🏆 Championship Table

📰 What to Watch

• West Brom in Crisis: The Baggies have conceded 13 goals in their last three games and sit just three points clear of the relegation zone. A trip to in-form Derby could spell further disaster.
• Automatic Promotion Race: Middlesbrough and Ipswich continue their pursuit of the top two, with both sides in excellent form and looking to capitalise on any slip-ups.
• South Coast Derby: Portsmouth host Southampton in a crucial relegation six-pointer. Pompey desperately need points while Saints are underperforming massively.
• Playoff Scramble: With just five points separating 3rd from 10th, every result matters. Birmingham, Norwich, Sheffield United and others all looking to stake their claim.
• Norwich’s Transformation: The Canaries have won four of their last five under new management and face leaders Coventry on Monday in a huge top-six clash.

📺 Live on TV

• Saturday 12:30: Derby County vs West Brom – Sky Sports Football
• Saturday 12:30: Middlesbrough vs Preston – Sky Sports+
• Monday 20:00: Portsmouth vs Southampton – Sky Sports Football

All other 3pm Saturday kick-offs available on Sky Sports+

Derby County vs West Brom

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 12:30 | 🏟️ Pride Park | 📺 Sky Sports Football

Derby County (7th) host West Brom (18th) in what could be a pivotal fixture at both ends of the table. The Rams have found their stride under Paul Warne, picking up back-to-back away wins at Preston and Charlton to move within two points of the playoffs. Their attacking play has improved dramatically, with Agümann and Bobby Clark providing goals from midfield after losing their main striker. West Brom, meanwhile, are in absolute crisis – shipping eight goals in two home games against Middlesbrough and Norwich, including a humiliating 5-0 defeat to the previously struggling Canaries. Defensively fragile and lacking confidence, Eric Ramsey’s side face a serious relegation battle.

Team News: Derby will be without Matt Clark following his red card in midweek. West Brom have no fresh injury concerns but defensive organisation is the major issue.

Key Battle: Derby’s midfield runners vs West Brom’s shell-shocked defence – if Derby can exploit the space in behind, this could get ugly for the visitors.

Middlesbrough vs Preston North End

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 12:30 | 🏟️ Riverside Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Middlesbrough (2nd) host Preston (6th) in a crucial early kick-off between two sides with contrasting fortunes. Boro produced a remarkable comeback at Stoke in midweek, overturning a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 despite not being at their best – the kind of result championship-challenging teams need to grind out. Preston, however, are in freefall with three successive defeats including a 3-0 home hammering by Hull in midweek. The Osmajic situation continues to haunt them, with the striker now facing another ban for his latest indiscretion. Without goals in three games and facing the league’s best defence, Preston’s top-six hopes are fading fast.

Team News: Preston will be without Osmajic again after his latest sending off. Boro have a fully fit squad and are finding their rhythm under Kim Helgberg.

Key Battle: Middlesbrough’s defensive organisation vs Preston’s blunt attack – can the visitors find any route to goal against the Championship’s meanest defence?

Millwall vs Charlton Athletic

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ The Den | 📺 Sky Sports+

Millwall (5th) host Charlton (23rd) in a London derby where only one side should be walking away with the points. The Lions remain unbeaten in the league since New Year’s Day and while they fell to league leaders Coventry in midweek, it was a tight contest that could have gone either way. A weekend win at Watford keeps them firmly in playoff contention. Charlton are in deep trouble – two red cards in their latest 2-1 defeat to Derby summed up their frustrations. They’re struggling defensively, crowds are dwindling for midweek games, and Derby smartly forced them to try and break them down rather than play to their counter-attacking strengths.

Team News: Charlton will be without two suspended players following midweek red cards. Millwall have no major concerns.

Key Battle: Millwall’s home fortress vs Charlton’s fragile defence – The Den is never an easy place to visit, especially for struggling sides.

Leicester City vs Oxford United

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ King Power Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Leicester City (1st) host Oxford United (22nd) in a fixture that should be straightforward for the league leaders, but the Foxes have shown some defensive frailties lately. After conceding a poor equaliser against Norwich and throwing away a late lead at Wrexham, there are signs that Leicester aren’t quite as solid as they were during their long unbeaten run. Oxford arrive having failed to score in their last three matches under new manager Matt Bloomfield, firmly entrenched in the bottom three and desperately needing to find the net.

Team News: Leicester have a fully fit squad. Oxford are struggling for goals with no recognised striker in form.

Key Battle: Leicester’s attacking quality vs Oxford’s goalless streak – The Foxes should have more than enough firepower to break down the U’s defence.

Bristol City vs Sheffield Wednesday

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ Ashton Gate | 📺 Sky Sports+

Bristol City (9th) host Sheffield Wednesday (24th) in a game where the Robins will be desperate to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat at Ipswich. Liam Manning’s side had been in decent form prior to that setback, picking up points consistently, but they now face a Wednesday team fighting for their Championship lives. The Owls are rooted to the bottom of the table with the worst defensive record in the division, though they did push Portsmouth hard before succumbing 2-1 in their last away trip.

