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 freddy eastwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freddy eastwood. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
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 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 1)
Cardiff City P-P Burnley
South Wales is inches deep in snow and it’s just not safe for visitors.
So Cardiff’s star English striker Jay Bothroyd should recover in time for the next fixture, Craig Bellamy can rest his knee, Jason Koumas can make sure his toe is properly better and the players can recover from their latest epidemic.
Craig has been talking about Feyenoord… and even Feyenoord aren’t happy.
Dave Jones says Cardiff have to deliver on Saturday. And what happens? Snow happens.
Jonathan Meades won’t be able to play for Cardiff until the transfer window opens as he’s been playing for FK Moss. But when the transfer window does open, he’ll be ready to stake his claim.
Coventry City v Norwich City
Coventry are unbeaten in four while Norwich ended a long unbeaten run last week. History would sem to favour Coventry – Norwich have only beaten them once away in the last fifty years. The present would also seem to favour Coventry. They haven’t conceded for nearly 400 minutes. The last team to score against them were Crystal Palace, which probably served as a kick up the backside, as well as a kick into the back of the net.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping Coventry’s failure to score against Reading last weekend will give him the chance to start.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich and a succession of injuries could mean Owain Tudur Jones gets to play again, as long as he’s recovered from being bashed about by Fakenham Town in the Norwich Senior Cup. Norwich City won 3-0 and Josh Dawkin also played 90 minutes.
Derby County v Reading
Derby have lost their last three matches and they’re now three points away from the play-offs – although if they win and Norwich lose, they’ll be back in the top six. And considering Derby’s home form (if you ignore their last home match) and considering Reading are without a win in six (although the last five were draws), they must be in with a good chance of a win.
Reading’s Jem Karacan wants to silence Robbie Savage. Good luck with that. Robbie is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury but Gareth Roberts, who was substituted after forty minutes of Derby’s defeat to Bristol City, will be out for two or three weeks with a calf injury which must be so annoying when he’s finally broken back into the first team after his last injury.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu seem to be Reading’s first-choice substitutes at the moment but Reading have drawn their last five and failed to score in their last two so they’re obviously in need of a couple of goalscorers. Hal scored just a few days ago in a reserve match which is quite an achievement considering most reserve matches are being cancelled at the moment. Also in the team was Jake Taylor, who managed 60 minutes after recovering from knee surgery. He’s not ready for the first team yet but he’ll be back in full training soon.
South Wales is inches deep in snow and it’s just not safe for visitors.
So Cardiff’s star English striker Jay Bothroyd should recover in time for the next fixture, Craig Bellamy can rest his knee, Jason Koumas can make sure his toe is properly better and the players can recover from their latest epidemic.
Craig has been talking about Feyenoord… and even Feyenoord aren’t happy.
Dave Jones says Cardiff have to deliver on Saturday. And what happens? Snow happens.
Jonathan Meades won’t be able to play for Cardiff until the transfer window opens as he’s been playing for FK Moss. But when the transfer window does open, he’ll be ready to stake his claim.
Coventry City v Norwich City
Coventry are unbeaten in four while Norwich ended a long unbeaten run last week. History would sem to favour Coventry – Norwich have only beaten them once away in the last fifty years. The present would also seem to favour Coventry. They haven’t conceded for nearly 400 minutes. The last team to score against them were Crystal Palace, which probably served as a kick up the backside, as well as a kick into the back of the net.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping Coventry’s failure to score against Reading last weekend will give him the chance to start.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich and a succession of injuries could mean Owain Tudur Jones gets to play again, as long as he’s recovered from being bashed about by Fakenham Town in the Norwich Senior Cup. Norwich City won 3-0 and Josh Dawkin also played 90 minutes.
Derby County v Reading
Derby have lost their last three matches and they’re now three points away from the play-offs – although if they win and Norwich lose, they’ll be back in the top six. And considering Derby’s home form (if you ignore their last home match) and considering Reading are without a win in six (although the last five were draws), they must be in with a good chance of a win.
Reading’s Jem Karacan wants to silence Robbie Savage. Good luck with that. Robbie is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury but Gareth Roberts, who was substituted after forty minutes of Derby’s defeat to Bristol City, will be out for two or three weeks with a calf injury which must be so annoying when he’s finally broken back into the first team after his last injury.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu seem to be Reading’s first-choice substitutes at the moment but Reading have drawn their last five and failed to score in their last two so they’re obviously in need of a couple of goalscorers. Hal scored just a few days ago in a reserve match which is quite an achievement considering most reserve matches are being cancelled at the moment. Also in the team was Jake Taylor, who managed 60 minutes after recovering from knee surgery. He’s not ready for the first team yet but he’ll be back in full training soon.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City 0-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth ended Norwich’s six-match unbeaten run but didn’t quite manage to take them out of the play-off places.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones was an unused substitute.
