Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter played every game for Nottingham Forest.
League: Portsmouth H 2-1 (played all)
League: Derby A 0-1 (played all)
League: Bristol C H 1-0 (played all)
FA Cup: FA West Ham A 3-2 (Y handball 65, played all)
League: Coventry A 1-2 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw scored twice in four league matches for Nottingham Forest. Both goals came in the match after being dropped to the bench. I don’t usually like it when Rob is dropped to the bench but maybe it’s not completely without its advantages.
Rob’s celebrations against his former club Derby led to a yellow card but he says it was worth it. He might also get fined but hopefully he can talk his way out of that!
Rob believes Forest’s defence is a big reason why they’re doing so well.
League: Portsmouth H 2-1 (starts, off 57)
League: Derby A 0-1 (bench, on 66, G1 79, Y shirt? 80)
League: Bristol C H 1-0 (starts, off 87)
FA Cup: FA West Ham A 3-2 (bench, on 66)
League: Coventry A 1-2 (starts, G2 36, off 75)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown hasn’t been playing for Ipswich due to a hamstring injury. Their results without him haven’t been too bad but they remain in the relegation battle.
League: Millwall A 2-1 (out, hamstring)
League: Doncaster H 3-2 (out, hamstring)
Carling Cup: CC Arsenal A 3-0. 3-1 agg (out, hamstring)
League: Derby A 1-2 (out, hamstring)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s starting line-up but for these three matches, he was in.
League: Leicester H 1-1 (played all)
League: Boro A 1-1 (played all)
League: Barnsley A 2-0 (starts, Y foul 59, off 60)
Paul Parry was said to have a broken wrist during some of these matches but it didn’t seem to get in his way too much.
League: Leicester H 1-1 (bench, on 48)
League: Boro A 1-1 (played all)
League: Barnsley A 2-0 (bench)
Queen’s Park Rangers
Michael Doughty didn’t appear for QPR in this time frame but he did make his debut as a substitute in the FA Cup match against Blackburn. Vital QPR says he’s the chairman’s son which must be quite interesting.
Reading
Simon Church is back in Reading’s starting line-up which was good to see but he’s yet to find the net in 2011.
League: Doncaster A 0-3 (bench, on 79)
League: Hull H 1-1 (starts, off 62)
FA Cup: Stevenage A 1-2 (played all)
League: Cardiff A 2-2 (starts, off 71)
Hal Robson-Kanu was mostly a substitute for Reading.
League: Doncaster A 0-3 (bench)
League: Hull H 1-1 (bench, on 73)
FA Cup: Stevenage A 1-2 (starts, off 75)
League: Cardiff A 2-2 (bench)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance against Coventry. Sheffield United’s survival plan is working, Ched said shortly before they ended up in the bottom three.
League: Coventry A 0-0 (played all)
League: Norwich H 1-2 (G1 69, played all)
League: :Leicester H 0-1 (played all)
Showing posts with label ched evans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ched evans. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 4)
Reading v Hull City
Reading are unbeaten in their last seven home games and are just two points outside the play-offs but Hull have been creeping up the table and haven’t lost any of their last eight away games.
Simon Church could start for Reading in place of the doubtful Noel Hunt and Jem Karacan. Hal Robson-Kanu will probably be on the bench.
Sheffield United v Norwich City
A draw might be enough to prevent Sheffield United from slipping back into the top three – and considering that Norwich have only lost two away games, a draw would be a pretty good result.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones has joined Brentford on a month’s loan.
Reading are unbeaten in their last seven home games and are just two points outside the play-offs but Hull have been creeping up the table and haven’t lost any of their last eight away games.
Simon Church could start for Reading in place of the doubtful Noel Hunt and Jem Karacan. Hal Robson-Kanu will probably be on the bench.
