Championship predictions: Swansea win, Millwall draw, Boro loss
Derby County v Fulham
Both of these two sides are teetering on the edge of their seeming destiny right now, with Fulham nearly up and Derby almost down. The Rams have been good at home and Fulham slipped up against Coventry last time out. Perhaps that’s the complacency reminder they’ll need to get themselves over the line.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Derby 0-2 Fulham (6/1 Betfair)
Bournemouth v Middlesbrough
Another huge crunch game for both sides, with Bournemouth trying to fend off the chasing pack in second and Boro trying to hoist themselves back into the play-off spots. The Cherries will already know what Forest have done at kick-off and I fancy them to get the job done.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Boro (7/1 Betfair)
Huddersfield Town v QPR
I get uncomfortable with fixtures like this. Huddersfield seemingly cemented their status as a play-off team by beating Luton, with QPR continuing to fall off a cliff. It all points to me predicting a home win, but acknowledging that the Championship can be very strange sometimes even when things seem so obvious.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Huddersfield 1-0 QPR (6/1 Betfair)
Championship stat pack: Points per game fun and games
Luton Town v Nottingham Forest
A fabulously poised head to head and fourth vs fifth in the Championship table. Forest are going like a rocket and need to continue on that trajectory if they have aspirations above a play-off finish. Luton have stumbled the past few games and momentum might just see Forest through this one.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Luton 0-2 Forest (10/1 Betfair)
Sheffield United v Reading
Reading look like they’ve done their bidding down at the bottom as they head up to Sheffield United and what has become a bit of a fortress for the Blades. United have injury problems but if the home form is the key factor I think they’ll get past Reading here.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Sheff Utd 2-1 Reading (13/2 Betfair)
Peterborough United v Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn so desperately need a win here as they cling on to the edges of the play-offs. Peterborough do look a little harder to beat under Grant McCann and with Rovers seemingly forgetting how to win a game I’ll pull out my joker and go for a draw.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Peterborough 1-1 Blackburn (11/2 Betfair)
Preston North End v Millwall
Millwall are sat in ninth knowing that they probably need to start a winning streak if they are going to sneak a play-off spot in the final games of the season. It’s a third straight home game for Preston and they’ve won the previous two. Honours even, methinks.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Preston 1-1 Millwall (9/2 Betfair)
Birmingham City v Coventry City
Coventry turned it on against Fulham to complete a double against the champions elect last weekend. Can they keep it up as they return to the place that was home for a while against Birmingham? Let’s assume so and go for a fun ‘on the beach’ high scorer.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Birmingham 1-3 Coventry (16/1 Betfair)
West Bromwich Albion v Blackpool
The Baggies are very much like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates at the moment. I’m not entirely sure what we’re going to get and with Blackpool looking safe and sound we could get utterly any outcome in this one. I haven’t predicted a Desmond yet, so here’s one.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: West Brom 2-2 Blackpool (16/1 Betfair)
Champo Big Weekend: Bournemouth v Boro, Forest, Mowbray
Swansea City v Barnsley
I like the look of Swansea at the moment – points are going on the board at a good rate and Joel Piroe looks like he’s back in great form after his double last weekend. Barnsley look like they’ve had the stuffing knocked out of them by that Reading equaliser two games back and relegation will be confirmed soon.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Swansea 3-1 Barnsley (12/1 Betfair)
Stoke City v Bristol City
In another ‘anything could happen in the next half-hour’ type match, Stoke take on Bristol City. The Potters have had a nice three wins in four games and if they can keep going then 10th position doesn’t look too far away. Nigel Pearson has been sounding grumpy again lately so who knows. I think Stoke are the safer bet, though.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Stoke 2-0 Bristol City (7/1 Betfair)
Hull City v Cardiff City
Hull have upset Coventry and Boro in recent weeks but they’ve done it away from home. Cardiff seem to have good upward motion at the moment and came from behind to win on the road at Reading last week. I’ll go for the Bluebirds to repeat the trick in an end-of-season high scorer.
Benjamin Bloom’s prediction: Hull 1-3 Cardiff (22/1 Betfair)
Odds correct at the time of publication. 18+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit begambleaware.org