Championship Preview: Boro’s second half surges
Tuesday 15 December 2015
Aitor Karanka –
www.gazettelive.co.ukHere are The Football Lab’s predictions for all 11 of the midweek Championship fixtures. The key game in the race for the play-offs comes in Wales, as Cardiff look to rediscover their defensive solidity against an improving Brentford side. Charlton and Bolton meet at the Valley, as both sides battle to avoid relegation to League One. Burnley hope to keep themselves in the immediate race for automatic promotion when they go to fellow contenders Middlesbrough, who have lost just one of their last seven league games.
Cardiff v Brentford
There is a positive vibe around Brentford following the appointment of Dean Smith. The 44-year-old had an instant impact at Walsall when he joined them in 2011 and his arrival seems to be having a similar effect at Griffin Park. Cardiff have lost some of their early season defensive strength with eight goals conceded in four games, as centre-back Bruno Manga and left-back Fabio ask questions of Russell Slade’s preference for a consistent back-line. Brentford have found some momentum and this blog backs them to win in the Welsh capital.
Charlton v Bolton
Ten years ago, Charlton and Bolton were stable Premier League clubs with ambitions of European football. Now, they face a battle to avoid relegation to England’s third tier. Charlton have a squad plagued by injuries and have suffered without the likes of striker Igor Vetokele and midfielder Johnnie Jackson, although the latter could be available on Tuesday. On the other hand, Bolton are woeful on the road and have no cutting edge in attack. Charlton may prove the stronger of two poor teams.
Derby v Bristol City
Bristol City won 2-1 at Huddersfield last time out but one cannot help but feel, against a more clinical side, the Robins would have lost that. Derby are a side that like to play attacking football and they have a reliable finisher in Chris Martin. It is hard to see the Rams slipping up, as they look to move closer to the top two. Bristol City will need to be stronger at the back than usual if they are to are halt the home side’s momentum.
Fulham v Ipswich
Ipswich won 1-0 at MK Dons in front of the TV cameras on the Saturday and they pressed the hosts really well in that match. Key striker Daryl Murphy had a few reasonable chances and he will be disappointed not to have got onto the scoresheet. The energy levels in this Tractor Boys team is superb and they are very good at forcing teams into their own half. By contrast, Fulham do not work hard enough without the ball and the club are in a state of flux at the moment.
Huddersfield v Rotherham
Huddersfield have lost three of their first four games under David Wagner, but in at least two of the games they lost, they were arguably the more prominent side but did not take their chances. It was a similar scenario for Rotherham against Wolves. They were arguably the stronger side in the first two thirds of the pitch but looked a bit short up front and there is now a significant responsibility on Jonson Clarke-Harris to provide the goals. Poor finishing could be the reason why neither side wins this.
Middlesbrough v Burnley
Burnley have drawn a few too many games recently. The Clarets grew stronger in the latter stages of their 0-0 draw with QPR but could not find the finishing touch. Like Burnley, Middlesbrough drew 0-0 last time out, when they hosted Birmingham. However, Boro’s strength in depth normally counts for more in the latter stages of games, which would explain why 10 of their last 12 goals have come in the second half. Burnley have one great striker in Andre Gray, but in that sense they are becoming something of a one-trick pony.
MK Dons v Sheff Wed
For much of their 1-0 defeat to Ipswich, MK Dons looked lifeless. Substitute Daniel Powell made an impact with some decent runs late on and one can understand why fans are calling for him to start more games, because Karl Robinson’s side currently look devoid of attacking quality. One could not say the same about Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls attacked superbly in the second half of their 2-2 draw at Cardiff and deserved a point for the fitness and endeavour they showed.
Preston v Birmingham
Birmingham picked up a valuable point at Middlesbrough on Saturday. The Blues restricted their opponents to very few clear cut chances and, with a bit more finesse on the counter, could have taken all three points. Preston put in a similar performance in their recent 2-0 win over Lancashire rivals Burnley, although they did have to rely on a few saves from their trusty goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. The Lilywhites have won back-to-back games and might edge out a Birmingham side that have won just once since mid-October.
QPR v Brighton
QPR pressed high up the pitch in their 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday but tired in the latter stages, leaving new boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with a stick or twist conundrum for this midweek clash. Brighton defended well in open play at Derby on Saturday and this blog backs them to grind out another narrow win, with the speedy James Wilson scoring the winner.
Hull v Reading
The days of September and October when Reading were one of the form sides in the Championship, and Nick Blackman was the best forward in the league, seem long gone. The Royals have won just once in nine games and Blackman is without a goal in eight appearances, leaving the Clarke-less Berkshire boys languishing in 12th. Hull are third in the league but they have similar problems to Reading, they do not have a Plan B when they face a parked bus.
Wolves v Leeds
Wolves were unlucky to only draw with Nottingham Forest on Friday night. Aside from the opening and ending quarter of an hour, they were the stronger team with left winger Jordan Graham causing numerous problems. The home fans created a superb atmosphere and rightly showed their support for manager Kenny Jackett. Leeds put in a committed performance at Charlton last week and got a positive reaction from their supporters at full-time. Wolves have not won a game at Molineux since August and given that both teams are struggling for goals, a draw seems the best bet.