Sheffield United v Norwich City
A draw might be enough to prevent Sheffield United from slipping back into the top three – and considering that Norwich have only lost two away games, a draw would be a pretty good result.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones has joined Brentford on a month’s loan.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City 0-4 Middlesbrough
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Three)
Norwich City 0-1 Leyton Orient
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 4)
Norwich City v Leyton Orient
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 3)
Millwall
Steve Morison has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs which can only mean one thing – he has been playing brilliantly for Millwall despite a recent goal drought. Poor Steve missed out on the New Year’s Day game with flu and judging him from his performance a couple of days later, it wasn’t the sort of flu footballers get sometimes when they’re in talks with a new club. Let’s hope he’s feeling better for Millwall’s FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
Portsmouth A 1-1 (played all)
Leicester H 2-0 (G1 12, played all)
Palace H 3-0 (out, flu)
Derby A 0-0 (starts, off 71)
Norwich City
Norwich were predicted to struggle and to be fair, they are struggling to get into the automatic promotion places. It’s been an excellent season so far and part of the reason for that is Andrew Crofts.
Coventry A 1-2 (out, illness)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (played all)
QPR H 1-0 (played all)
Boro A 1-1 (played all)
When Owain Tudur Jones returned from a loan spell at Yeovil Town, I wasn’t sure how many chances he’d have at Norwich and was very happy to see him on the bench for the very next game. Not only that, he came off the bench too. Since then, he’s always been a substitute except for his most recent match, where he got his first Norwich start of the season (he did get substituted at half-time but that’s not necessarily a very bad thing).
Coventry A 1-2 (bench)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (bench)
QPR H 1-0 (bench)
Boro A 1-1 (starts, off 46)
Josh Dawkin has made one appearance on Norwich’s bench this season and it wasn’t at Christmas but let’s hope his next appearance isn’t too far away.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter kept his place in Forest’s starting line-up as they pushed slowly up towards the right end of the table and (briefly) into the play-off places.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (wins pen 68, played all)
Ipswich A 0-1 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw started most matches over the Christmas period and got a hat-trick in the process. Three goals in three games doesn’t really seem like a reason to drop a player to the bench but that’s what happened.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (G2 24, G4 53, G5 94, Y 94, played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (starts, off 75)
Ipswich A 0-1 (bench)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s squad and in and out of the starting line-up as they desperately try to save themselves from relegation.
Boro H 1-3 (played all)
Derby H 1-2 (bench)
Palace A 0-0 (played all)
Paul Parry has always been in the squad but his knee problems have prevented him from starting many games. Now if Paul refused to come out of retirement for Wales for injury reasons, I would have no cause for complaint. (Not that I necessarily have cause the other times.)
Boro H 1-3 (bench, on 85)
Derby H 1-2 (starts, off 71)
Palace A 0-0 (bench)
Reading
Simon Church was back on the bench over Christmas but his one goal was rewarded with one start in the very next match. But he couldn’t get two in two (how many strikers do that?) so he was back on the bench again against Burnley.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 65)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench)
Hull A 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 82)
Swansea A 1-0 (played all)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 72)
Hal Robson-Kanu has had a similar problem to Simon although he did get an assist.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench, on 80, A4 89)
Hull A 1-1 (bench)
Swansea A 1-0 (starts, off 71)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 67)
Jake Taylor made his long-awaited return following knee surgery but he’s only been on the bench once so let’s hope he hasn’t had a relapse.
Derby A 1-2 (unselected)
Bristol C H 4-1 (unselected)
Hull A 1-1 (unselected)
Swansea A 1-0 (bench)
Burnley H 1-1 (unselected)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans got four goals in four games, helping to get some much-needed wins against form teams. He can even score penalties, always a useful trait in a Welshman.
Swansea H 1-0 (starts, G1 44, off 93)
Hull H 2-3 (G1 62, G2 73, played all)
Norwich A 4-2 (played all)
Burnley A 4-2 (G2 pen 47. played all)
Doncaster H 2-2 (played all)
Steve Morison has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs which can only mean one thing – he has been playing brilliantly for Millwall despite a recent goal drought. Poor Steve missed out on the New Year’s Day game with flu and judging him from his performance a couple of days later, it wasn’t the sort of flu footballers get sometimes when they’re in talks with a new club. Let’s hope he’s feeling better for Millwall’s FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
Portsmouth A 1-1 (played all)
Leicester H 2-0 (G1 12, played all)
Palace H 3-0 (out, flu)
Derby A 0-0 (starts, off 71)
Norwich City
Norwich were predicted to struggle and to be fair, they are struggling to get into the automatic promotion places. It’s been an excellent season so far and part of the reason for that is Andrew Crofts.