Preston North End 1-0 Ipswich Town
Preston claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich, who have now lost their last six league matches. Their only recent victory was the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Paul Parry played the last five minutes for Preston but Craig Morgan was left on the bench.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s defence and came close to scoring with his head.
Reading 0-0 Coventry City
Reading drew a fifth successive match against Coventry. They haven’t won any of their last six matches although the one they lost was against Queen’s Park Rangers. Coventry were therefore denied a fourth successive win but at least they’re unbeaten in four, with four clean sheets.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu came on the field together in a double substitution but neither could find a winner for Reading.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t get a chance to snatch the points for Coventry, who left him on the bench.
Portsmouth ended Norwich’s six-match unbeaten run but didn’t quite manage to take them out of the play-off places.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones was an unused substitute.
Preston North End 1-0 Ipswich Town
Preston claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich, who have now lost their last six league matches. Their only recent victory was the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Paul Parry played the last five minutes for Preston but Craig Morgan was left on the bench.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s defence and came close to scoring with his head.
Reading 0-0 Coventry City
Reading drew a fifth successive match against Coventry. They haven’t won any of their last six matches although the one they lost was against Queen’s Park Rangers. Coventry were therefore denied a fourth successive win but at least they’re unbeaten in four, with four clean sheets.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu came on the field together in a double substitution but neither could find a winner for Reading.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t get a chance to snatch the points for Coventry, who left him on the bench.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Championship Results 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City 1-1 Preston North End
Cardiff are just one point ahead of rivals Swansea City after only drawing with struggling Preston.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy both started for Cardiff but Darcy was replaced after 26 minutes as he became the first victim of Cardiff City’s latest epidemic. Adam Matthews was an unused substitute but Jason Koumas was missing with a toe injury.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were on the bench for Preston. Paul was a 93rd-minute substitute and he must have done something right because Cardiff scored a minute later. It’s a shame Paul doesn’t play for Cardiff anymore really.
Coventry City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Coventry are up to fifth following this win but Boro aren’t even up to fifth from bottom.
Freddy Eastwood came off Coventry’s bench ten minutes before the goal went in.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Boro.
Derby County 1-2 Norwich City
Derby’s strong home faltered for once when Norwich came to town. Except of course Derby is a city.
Gareth Roberts returned from suspension and was in the starting line-up with Robbie Savage.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich and something wonderful happened: I was wrong. Owain Tudur Jones was not only on the bench for Norwich, he came off it.
Cardiff are just one point ahead of rivals Swansea City after only drawing with struggling Preston.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy both started for Cardiff but Darcy was replaced after 26 minutes as he became the first victim of Cardiff City’s latest epidemic. Adam Matthews was an unused substitute but Jason Koumas was missing with a toe injury.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were on the bench for Preston. Paul was a 93rd-minute substitute and he must have done something right because Cardiff scored a minute later. It’s a shame Paul doesn’t play for Cardiff anymore really.
Coventry City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Coventry are up to fifth following this win but Boro aren’t even up to fifth from bottom.
Freddy Eastwood came off Coventry’s bench ten minutes before the goal went in.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Boro.
Derby County 1-2 Norwich City
Derby’s strong home faltered for once when Norwich came to town. Except of course Derby is a city.
Gareth Roberts returned from suspension and was in the starting line-up with Robbie Savage.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich and something wonderful happened: I was wrong. Owain Tudur Jones was not only on the bench for Norwich, he came off it.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 3)
Preston North End v Ipswich Town
Preston have only won one of their last eleven matches but they are unbeaten in two. Ipswich have just beaten West Bromwich Albion but that wasn’t in the league. They haven’t won in the league for over a month.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry haven’t started for Preston since they lost to Hull nearly a month ago. But in the two games before that when both started, one of them scored.
Troy Brown played in the win over West Brom and kept his place for the next game but Ipswich didn’t win. So he could be back on the bench again. It wasn’t his fault though – but neither was it Roy Keane’s, according to Troy and his team-mates.
Reading v Coventry City
If Coventry win this match, it will be their fourth win in a row and fourth clean sheet in a row. Reading are also unbeaten in four but they didn’t actually win any of those games. Like Leeds’ away form, Reading’s home form could be a clue to what formation they will play. Coventry go for a more radical 4 2 4.
Simon Church has been starting for Reading but not scoring. So he could be back on the bench with Hal Robson-Kanu and that might not be all bad because he’s such a great supersub but I’m sure he’d rather be a superstarter.
