Goals are expected at Blackburn and Leeds are predicted to make it four wins from their last five as Scott Thornton gives his Championship game week 7 predictions.
20:00 Friday
Plymouth vs Luton
After a rocky start, Luton have started to shoot up the table. Robe Edwards’ side were amongst the favourites for promotion before a ball was kicked. A run of four matches without a win saw them slip but they have now won their last two league matches. They have the quality to get the better of a Plymouth side that have recorded just one win.
Correct Score: 0-1
12:30 Saturday
Blackburn vs QPR
Blackburn have made a flying start to the season. They are unbeaten in six and sit just three points off 2nd place. Ewood Park has been a happy hunting ground for John Eustace’s side. They have won all three of their matches in front of their own fans, scoring nine goals in the process. QPR have lost six of their last seven matches at this ground so a home win looks likely.
Correct Score: 3-1
12:30 Saturday
Derby vs Norwich
Derby’s home form is exceptional. They have won their last nine league matches in front of their own fans, conceding just one goal. The last three of those victories have come in the second tier and they are capable of a Norwich side that are struggling for consistency. The Canaries are yet to record back-to-back wins and have lost two of their three matches on the road.
Correct Score: 1-0
12:30 Saturday
Sheffield Wednesday vs West Brom
West Brom have been the standout team in the Championship to this point. They are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 16 points. Sheffield Wednesday, on the other hand, haven’t won since their 4-0 triumph over Plymouth on the opening weekend. The Baggies can make it five consecutive successes with a win here.
Correct Score: 1-2
15:00 Saturday
Hull vs Cardiff
Cardiff sacked Errol Bulut after the home defeat to Leeds but their struggles look set to continue this weekend. Hull have won their last six matches against the Bluebirds, scoring an average of 2.17 goals per game and conceding just 0.67. The Tigers record their first win of the season over Stoke last weekend and they will take confidence from their head-to-head record against Cardiff.
Correct Score: 2-1
15:00 Saturday
Leeds vs Coventry
Leeds currently occupy 6th place in the Championship. They breezed past 10-man Cardiff last weekend to make it three wins from their last four. Improving his team’s home form is now the focus for Daniel Farke. His team should have enough to get past a Coventry side that have one league win to their name thus far.
Correct Score: 2-0
15:00 Saturday
Middlesbrough vs Stoke
Middlesbrough are firmly in midtable after six games but the underlying data suggests they should be higher. They have the highest xG in the Championship with an average of 1.84 per game. The Boro defence has also been solid with the team having the third-lowest xGA in the division. Michael Carrick’s side should get their reward against a Stoke side that have managed just one away goal in three matches.
Correct Score: 2-0
15:00 Saturday
Millwall vs Preston
The Den was a fortress at the back end of last season but Millwall have struggled to get going in front of their own fans this term. Nevertheless, they are unbeaten in their last 10 games against Preston and have conceded just 0.6 goals per game on average. PNE have drawn their last two league games and we could see another here.
Correct Score: 1-1
15:00 Saturday
Oxford United vs Burnley
Oxford United will be delighted with the nine points they’ve earned since being promoted but Burnley look formidable. Scott Parker’s side are three points off top and have lost just one of their six league matches. They have scored an average of 2.17 goals per game over that period and conceded just 0.67.
Correct Score: 0-2
15:00 Saturday
Portsmouth vs Sheffield United
Sheffield United were hit by a two points deduction at the start of the season but the team haven’t let them dampen their confidence. The Blades are unbeaten in six league outings and have won their last three without conceding. By contrast, Portsmouth have lost their last three and are really up against it here.
Correct Score: 0-2
15:00 Saturday
Watford vs Sunderland
Sunderland are second in the league having won five of their six matches. They have scored the most goals in the Championship with an average of 2.17 per game. Only two teams have conceded fewer goals than the Black Cats so they will take some stopping. Watford are just outside of the playoffs and are a capable outfit but a narrow defeat seems most likely here.
Correct Score: 1-2
15:00 Sunday
Swansea vs Bristol City
Swansea are unbeaten in their three league matches at the Liberty Stadium. They have won two of those and conceded just one goal. Bristol City are yet to secure a win on the road and they have lost their last two away matches 3-0.
Correct Score: 1-0