Coventry A 1-2 (out, illness)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (played all)
QPR H 1-0 (played all)
Boro A 1-1 (played all)
When Owain Tudur Jones returned from a loan spell at Yeovil Town, I wasn’t sure how many chances he’d have at Norwich and was very happy to see him on the bench for the very next game. Not only that, he came off the bench too. Since then, he’s always been a substitute except for his most recent match, where he got his first Norwich start of the season (he did get substituted at half-time but that’s not necessarily a very bad thing).
Coventry A 1-2 (bench)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (bench)
QPR H 1-0 (bench)
Boro A 1-1 (starts, off 46)
Josh Dawkin has made one appearance on Norwich’s bench this season and it wasn’t at Christmas but let’s hope his next appearance isn’t too far away.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter kept his place in Forest’s starting line-up as they pushed slowly up towards the right end of the table and (briefly) into the play-off places.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (wins pen 68, played all)
Ipswich A 0-1 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw started most matches over the Christmas period and got a hat-trick in the process. Three goals in three games doesn’t really seem like a reason to drop a player to the bench but that’s what happened.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (G2 24, G4 53, G5 94, Y 94, played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (starts, off 75)
Ipswich A 0-1 (bench)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s squad and in and out of the starting line-up as they desperately try to save themselves from relegation.
Boro H 1-3 (played all)
Derby H 1-2 (bench)
Palace A 0-0 (played all)
Paul Parry has always been in the squad but his knee problems have prevented him from starting many games. Now if Paul refused to come out of retirement for Wales for injury reasons, I would have no cause for complaint. (Not that I necessarily have cause the other times.)
Boro H 1-3 (bench, on 85)
Derby H 1-2 (starts, off 71)
Palace A 0-0 (bench)
Reading
Simon Church was back on the bench over Christmas but his one goal was rewarded with one start in the very next match. But he couldn’t get two in two (how many strikers do that?) so he was back on the bench again against Burnley.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 65)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench)
Hull A 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 82)
Swansea A 1-0 (played all)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 72)
Hal Robson-Kanu has had a similar problem to Simon although he did get an assist.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench, on 80, A4 89)
Hull A 1-1 (bench)
Swansea A 1-0 (starts, off 71)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 67)
Jake Taylor made his long-awaited return following knee surgery but he’s only been on the bench once so let’s hope he hasn’t had a relapse.
Derby A 1-2 (unselected)
Bristol C H 4-1 (unselected)
Hull A 1-1 (unselected)
Swansea A 1-0 (bench)
Burnley H 1-1 (unselected)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans got four goals in four games, helping to get some much-needed wins against form teams. He can even score penalties, always a useful trait in a Welshman.
Swansea H 1-0 (starts, G1 44, off 93)
Hull H 2-3 (G1 62, G2 73, played all)
Norwich A 4-2 (played all)
Burnley A 4-2 (G2 pen 47. played all)
Doncaster H 2-2 (played all)
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 18th December 2010 (Part 3)
Sheffield United v Swansea City
Swansea haven’t won at Sheffield United since the year the Second World War started. That’s 1939, in case they don’t teach that anymore. If Swansea draw, they’ll move ahead of Cardiff City as their game has been postponed.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
David Cotterill doesn’t get the best reaction when Swansea play Cardiff City and he never even played for Cardiff, he was just born there. So his former club Sheffield United probably won’t be that thrilled with him either. David hasn’t been starting lately but with Gary Speed choosing country over club, maybe he’ll get more chances.
