Championship predictions: Luton and Middlesbrough wins, Sheffield United draw

Sheffield United v Fulham
What on earth is going to happen in this one. Sheffield United could be overtaken by others if things go south but Fulham could’ve been on the Champagne since securing the title on Monday.

I can see a bit of chaos even if Fulham do exhibit a somewhat relaxed demeanour, let’s get things rolling with a ‘Desmond’.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Sheffield United 2-2 Fulham (11/1 Betfair)

Bournemouth v Millwall
Millwall seem to have had this opportunity fall into their lap and can still make the play-offs on the final day. The Lions win over Peterborough improved their goal difference, Fulham’s seven goals seriously damaged Luton’s goal difference, and Bournemouth’s win over Forest means the Cherries are already up.

Even with Bournemouth on the beach I still think they can get something, so sorry Millwall fans I’m going for an unhelpful draw.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Millwall (11/2 Betfair)

Hull City v Nottingham Forest
Forest are definitely going to be in the play-offs after losing the big head to head with Bournemouth on Tuesday, but how will they approach their trip to Hull. We may see a couple of fresh pairs of legs against an unpredictable Hull side. I’m assuming they’ll want a nice points total and a strong finish.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Hull City 1-2 Nottingham Forest (7/1 Betfair)

Huddersfield Town v Bristol City
In another case of a team already in the play-offs, we have Huddersfield welcoming Bristol City. The Terriers are in the same position as Forest in wanting to keep momentum strong but also freshen up key players ahead of their upcoming semi-final. I went against Huddersfield last week on the basis they’d rotate and lose, I’ll do the opposite this week.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Huddersfield Town 3-2 Bristol City (20/1 Betfair)

Championship stat pack: Who will finish in the top six? Will it be Sheffield United?

Luton Town v Reading
Things could be nervy at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. The best case scenario for Luton is a couple of early goals, tension drops and Luton secure their play-off spot. The worst case is early goals from the teams chasing and Luton could find themselves in a pickle. Reading have little to play for and I’m leaning towards the former, although I’ve got it being a one goal victory and a nail biting afternoon.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Luton Town 2-1 Reading (13/2 Betfair)

Preston North End v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough need to win this one and if Sheffield United draw they need to win by a few or they’ll miss the play-offs on goal difference. Preston are on the beach but decent at home, it’ll be no surprise that I’ve gone for the maximum drama and an outcome that would see Boro miss out on the play-offs on their head to head record against rivals Sheffield United.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Preston North End 1-3 Middlesbrough (11/1 Betfair)

Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers
We’re into our end of season dead rubbers now so I’ll try and have some fun with our last set of predictions. There is a deafening silence regarding contract talks for Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, if this is to be his last game I think he goes out with a win.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Birmingham City 0-2 Blackburn Rovers (11/1 Betfair)

West Bromwich Albion v Barnsley
The Baggies took Barnsley’s manager and captain in the summer and I wonder if you gave both clubs an opportunity to do it over, whether they’d make the same choices. Barnsley are going down and West Brom have underachieved in their first season down from the Premier League, I’ll go for a Baggies win.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Barnsley (9/1 Betfair)

Stoke City v Coventry City
We could still get a fair bit of switching around in the middle of the table, so this matchup between Stoke and Coventry might not be the end of season dead rubber that others this weekend will be. Coventry have batted par or above this season and Stoke will probably feel they’ve underachieved once again, with that being said I am backing the Potters to get a win that would take them above their opponents in the final table.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Stoke City 1-0 Coventry City (9/1 Betfair)

Championship Big Weekend: Blades nerves, Boro pounce, Luton injury test, Wallace farewell

Swansea City v QPR
I’m a bit concerned for QPR and their trip to Swansea. With Mark Warburton announced as not being offered a new deal I wonder if things could be a bit flat for Rangers. Swansea have been quite draw happy but banging the goals in lately, I fancy them to sign off with a win.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Swansea City 2-0 QPR (10/1 Betfair)

Peterborough United v Blackpool
Two teams that came up from League One will meet at Peterborough, with the Posh playing their last Championship game before an immediate return back down to the third tier. Blackpool will be happy with their work this season and whatever happens, won’t drop below a creditable 16th position. Honours even.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Peterborough United 1-1 Blackpool (6/1 Betfair)

Derby County v Cardiff City
Last one for the season and last one for Derby in the Championship. As we’ve said many times, Derby have more pressing business to sort with the EFL this week and hopefully for their fans some good news will come. Cardiff will retool in the summer under Steve Morison but something tells me Derby will win this last one.

Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Derby County 1-0 Cardiff City (15/2 Betfair)

Odds correct at the time of publication. 18+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit begambleaware.org