" TOP SIX IN FOCUS "

Cardiff City’s point away at Huddersfield Town on Saturday became all the more valuable by close of play the same day, as yet again evidence of the ruthless nature of the npower Championship came to light. Yet again a number of results killed coupons across the division, thankfully in our favour as an extra point was added above our nearest rivals.


Friday night saw Vicarage Road as the first location of league drama in a game watched by Sky Sports studio guest Malky Mackay at his old stomping ground. Two first halfWatfordgoals looked to have secured vital automatic promotion chasing points for the Hornets against similarly placed and ambitiousCrystal Palace, only for two second half Eagles strikes in four minutes to kill the party for the hosts.



Kevin Phillips seventieth minute strike meant that points would have to be shared, denying both teams from gaining additional space on leaders Cardiff. The weekend ended with Watford in third place on fifty three points, Crystal Palace two spots and a single point behind. Next up for Watford is a midlands trip to Birmingham, while Crystal Palace face faltering but dangerous Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park.

WATFORD, 3rd, 53 POINTS, 31 GAMES
PALACE, 5th, 52 POINTS, 31 GAMES

When flicking through the Championship fixtures on Saturday morning, you could have been forgiven for pencilling in a big away ‘W’ for travellingLeicester City, the in-form Foxes in second spot making a trip to London Road and bottom sidePeterborough United. If that had been the case, perhaps a quick chat with a Cardiff City fan would have saved you a few quid on your accumulator.

Things were seemingly going to plan after a goalless first half was followed by a nice close range finish from Ben Marshall to send the large contingent of Foxes fans into delirium. The script however had other ideas, starting with a stunning twenty yard volley from on loan Manchester United starlet Davide Petrucci to dampen the visitors’ mood. The Posh knife was then twisted further in the dying minutes, Grant McCann seeing a much needed home win secured by Peterborough on a day when all three bottom sides won.

Leicester were left downhearted, but with a game in hand on Watford and Crystal Palace, added to with sixteen games to play, Nigel Pearson’s side can still feel confident of making a top two spot their own. This Saturday the Foxes fall a game behind due to FA Cup commitments, followed by a Tuesday trip to top six hopefuls and automatic promotion possible Brighton and Hove Albion.

A very good article from Mac.

I do get the impression that the chasing pack are feeling the pressure more than us. Looking at their squads it is only Leicester that has some experienced players that have been involved in a top six fight. On the contrary we have an abundance of this experience. To me it feels like we are coming to an end of a marathon with a comfortable lead and plenty in spare. A look over our shoulder and if any of the pack break away to try and catch us we simple pick up the pave ourselves because we know exactly what to do.

I thought city were playing Brighton on Tuesday not Leicester..flipping Journo's

I thought city were playing Brighton on Tuesday not Leicester..flipping Journo's

missed that.

A very good article from Mac.

I do get the impression that the chasing pack are feeling the pressure more than us. Looking at their squads it is only Leicester that has some experienced players that have been involved in a top six fight. On the contrary we have an abundance of this experience. To me it feels like we are coming to an end of a marathon with a comfortable lead and plenty in spare. A look over our shoulder and if any of the pack break away to try and catch us we simple pick up the pave ourselves because we know exactly what to do.

I think Leicester feel they are looking over their shoulders and feel they will not catch us, so they are constantly wary of the likes of Watford, Palace, Hull etc.