Team News: Bristol City have no major injury concerns. Sheffield Wednesday continue to struggle with defensive organisation issues.

Key Battle: Bristol City’s attacking midfielders vs Sheffield Wednesday’s leaky defence – The Robins should create plenty of chances against the division’s worst backline.

⭐ Hull City vs Swansea (HULL CITY)

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ MKM Stadium | 📺 Sky Sports+

Hull City (10th) host Swansea (15th) at the MKM Stadium in a crucial fixture for the Tigers’ playoff ambitions. After a disappointing draw at home to struggling Blackburn, Hull bounced back emphatically with a dominant 3-0 victory at Preston in midweek. Ruben Selles’ side are finding their rhythm, with the attacking talent in their squad finally clicking into gear. Swansea arrive in mid-table mediocrity, picking up a point at QPR in their last outing but lacking any real momentum or direction under Luke Williams.

Hull City Form:

Team News: Hull City have a fully fit squad and will be looking to build on their excellent midweek performance. Swansea have no major injury concerns but continue to lack attacking spark.

Key Battle: Oscar Estupiñán vs Swansea’s backline – The Colombian striker is finding his feet in English football and will fancy his chances against a Swansea defence that has conceded regularly on the road.

What We Think: Hull’s superior attacking quality should shine through at home. Swansea have struggled for goals and consistency this season, and the Tigers will be confident of extending their recent good form. With the playoff race so tight, three points here are absolutely crucial.

📖 Read our full Hull City match preview here

QPR vs Wrexham

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ Loftus Road | 📺 Sky Sports+

QPR (14th) host Wrexham (13th) in a mid-table clash between two sides treading water this season. The Rs have been involved in three consecutive 0-0 draws, which is becoming a concerning pattern for Martí Cifuentes’ side – they’re solid enough defensively but desperately lacking cutting edge in attack. Wrexham snatched a late equaliser at Leicester to earn a valuable point, showing their resilience and counter-attacking threat. Phil Parkinson’s men are great on the break with quality delivery into the box and a genuine focal point in their striker.

Team News: QPR need to find attacking inspiration from somewhere. Wrexham have a settled side and continue to exceed expectations in their first Championship campaign.

Key Battle: QPR’s press vs Wrexham’s counter-attack – The hosts like to aggressively press teams, but Wrexham are perfectly suited to exploit that with their pace on the break.

Blackburn Rovers vs Watford

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ Ewood Park | 📺 Sky Sports+

Blackburn Rovers (21st) host Watford (12th) in a crucial relegation battle for Rovers. John Eustace’s men have fallen into the bottom three after a poor run of form, with their defensive frailties becoming increasingly concerning. They did manage to snatch a late equaliser at Hull to earn a point, but that was more down to Hull’s complacency than their own quality. Watford grabbed a deserved late leveller at Portsmouth and are comfortably mid-table, though they lack the quality to challenge for the playoffs and are too good to be dragged into the relegation fight.

Team News: Blackburn desperately need their key players to step up and start keeping clean sheets. Watford have no major concerns and will fancy their chances here.

Key Battle: Blackburn’s fragile defence vs Watford’s attacking options – Rovers have been leaking goals all season and need to tighten up fast.

Sheffield United vs Ipswich Town

📅 Saturday, 25th January | ⏰ 15:00 | 🏟️ Bramall Lane | 📺 Sky Sports+

Sheffield United (8th) host Ipswich Town (3rd) in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. The Blades have had a difficult week, losing both fixtures 1-0 – first against Charlton where they had two players sent off, then against Southampton when they couldn’t field their preferred team. Their attack has looked toothless and they’ve wasted chances they should have converted. Ipswich, meanwhile, are flying – two wins, two clean sheets, and two fantastic performances against Blackburn and Bristol City. The Tractor Boys are ruthless when they’re not at their best, with Jack Clarke, Philogene, and Szmodics all contributing goals recently.

Team News: Sheffield United will have players returning from suspension. Ipswich have a fully fit squad and are brimming with confidence.

Key Battle: Sheffield United’s makeshift defence vs Ipswich’s array of attacking talent – The visitors have so many players who can win a game, the Blades will struggle to contain them all.

Birmingham City vs Stoke City

📅 Sunday, 25th January | ⏰ 12:00 | 🏟️ St Andrew’s | 📺 Sky Sports+

Birmingham City (11th) host Stoke City (16th) in the Sunday lunchtime fixture. Blues had a decent week on the road, picking up four points from six against two sides in the bottom third – exactly the kind of results they need if they want to challenge for the playoffs. It brings them back into contention, just five points off the top six. Stoke, meanwhile, were the architects of their own downfall against Middlesbrough, somehow contriving to lose 2-1 after leading for most of the match. Narcís Pelach’s side remain frustratingly inconsistent – capable of good performances but unable to string results together.

