwich a point in stoppage time, got a yellow card for unsporting conduct (possibly relating to his celebration?) and then got sent off. But his team-mates still love him.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Reading
Unbeaten QPR moved back to the top of the table following this win over Reading and they remained their when Cardiff City lost to Swansea City the following day.
Simon Church had to be content with a place on the bench again. They did bring him on just after the hour mark but he didn’t get any winning goals this week. Well, scoring late goals doesn’t help him get into the team, maybe not scoring them will have more effect. Hal Robson-Kanu started for Reading and he was the victim of a foul that took QPR down to ten men. It didn’t help.
Sheffield United 1-2 Ipswich Town
Sheffield United lost for the third consecutive match and are now just a point outside the relegation zone while Ipswich are back in the top six.
Ched Evans was a half-time substitute for Sheffield United and could have scored a couple but it wasn’t to be.
Troy Brown came off Ipswich’s bench in the 85th minute.
Watford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have done well at home but they still only have one away win after only drawing with Watford, who would have been in the play-offs if they’d won.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start for Forest since returning from a hamstring injury. Chris Gunter also started.
Middlesbrough remain in the bottom three despite winning for the fourth time this season. The team they lost to are the only team below them. Palace have just four points from their eight away matches this season.
Middlesbrough were without Danny Coyne due to a calf injury but he wouldn’t have played anyway.
Andy Dorman came off the bench for Palace but there was no sign of goalkeeper Lewis Price.
Norwich City 2-2 Burnley
Norwich are outside the play-offs onluy on goal difference after coming back from 2-0 down to draw with Burnley, who are still without an away win this season.
It was quite a match for Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts. It really had a bit of everything. He got the assist for their first goal, scored the second to get Norwich a point in stoppage time, got a yellow card for unsporting conduct (possibly relating to his celebration?) and then got sent off. But his team-mates still love him.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Reading
Unbeaten QPR moved back to the top of the table following this win over Reading and they remained their when Cardiff City lost to Swansea City the following day.
Simon Church had to be content with a place on the bench again. They did bring him on just after the hour mark but he didn’t get any winning goals this week. Well, scoring late goals doesn’t help him get into the team, maybe not scoring them will have more effect. Hal Robson-Kanu started for Reading and he was the victim of a foul that took QPR down to ten men. It didn’t help.
Sheffield United 1-2 Ipswich Town
Sheffield United lost for the third consecutive match and are now just a point outside the relegation zone while Ipswich are back in the top six.
Ched Evans was a half-time substitute for Sheffield United and could have scored a couple but it wasn’t to be.
Troy Brown came off Ipswich’s bench in the 85th minute.
Watford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have done well at home but they still only have one away win after only drawing with Watford, who would have been in the play-offs if they’d won.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start for Forest since returning from a hamstring injury. Chris Gunter also started.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers v Millwall
Kenny Jackett celebrates his third anniversary of becoming Millwall’s manager. Or he’s hoping to celebrate.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start to Doncaster.
Steve Morison should keep his place in Millwall’s starting line-up.
Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace
Danny Coyne he has had a calf injury and is a doubt.
Andy Dorman could keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up with Lewis Price on the bench.
Norwich City v Burnley
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Reading
Simon Church deserves to start after two recent winning goals as a substitute. If so, he could replace Hal Robson-Kanu but I hope they both start. Simon this week became probably the tenth Wales international to say he wants Brian Flynn to become the permanent Wales manager.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_6482939,00.html
Sheffield United v Ipswich Town
Ched Evans will be hoping to start for Sheffield United, something he hasn’t done for over a month.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter, who signed a new contract with Forest this week, should start. Robert Earnshaw could be the next to sign – he’s currently in contract talks. Rob has been on the bench recently after returning from a hamstring injury but he could start today.
Kenny Jackett celebrates his third anniversary of becoming Millwall’s manager. Or he’s hoping to celebrate.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start to Doncaster.
Steve Morison should keep his place in Millwall’s starting line-up.
Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace
Danny Coyne he has had a calf injury and is a doubt.
Andy Dorman could keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up with Lewis Price on the bench.
Norwich City v Burnley
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Reading
Simon Church deserves to start after two recent winning goals as a substitute. If so, he could replace Hal Robson-Kanu but I hope they both start. Simon this week became probably the tenth Wales international to say he wants Brian Flynn to become the permanent Wales manager.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_6482939,00.html
Sheffield United v Ipswich Town
Ched Evans will be hoping to start for Sheffield United, something he hasn’t done for over a month.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter, who signed a new contract with Forest this week, should start. Robert Earnshaw could be the next to sign – he’s currently in contract talks. Rob has been on the bench recently after returning from a hamstring injury but he could start today.
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