Ashley Williams looks certain to start – it will be his 300th club career appearance – but he doesn’t think this is a good time to play Sheffield United. Joe Allen is also likely to start while Neil Taylor and loanee Jermaine Easter should be somewhere in the squad. Jermaine is hoping that if he scores, the Swansea fans will stop booing him. Not that they’re all booing him but it was loud enough for Jermaine to hear.
Watford v Preston North End
Watford’s last league match went quite well. They beat Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 away and ended their unbeaten start to the season. Now they host the team at the opposite end of the table. A win could move Preston out of the bottom three and they have been playing well.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry haven’t started for Preston for a while. As Preston haven’t really found a winning formula yet, they might be worth a try but I don’t think Darren Ferguson reads my blogs so he might keep them on the bench.
Swansea haven’t won at Sheffield United since the year the Second World War started. That’s 1939, in case they don’t teach that anymore. If Swansea draw, they’ll move ahead of Cardiff City as their game has been postponed.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
David Cotterill doesn’t get the best reaction when Swansea play Cardiff City and he never even played for Cardiff, he was just born there. So his former club Sheffield United probably won’t be that thrilled with him either. David hasn’t been starting lately but with Gary Speed choosing country over club, maybe he’ll get more chances.
Ashley Williams looks certain to start – it will be his 300th club career appearance – but he doesn’t think this is a good time to play Sheffield United. Joe Allen is also likely to start while Neil Taylor and loanee Jermaine Easter should be somewhere in the squad. Jermaine is hoping that if he scores, the Swansea fans will stop booing him. Not that they’re all booing him but it was loud enough for Jermaine to hear.
Watford v Preston North End
Watford’s last league match went quite well. They beat Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 away and ended their unbeaten start to the season. Now they host the team at the opposite end of the table. A win could move Preston out of the bottom three and they have been playing well.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry haven’t started for Preston for a while. As Preston haven’t really found a winning formula yet, they might be worth a try but I don’t think Darren Ferguson reads my blogs so he might keep them on the bench.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 1-0 Sheffield United
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Championship Results 30th November 2010 (Part 3)
Portsmouth 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Portsmouth’s good form continued with a win over Nottingham Forest. The win takes Portsmouth up to 10th place, just one point away from the play-offs.
Chris Gunter was back at right back for Forest with Robert Earnshaw making a late appearance from the bench.
Reading 4-3 Doncaster Rovers
Reading scored four goals in the same match for the second successive game, this time coming back from 3-1 down to beat Doncaster. And for the second successive game, Simon Church came off the bench and scored Reading’s winning goal.
Hal Robson-Kanu started again for Reading..
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United 1-4 Leeds United
Scunthorpe have sprung a number of games this season – at least as far as I’m concerned as I thought they’d be spending the season struggling at the foot of the table. And strange as it sounds, Scunthorpe were in the division above Leeds last season. But Leeds dominated and thoroughly deserved their win.
Jason Brown was on the bench for Leeds.
Sheffield United 0-1 Coventry City
Covrentry moved up to fourth after an away win over Sheffield United, who haven’t won since September.
Ched Evans made his second comeback from a groin injury in the 65th minute.
Freddy Eastwood is back in full training but was not in Coventry’s squad.
Portsmouth’s good form continued with a win over Nottingham Forest. The win takes Portsmouth up to 10th place, just one point away from the play-offs.
Chris Gunter was back at right back for Forest with Robert Earnshaw making a late appearance from the bench.
Reading 4-3 Doncaster Rovers
Reading scored four goals in the same match for the second successive game, this time coming back from 3-1 down to beat Doncaster. And for the second successive game, Simon Church came off the bench and scored Reading’s winning goal.
Hal Robson-Kanu started again for Reading..
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United 1-4 Leeds United
Scunthorpe have sprung a number of games this season – at least as far as I’m concerned as I thought they’d be spending the season struggling at the foot of the table. And strange as it sounds, Scunthorpe were in the division above Leeds last season. But Leeds dominated and thoroughly deserved their win.
Jason Brown was on the bench for Leeds.