Freddy Eastwood will probably be on the bench as the other strikers keep scoring.
Scunthorpe United P-P Nottingham Forest
Aaron Ramsey misses another chance to build up his match fitness after the freezing weather conditions in Scunthorpe lead to the cancellation of this match.
Preston have only won one of their last eleven matches but they are unbeaten in two. Ipswich have just beaten West Bromwich Albion but that wasn’t in the league. They haven’t won in the league for over a month.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry haven’t started for Preston since they lost to Hull nearly a month ago. But in the two games before that when both started, one of them scored.
Troy Brown played in the win over West Brom and kept his place for the next game but Ipswich didn’t win. So he could be back on the bench again. It wasn’t his fault though – but neither was it Roy Keane’s, according to Troy and his team-mates.
Reading v Coventry City
If Coventry win this match, it will be their fourth win in a row and fourth clean sheet in a row. Reading are also unbeaten in four but they didn’t actually win any of those games. Like Leeds’ away form, Reading’s home form could be a clue to what formation they will play. Coventry go for a more radical 4 2 4.
Simon Church has been starting for Reading but not scoring. So he could be back on the bench with Hal Robson-Kanu and that might not be all bad because he’s such a great supersub but I’m sure he’d rather be a superstarter.
Freddy Eastwood will probably be on the bench as the other strikers keep scoring.
Scunthorpe United P-P Nottingham Forest
Aaron Ramsey misses another chance to build up his match fitness after the freezing weather conditions in Scunthorpe lead to the cancellation of this match.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City v Preston North End
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Preston North End v Millwall
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City 2-0 Leicester City
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Leicester City
Bristol City have just come to the end of a five-match unbeaten run – and they’re still in the bottom three with only one home win this season. Leicester know how that feels but they won’t let any sympathy get the better of them.
Christian Ribeiro is in with a chance of starting following an injury to the first-choice right back. hesitate to describe this as good news but I hope he’s on the bench at least.
Brett Pitman will hope his good performances in the reserves will help him to get a start for Bristol City.
Christian and Brett were part of the Bristol City side who beat Forest Green Rovers 13-12 on penalties (I’m sure it’s better than it sounds!) to go through to the final of the Gloucester Senior Challenge Cup. Christian scored a penalty while Brett scored the late goal that took the game to penalties. Brett missed his first penalty but scored his second.
Sam Vokes still isn’t ready to return to action for Bristol City but he will play in a friendly reserve game against parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers which should be interesting.
Andy King will be in midfield for Leicester – and he says he’s very happy at the club.
Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest
Only a win will ensure Cardiff stay top of the Championship – and then only if it’s a home win. Forest haven’t won in Cardiff since before the Welsh internationals were born. Even Ryan Giggs was only two or three. As for the time before that, not even the stats people at BBC Sport seem completely sure.
Craig Bellamy has showed on many occasions why he were playing Premier League football last year although it’s still unclear exactly why his manager as stupid enough to let them go. If Craig plays, it will be his 350th appearance for clubs in the English and Scottish league systems according to BBC Sport (note how carefully they left Wales out).
Jason Koumas has taken longer to adapt but he has promised Cardiff fans he’ll be back to his best soon – and he could start if Chris Burke fails to recover from injury.
Darcy Blake suffered a muscle injury in Cardiff’s win over Scunthorpe and faces a fitness test. Adam Matthews could also have a chance of starting but Aaron Wildig seems to have been forgotten about. But not by me, Aaron.
Forest defender Chris Gunter is likely to make his 100th league appearance against his former club and Robert Earnshaw, who has also played for Cardiff, will also hope to start. Rob believes Cardiff will be promoted this season – but no doubt he hopes Forest can put a big dent in their ambitions first!
Coventry City v Burnley
Coventry have lost three games in a row so they’ll be eager to beat Burnley, who aren’t as strong away as they are at home. They have six points this season from away matches – but none of them came from wins.
Freddy Eastwood, who made his return from knee surgery last weekend, is hoping he can give manager Aidy Boothroyd a nice selection headache.
Bristol City have just come to the end of a five-match unbeaten run – and they’re still in the bottom three with only one home win this season. Leicester know how that feels but they won’t let any sympathy get the better of them.
Christian Ribeiro is in with a chance of starting following an injury to the first-choice right back. hesitate to describe this as good news but I hope he’s on the bench at least.
Brett Pitman will hope his good performances in the reserves will help him to get a start for Bristol City.
