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Sunderland have a huge derby on the horizon and will be hoping to recover quickly from their FA Cup disappointment, while Swansea’s celebrity-backed future is giving fans fresh reasons for optimism.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Ipswich continue to battle it out at the top end of the Championship, with Coventry looking increasingly strong as the promotion race heads into a decisive final stretch.
Sunderland
Ahead of the Derby
I think sometimes when you go into a derby, form pretty much goes out the window from my experience. But you certainly would like to go into it with a bit of form and the strongest possible squad that you can have. Unfortunately for Sunderland, they’ve got a couple missing. I was at the training ground yesterday, so I know there are a few that will be back, ready, fit. So hopefully the squad won’t be too far away from everyone being ready to play. So it’s a testing time. It’s a big game coming up, after the disappointment of the weekend in the FA Cup. They’ve got Brighton at home at the weekend. If they can get a good result there, it sets them up really nicely for the derby. So I’m not concerned, but form pretty much goes out the window. So, it’ll be interesting to see how that unfolds.
FA Cup Missed Opportunity
I did the game for the TV, and I said before and after it was a huge opportunity for both football clubs, but certainly for Sunderland, being the Premier League side. We’ve pretty much secured their Premier League status against Leeds, getting them to the 40 points. I know it’s not mathematically safe yet, but they’re not far from it. So they could have really had a real go at it. They picked the, to be fair to Le Bris, picked the strongest side that he possibly could with injuries and suspensions. Then it’s over to the players about going out there and applying themselves right. When you analyse it and look at it now, Port Vale played the conditions a lot better. The pitch was poor, but overall, that wasn’t an excuse. Sunderland players didn’t turn up. Port Vale did, and they got what they deserved. And I feel for the fans because it was an opportunity to get into the quarterfinals. But it’s done now. Massive, massive opportunity for them. I would have loved to have seen them in the quarterfinals. So lessons have to be learned from that, that’s for sure.
Wrexham vs Swansea
Snoop Dogg’s Investment in Swansea
Well, I think for Welsh football, there’s something about Wales that these A-list American celebrities like and what they’ve seen, they’ve decided to invest. From Swansea’s point of view, they look at Wrexham and to have an investor like Snoop Dogg, but also, I gather, there’s a businesswoman in Martha Stewart, and apparently, Luka Modrić have got a stake in the football club, so they’re big names who can afford to put funds into the club. So if I were a Swansea fan, I’d be really excited. It’s a huge ask to emulate what Wrexham have done, but when you’ve got people backing you like that, then the world is at your feet, and it just depends on how much they want to invest. So it’s great to see Snoop Dogg down at Swansea the other week, getting the fans up and getting them going. So if I were a Swansea fan, it’s hard not to get excited.
Prediction
I think it’s always tough to go to Wrexham. Real surprise to see them lose last night at home. I think they’ll bounce back. Swansea had a good win. I think it’s gonna be really, really tight. You can’t really call it a derby, but let’s call it a Welsh derby. I’m going to go for a draw. I’m going to go for a 2-2 draw.
Middlesbrough vs Bristol City
Middlesbrough Frontrunners for Second Spot
They are at the moment, but let’s not forget Millwall, what they’ve done and where they sit in the league, and they sit really pretty. I know they’ve played a game more, but fantastic result for Boro at the weekend against QPR. They’re a strong team. We spoke about this many times this season. When they get it right, they’re a tough, tough team to play against. So at the minute, they’re sitting very, very pretty. I personally think, it’s going to go right down to the wire for that second spot. I think Coventry, I’m not saying they’re running away a bit, but they’ve got a good, good lead at the top there, and it’s hard to see them slipping up now, coming through the sticky patch that they did. So Boro in the front seat at the minute, but don’t rule out, obviously, Millwall and Ipswich, they’re in a really good position, that’s for sure.
Prediction
I think Boro back at home after that comfortable win at QPR. They’re on fire with them winning and Bristol City losing. I’m going to go for a Middlesbrough 2, Bristol City 0.
Coventry vs Southampton
Coventry Missed in Premier League
I think that place, the Ricoh, when it’s, I call it the Ricoh, when it’s firing on all cylinders, it’s packed, it’s an awesome atmosphere. We’ve seen that this season and witnessed it. So, it’s a huge city, and it’s been a long time since they’ve been in the Premier League. I played in the old stadium in the Premier League, and that was a good atmosphere. I’ve played at the new one when it’s been full, and they’re both passionate supporters. So I’d love to see them back in the Premier League. It’d be great for the Midlands. You can’t say that they’ve wrapped it up because it’s still, what, ten, nine, ten games to go. There’s still an awful lot of points to play for. But like I say, they’re coming through the sticky patch and now looking really, really strong, you wouldn’t bet against them, that’s for sure.
Carl Rushworth for England
Listen, I’ve sung his praises all season when I’ve been on TV. I’m covering him at the weekend against Southampton for the TV, and I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. Is he good enough to get into the England squad at this stage? Probably not. I’d love to see it. Don’t get me wrong. Do I see Tuchel taking the gamble? Probably not. When you look at the competition that’s already there, and Pickford, Henderson, Trafford, Pope, there are some quality keepers, but he’s right up there with them. So do I see him getting in there? No, if he did, it would be amazing for him. Absolutely great experience. But at the moment, I don’t see that happening, to be honest. But he certainly will get an England cap at some point if he keeps playing the way he is.