Sheffield United 0-1 Coventry City
Covrentry moved up to fourth after an away win over Sheffield United, who haven’t won since September.
Ched Evans made his second comeback from a groin injury in the 65th minute.
Freddy Eastwood is back in full training but was not in Coventry’s squad.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 30th October 2010 (Part 4)
Reading v Doncaster Rovers
Both teams are tied (with a number of other teams) on 19 points. A win could put them into the play-off places. Reading’s Welsh strikers won’t remember the last time Doncaster beat Reading – it was quite a few years before they were born.
Simon Church came off the bench to score Reading’s winning goal in a 4-0 victory over Burnley and he might have won himself a place in the starting line-up. Hopefully it won’t be at the expense of Hal Robson-Kanu.
John Oster (who faces one of his former sides) and Brian Stock will both hope to keep their places in Doncaster’s starting line-up.
Scunthorpe United v Leeds United
Leeds are only four points from the play-offs. Not a disaster. A few good wins and they’ll be right back up there again. As far as the good wins are concerned, Scunthorpe might be a good place to start. They’ve only won once at home. And Scunthorpe haven’t beaten Leeds for 48 years.
Sanchez Watt is expected to miss out again for Leeds due to his knee injury. The Yorkshire Post seems to think Jason Brown will start. I’d love it if they were right but he didn’t play in the last match.
Sheffield United v Coventry City
Coventry are in the top six but they haven’t won back-to-back games this season. As they won their last game, maybe Sheffield United will get the three points Gary Speed really needs.
Sheffield United’s Ched Evans could return from his recurring groin injury
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood is back in training but he won’t be able to play.
Both teams are tied (with a number of other teams) on 19 points. A win could put them into the play-off places. Reading’s Welsh strikers won’t remember the last time Doncaster beat Reading – it was quite a few years before they were born.
Simon Church came off the bench to score Reading’s winning goal in a 4-0 victory over Burnley and he might have won himself a place in the starting line-up. Hopefully it won’t be at the expense of Hal Robson-Kanu.
John Oster (who faces one of his former sides) and Brian Stock will both hope to keep their places in Doncaster’s starting line-up.
Scunthorpe United v Leeds United
Leeds are only four points from the play-offs. Not a disaster. A few good wins and they’ll be right back up there again. As far as the good wins are concerned, Scunthorpe might be a good place to start. They’ve only won once at home. And Scunthorpe haven’t beaten Leeds for 48 years.
Sanchez Watt is expected to miss out again for Leeds due to his knee injury. The Yorkshire Post seems to think Jason Brown will start. I’d love it if they were right but he didn’t play in the last match.
Sheffield United v Coventry City
Coventry are in the top six but they haven’t won back-to-back games this season. As they won their last game, maybe Sheffield United will get the three points Gary Speed really needs.
Sheffield United’s Ched Evans could return from his recurring groin injury
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood is back in training but he won’t be able to play.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Championship Results 23rd October 2010 (Part 1)
Burnley 0-4 Reading
Hal Robson-Kanu played the full match and got the assist for the third goal.
Simon Church came off the bench and scored the winner.
Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Sheffield United
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.
Ched Evans has had a recurrence of the groin injury that kept him out of the Wales matches so he didn’t play.
Millwall 2-0 Derby County
Steve Morison scored the first goal and set up the second for Millwall.
Robbie Savage played for just over an hour for Derby. Gareth Roberts finally made his return from a calf injury in the 86th minute.
Norwich City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Nottingham Forest 2-0 Ipswich Town
Chris Gunter played in defence for Forest.
Robert Earnshaw was back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury but he stayed on the bench.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Hal Robson-Kanu played the full match and got the assist for the third goal.
Simon Church came off the bench and scored the winner.
Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Sheffield United
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.
Ched Evans has had a recurrence of the groin injury that kept him out of the Wales matches so he didn’t play.
Millwall 2-0 Derby County
Steve Morison scored the first goal and set up the second for Millwall.
