Kevin Phillips’ Championship GW46 Predictions and Tips

Hull Missing Playoffs on Fine Margins

Any team that misses out, if Derby misses out, Hull misses out, or Wrexham miss out, it’s always disappointing when you get so close over a long, hard season to miss out on the last day. It’s devastating. So, they’ve still got an opportunity. Of course, Wrexham have got just above them.

But it’s going to be devastating if they miss out. It’ll ruin their summer. But from a manager’s point of view, he can learn from it. He can assess the players and assess what types of players he needs to get rid of and what he needs to bring in the summer and go again next season. So naturally, it’d be very disappointing if they don’t make the playoffs.

Norwich Promotion Chances Next Year

They’ll be there. Norwich is a big football club. Clement has done an excellent job. They need to build over the summer around certain players like McLean and Toure. If they can bring some additions in and move a few on, they’ll challenge next year.

Whether they can challenge for that top two, I don’t know. But I think the playoffs are a given. They have to be challenging for the playoffs. And they’ll do that. They’ve shown good qualities this year, so I expect them to be there or thereabouts next season for sure.

Southampton Playoff Momentum

I interviewed Tonda Eckert last night, and he was very buoyant. Of course, disappointed that they didn’t get the result last night to take it to the last day. But the positive from it is that they can now prepare for the playoffs. They know they’re in the playoffs, and now their mentality, of course, is to get a good result this weekend. At Preston, which they’re capable of getting, but then they can really focus on the playoffs. And he was adamant he’ll do that.

Listen, they’ve done amazing. And watching them last night, wow, you don’t want them in the playoffs because they are going to be a force for sure.

Wrexham Focusing on Own Result

You have to focus. Phil Parkinson will be focusing on what’s in front of him and what he can affect, but he will have people in the background who will be keeping one eye on it for sure. You’ll know through the crowd’s reaction what’s going on elsewhere.

But I think you have to focus on your own job. What you have to do is get a result, not try to match what Hull does. That isn’t the mentality. Phil Parkinson’s mentality isn’t matching. It’s we don’t lose a game, let’s go and win it. And let’s take care of our own back garden, as I’ve said many times. So that will be the mindset of the players and the manager for sure. But I’m sure someone in the background will be in his ear every now and then keeping him updated with the score.

Middlesbrough Approach to Final Day

It’s always difficult. I spoke about this last night, the manager, how do you approach it? Listen, they’ll approach to win the game. It’s as simple as that. They’re going there to win the game. They had a fantastic result last week, coming off the back of not scoring many goals and then pumping five in. So they’ll be full of confidence and expecting to go there and win.

It’s as simple as that. But they can’t go gung-ho. They need to be defensively solid, and then when they can attack, they’ll attack. But the mindset will be to win the game and not lose it for sure.

Ipswich Mentality

It’s that mentality of getting promoted; it’s in their hands. Everyone expects them to beat QPR, but you have to give them respect because they’ll be coming to spoil the party. So their mentality is they know what they have to do. They’re more than capable of winning the game. I expect them to win the game.

They’ve got good players watching them last night. Got players that they can bring off the bench, as they did last night, to hurt any team. So their mentality will be completely focused now on getting that result done on Saturday morning. There’ll be nerves, but they’re good enough. They’ve dealt with the last three away games, and have been excellent. Now they’re back in front of their fans. I fully expect them to put on a performance.

Derby Nerves on Final Day

I was thinking about this in comparison to my playoff experience; I’ve been in a fair few. We’ve always kind of known we’re going to be in the playoffs. We’ve never really made a late run, the teams I’ve played in. Going, certainly going into the last day, having to win a game to secure the playoffs. I think it might have been when I was at Crystal Palace. It might not have been too far away from that.

Listen, it’s edgy. Derby, I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest game. Sheffield United are a good side, but Derby have done brilliantly, absolutely brilliantly, and they can be proud of what they’ve achieved this season. And they’ll go into that game expecting to win. I do expect them to win.

James Morrison at West Brom

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I’ve been out there, very vocal about West Brom giving him the job permanently. He’s proved that he can handle the pressure when the pressure was on. Now, back him, give him the job, put some funds available so he can go and recruit his own players, get rid of some players and really build a squad that will challenge for the promotion race next season.

So, delighted that he’s kept them in the league. The fans are buzzing; they love him. So, for me, it’s a no-brainer. Give James Morrison the job for sure.

Millwall vs Oxford

I’m not going to say it’s comfortable, but Millwall will run out winners. Millwall 3, Oxford 1.

Blackburn vs Leicester

Blackburn will win this one. Leicester obviously down, nothing to play for. Blackburn 2, Leicester 1.

Swansea vs Charlton

Almost a nothing game, but Swansea at home, I fancy them. Swansea 2, Charlton 1.

Bristol City vs Stoke

Roy Hodgson, his last game in charge of Bristol. I think they’ll win. Bristol City 2, Stoke 1.

Portsmouth vs Birmingham

Portsmouth at home, top players. But Blues good result last week. Portsmouth 1, Birmingham 1.