Christian and Brett were part of the Bristol City side who beat Forest Green Rovers 13-12 on penalties (I’m sure it’s better than it sounds!) to go through to the final of the Gloucester Senior Challenge Cup. Christian scored a penalty while Brett scored the late goal that took the game to penalties. Brett missed his first penalty but scored his second.
Sam Vokes still isn’t ready to return to action for Bristol City but he will play in a friendly reserve game against parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers which should be interesting.
Andy King will be in midfield for Leicester – and he says he’s very happy at the club.
Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest
Only a win will ensure Cardiff stay top of the Championship – and then only if it’s a home win. Forest haven’t won in Cardiff since before the Welsh internationals were born. Even Ryan Giggs was only two or three. As for the time before that, not even the stats people at BBC Sport seem completely sure.
Craig Bellamy has showed on many occasions why he were playing Premier League football last year although it’s still unclear exactly why his manager as stupid enough to let them go. If Craig plays, it will be his 350th appearance for clubs in the English and Scottish league systems according to BBC Sport (note how carefully they left Wales out).
Jason Koumas has taken longer to adapt but he has promised Cardiff fans he’ll be back to his best soon – and he could start if Chris Burke fails to recover from injury.
Darcy Blake suffered a muscle injury in Cardiff’s win over Scunthorpe and faces a fitness test. Adam Matthews could also have a chance of starting but Aaron Wildig seems to have been forgotten about. But not by me, Aaron.
Forest defender Chris Gunter is likely to make his 100th league appearance against his former club and Robert Earnshaw, who has also played for Cardiff, will also hope to start. Rob believes Cardiff will be promoted this season – but no doubt he hopes Forest can put a big dent in their ambitions first!
Coventry City v Burnley
Coventry have lost three games in a row so they’ll be eager to beat Burnley, who aren’t as strong away as they are at home. They have six points this season from away matches – but none of them came from wins.
Freddy Eastwood, who made his return from knee surgery last weekend, is hoping he can give manager Aidy Boothroyd a nice selection headache.
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 2)
Millwall v Norwich City
Millwall have lost their last two and are five points from both the play-offs and the relegation places.
Steve Morison will miss out for Millwall after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Millwall also have a number of striker injuries. Norwich have only won once at Millwall in the last 21 years
Norwich will also be without their Welsh international – Andrew Crofts famously got an goal and an assist to earn Norwich a draw at the weekend before earning himself two yellow cards.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
Forest aim to extend their unbeaten home record when they meet fifth-placed Coventry.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start since returning from a hamstring injury on Saturday and it’s thought this game comes too soon for him to play again. Chris Gunter should play at right back.
Freddy Eastwood was said to be in Coventry’s squad at the weekend but he wasn’t selected for the matchday squad.
Preston North End v Barnsley
Preston are only out of the relegation places on goal difference after winning only one of their last six matches but the good news for them is that Barnsley, just two points above them, are yet to win away.
Craig Morgan should keep his place in Preston’s defence. Paul Parry is more likely to be on the bench.
Scunthorpe United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finally got a win last weekend but as it was only against Crystal Palace, they still have a lot to prove. Scunthorpe are hardly a top side and have a poor home record, having only won once at home. But Middlesbrough haven’t even won once away.
Danny Coyne could return from a calf injury for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Millwall have lost their last two and are five points from both the play-offs and the relegation places.
Steve Morison will miss out for Millwall after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Millwall also have a number of striker injuries. Norwich have only won once at Millwall in the last 21 years
Norwich will also be without their Welsh international – Andrew Crofts famously got an goal and an assist to earn Norwich a draw at the weekend before earning himself two yellow cards.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
Forest aim to extend their unbeaten home record when they meet fifth-placed Coventry.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start since returning from a hamstring injury on Saturday and it’s thought this game comes too soon for him to play again. Chris Gunter should play at right back.
Freddy Eastwood was said to be in Coventry’s squad at the weekend but he wasn’t selected for the matchday squad.
Preston North End v Barnsley
Preston are only out of the relegation places on goal difference after winning only one of their last six matches but the good news for them is that Barnsley, just two points above them, are yet to win away.
Craig Morgan should keep his place in Preston’s defence. Paul Parry is more likely to be on the bench.
Scunthorpe United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finally got a win last weekend but as it was only against Crystal Palace, they still have a lot to prove. Scunthorpe are hardly a top side and have a poor home record, having only won once at home. But Middlesbrough haven’t even won once away.
Danny Coyne could return from a calf injury for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 0-2 Leicester City
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.
Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.
Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.
Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth
Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall
Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.
Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.
Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.
Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth
Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall
Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Leicester City
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.
Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.
Coventry City v Leeds United
Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.
Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.
Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.
Coventry City v Leeds United
Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.
Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.
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.
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