Robbie Savage played for just over an hour for Derby. Gareth Roberts finally made his return from a calf injury in the 86th minute.
Norwich City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Nottingham Forest 2-0 Ipswich Town
Chris Gunter played in defence for Forest.
Robert Earnshaw was back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury but he stayed on the bench.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 19th October 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers v Derby County
Doncaster have won the last four meetings between these clubs. They aim to make it five out of five… and continue their unbeaten home record while they’re at it. But Derby are unbeaten in their last five matches so they’re probably quite good.
John Oster should start for Doncaster but captain Brian Stock could start on the bench for the seventh successive match.
Robbe Savage is likely to start for Derby but Gareth Roberts, who joined Derby from Doncaster this summer, might struggle to get back into the starting line-up, despite being on great form before his injury.
Hull City v Sheffield United
Hull are unbeaten at home which is just what Sheffield United need when they’re struggling for points and they’ve only won once away this season.
Ched Evans will hope to be back in the starting line-up to face Hull.
Leeds United v Leicester City
Leicester are unbeaten in their last five league matches against Leeds but there’s no doubt which team has been on better form this season – and it isn’t Leicester. Leicester are stil searching for their first away win of the season.
Sanchez Watt left the field with an injury during Leeds’ win over Middlesbrough at the weekend and is a doubt for this match. Jason Brown should keep his place in goal.
Andy King should start for Leicester after scoring his fifth goal of the season at the weekend.
Millwall v Portsmouth
Millwall got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace but now they face a side they’d probably rather have faced three weeks ago when they were still rubbish. Portsmouth are yet to win away this season.
Steve Morison should start in attack for Millwall.
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Norwich take on struggling Crystal Palace just days after becoming only the second team to take points off Queen’s Park Rangers at home. As for the first side to take points off QPR, they spent last weekend beating Palace. Palace are without a win in six matches – and the only wins they have managed have come at home.
Andrew Crofts should keep his place in Norwich’s midfield as he continues his excellent start to the season. You wouldn’t have guessed he was playing for Brighton & Hove Albion last season.
Andy Dorman will hope for a third consecutive start for Palace. And maybe Lewis Price will get the chance to start for Palace for the first time.
Doncaster have won the last four meetings between these clubs. They aim to make it five out of five… and continue their unbeaten home record while they’re at it. But Derby are unbeaten in their last five matches so they’re probably quite good.
John Oster should start for Doncaster but captain Brian Stock could start on the bench for the seventh successive match.
Robbe Savage is likely to start for Derby but Gareth Roberts, who joined Derby from Doncaster this summer, might struggle to get back into the starting line-up, despite being on great form before his injury.
Hull City v Sheffield United
Hull are unbeaten at home which is just what Sheffield United need when they’re struggling for points and they’ve only won once away this season.
Ched Evans will hope to be back in the starting line-up to face Hull.
Leeds United v Leicester City
Leicester are unbeaten in their last five league matches against Leeds but there’s no doubt which team has been on better form this season – and it isn’t Leicester. Leicester are stil searching for their first away win of the season.
Sanchez Watt left the field with an injury during Leeds’ win over Middlesbrough at the weekend and is a doubt for this match. Jason Brown should keep his place in goal.
Andy King should start for Leicester after scoring his fifth goal of the season at the weekend.
Millwall v Portsmouth
Millwall got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace but now they face a side they’d probably rather have faced three weeks ago when they were still rubbish. Portsmouth are yet to win away this season.
Steve Morison should start in attack for Millwall.
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Norwich take on struggling Crystal Palace just days after becoming only the second team to take points off Queen’s Park Rangers at home. As for the first side to take points off QPR, they spent last weekend beating Palace. Palace are without a win in six matches – and the only wins they have managed have come at home.
Andrew Crofts should keep his place in Norwich’s midfield as he continues his excellent start to the season. You wouldn’t have guessed he was playing for Brighton & Hove Albion last season.
Andy Dorman will hope for a third consecutive start for Palace. And maybe Lewis Price will get the chance to start for Palace for the first time.
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