Team News: Birmingham are finding their rhythm under Chris Davies. Stoke continue to search for consistency and defensive solidity.

Key Battle: Birmingham’s home form vs Stoke’s inconsistency – Blues have been solid at St Andrew’s and will fancy their chances of taking all three points.

Portsmouth vs Southampton

📅 Monday, 26th January | ⏰ 20:00 | 🏟️ Fratton Park | 📺 Sky Sports Football

Portsmouth (20th) host Southampton (17th) in the highly-anticipated South Coast Derby under the Monday night lights. The reverse fixture earlier in the season was forgettable to say the least, but there’s far more riding on this one. Pompey picked up four crucial points on the road this week – drawing at Watford after leading with 15 minutes to go, and winning at Sheffield Wednesday. They’re starting to get players back from injury and have climbed out of the bottom three with Blackburn dropping below them. Southampton finally managed a clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Sheffield United, but even in victory they never looked convincing and gave up several big chances that the Blades failed to convert.

Team News: Portsmouth are welcoming back key players but still miss Shaun Cisse. Southampton continue to struggle defensively despite their recent clean sheet.

Key Battle: Portsmouth’s improved home form vs Southampton’s fragile defence – The Saints will give up chances and Pompey need to be clinical.

Norwich City vs Coventry City

📅 Monday, 26th January | ⏰ 19:45 | 🏟️ Carrow Road | 📺 Sky Sports+

Norwich City (19th) host Coventry City (4th) in the Monday night headline fixture between two of the division’s most in-form teams. The Canaries have won four of their last five in all competitions, including thrashing Walsall 5-0 in the FA Cup and stunning West Brom 5-0 in midweek. Philippe Clement has transformed this side – they’ve found their away form, scoring freely and playing with real belief. Coventry remain in the playoff places after important home wins over Leicester and Millwall, with Romário Eza making an instant impact and Haji Wright rediscovering his scoring touch. However, their recent away performances at Birmingham, Stoke (FA Cup), and Charlton on New Year’s Day were unconvincing.

Team News: Norwich are riding a wave of confidence with no major injuries. Coventry continue to rotate effectively and have quality throughout their squad.

Key Battle: Norwich’s attacking momentum vs Coventry’s away day vulnerabilities – The Canaries have found goals from all areas and Coventry’s recent road performances suggest they could be vulnerable.

🔮 Our Gameweek 29 Predictions

⭐ Match of the Week: Norwich City vs Coventry City

Monday night’s clash between two of the Championship’s most in-form teams promises fireworks at Carrow Road. Norwich’s remarkable transformation under Philippe Clement sees them finally finding their away form and scoring goals for fun, while Coventry are battling to maintain their playoff position despite recent away day struggles. Both teams play attractive, attacking football and with so much quality on display – from Norwich’s resurgent forwards to Coventry’s new signings finding their feet – this has all the ingredients for a genuine thriller. The winner could make a real statement about their playoff credentials, while the loser will be left to rue missed opportunities in what’s shaping up to be the tightest top-six race in years.

👀 Player to Watch: Jack Clarke (Ipswich Town)

The former Sunderland winger has been absolutely electric in Ipswich’s recent run of form, contributing goals and assists while terrorising Championship defences with his pace and trickery. With Sheffield United vulnerable defensively and missing key players through suspension, Clarke will fancy his chances of another standout performance. He’s the type of player who can win games single-handedly, and if Ipswich are serious about challenging for automatic promotion, they’ll need Clarke to continue delivering these match-winning moments. His battle with the Blades’ makeshift backline could define Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at Bramall Lane.

🐯 What This Gameweek Means for Hull City

Hull City sit 10th, just three points off the playoff places, making every result crucial in this incredibly tight race. While the Tigers face a home fixture they should win against mid-table Swansea, results elsewhere could significantly impact their position. Derby hosting crisis club West Brom presents an opportunity for a playoff rival to pull away, while Sheffield United’s clash with Ipswich could see the Blades drop points. Birmingham’s home game against Stoke is another fixture involving a team in the playoff conversation, and QPR’s draw with Wrexham keeps them within touching distance too.

Best case scenario: Hull beat Swansea convincingly while Derby, Sheffield United, and Birmingham all drop points. The Tigers could find themselves right in the thick of the playoff race heading into the final third of the season, with momentum on their side after that excellent Preston performance.

Worst case scenario: Hull slip up at home against Swansea while rivals around them pick up wins. That could see the Tigers fall further behind and pile pressure on ahead of tougher fixtures. With only five points separating 3rd from 10th, dropping points at home is a luxury they simply can’t afford.