Southampton Better Than Last Season
I think it’s always hard, isn’t it, to say they would because the Premier League, the gulf between them in the Premier League is huge. So only time will tell. Let’s hope that they do get that experience, and they do get that opportunity to test themselves. But all you can say is, they’re in an incredible position at the minute, from where they’ve been to where they are now, the run they’re on, beating a Premier League side. You would have to say that at the minute, yes, this side is better than last year’s; they’ve gone to Fulham and beat them. I know they made changes, but so you would probably have to say, probably a slightly better side. But it’s hard to tell. So they’re in a great position, a fantastic win that sets them up so nicely now for the rest of the season. Obviously, against the top team in the league this weekend, it’s going to be a cracking game, that’s for sure.
Prediction
I’m covering it, so I don’t want to give a prediction. It’s a great game for me to cover. I’ve got to remain impartial. So it’s going to be a fascinating game. Two of the in-form teams going head-to-head.
Millwall vs Blackburn
Millwall Automatic Promotion Chances
They’re right in the thick of it. It’s a fascinating run-in now, for how many games left, nine, ten, ten games to go, and you would probably think it’s between Boro, Ipswich and Millwall. I think you’d be extremely naive to rule out Southampton as well. The run that they’re on, if they can keep that up, they’re sitting really pretty for a playoff spot at the minute. If they continue that, they’re going to be banging on the door. So, fascinating. They’ve done great. They continue to do great. And they’ve turned into a really, really tough team to play against. So, they’re in a great position at the moment. It’s exciting times for them.
Prediction
I think Millwall are on such a good run at the minute. They’re back home in front of their fans. Blackburn, they get a draw at the weekend, late goal conceded. So I don’t see anything other than a Millwall win. So I’m going to go Millwall 2, Blackburn 0.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Ipswich
Sindre Walle Egeli Potential
Listen, he’s got potential. It’s a lot of money for a 20-year-old, a lot of pressure on his shoulders for such a young lad coming over to this country. Sometimes it takes time. He’s only got himself four goals. He’s definitely got potential. Kieran McKenna knows players, and he wouldn’t shell out that kind of money, 17 and a half million on a player, unless he signed a five-year deal as well, unless you know he’s got potential. He’s got players there already. I think he’s being sensible in terms of easing him in. He’s got Hirst there, and Akpom; they’ve all scored goals. So I think it’s sensible to probably use him the way he is. But I think he’ll turn out to be a really good player for Ipswich. So I think Kieran McKenna has been very, very sensible. But the kid’s got ability, no doubt about that.
Prediction
Sheffield will have a go. They’ve got nothing to lose if they’re at home. But I think Ipswich will have a bit too much for them. So I’m going to go Sheffield Wednesday 1, Ipswich 2.
Stoke vs Watford
Watford Managerial Job
Well, I think in general, it’s a tough, tough job to have in the Premier League or in the Championship. I think the lifespan now of a manager is only about 18 months. You can half that probably at Watford, can’t you? And you can’t argue with it because it’s there for everyone to see; they go through managers like there’s no tomorrow. If you don’t get results, they’re not afraid to pull the plug. So, when you become a manager at Watford, you know what you’re signing up for. And if you don’t get results, ultimately you’re probably going to end up losing your job. That’s just part and parcel. Is it the right model? I don’t agree with it. I think managers should be given time. But these people own the football club, and they’re entitled to do what they want. So it is one of the toughest jobs just in terms of how they turn over managers so quickly. So, I’d probably have to agree with it, if I’m being honest.
Prediction
I think Stoke versus Watford. I’ve always said, you never know what you’re going to get with Watford. They could quite easily go there and win. Stoke coming off the back, scoring three and drawing 3-3, I think it’s going to be a tight game. I’m going to go Stoke 1, Watford 1.
Birmingham vs Sheffield United
Birmingham’s Season
I think the owners and the fans will be disappointed, if I’m being honest, with the money they’ve spent in the summer, the players they’ve recruited, and the money they’ve invested in the infrastructure of the club. Yeah, it’s been a big jump, hasn’t it, coming from League One to the Championship, but they’ve invested heavily, and I think the owners would like to have seen them pushing for the play-offs. What’s cost them this season is their away form. It’s been terrible, no more so at the weekend, going to Charlton and losing 1-0, that really probably did seal or stop any chance of them getting in the playoffs. They’d have to go on a hell of a run in the last 10 games to get there. So, I don’t see how it’s not disappointing because I’ve got a great connection with the football club. So, I think in general, I think the fans and the owners will be pretty disappointed.
Prediction
Again, two big football clubs, they’re going head-to-head. I think it’s going to be a tight, tight game. So, I’m going to go again, another score draw. I’m going to go Birmingham 1, Sheffield United 1.
Quick Predictions
Oxford vs Charlton
Both great wins for them, isn’t it? Oxford give themselves a great opportunity, great win for Charlton. So, on that note, I think Oxford back at home. I think they’re going to nick this one. I’m going to go Oxford 2, Charlton 1.
Leicester vs QPR
Leicester, Gary Rowett, working his magic. Great result against Bristol City. QPR struggling, so on that note, I’m going to go Leicester 2, QPR 0.
Portsmouth vs Derby
I’m going to go for another draw on this one. Tough, tough place to go. I think Derby would be delighted with a point. So on that note, I’m going to go Portsmouth 1, Derby 1.
Looking ahead: Promotion race heading for dramatic finish
Sunderland will be desperate to respond ahead of their derby, while Swansea fans have fresh optimism thanks to major celebrity investment and growing ambition around the club.
At the top of the Championship, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Ipswich and Southampton are all pushing hard, while Coventry continue to look like the team setting the pace as the race for promotion approaches a thrilling conclusion.
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