Kevin Phillips’ Expert Analysis: Championship Predictions & Analysis

Nmecha and Larin Together Could Hurt Any Defence

I think Nmecha would bring quality to the team. We know he can score goals. I think he just needs a run in a side. Would he get that at Southampton when Larin’s fit? Possibly not. But when Larin’s missing, as he has been, it’s over to other players. I think they started with Mubama up top last night, so it’s certainly an area that the manager will be looking at in January, for sure.

Nmecha’s been linked with many big clubs. If Southampton secure his services, I think with him and Larin you’ve got two really top-quality strikers that could hurt any defence. So yeah, definitely an area that they’re going to look at.

It Might Be Best for Both Parties If Callum Robinson Moves On

I think, listen, it all depends on what’s going on in the background. I’ve read the quotes; the manager’s clearly not happy with the standards that he’s set behind the scenes, and he’s every right to come out and say that. He’s disappointed because he’s an experienced player.

Callum has only started nine league games under Brian Barry-Murphy, so clearly there’s something not right there. He was their top goalscorer in 24-25, so we know he can score goals, but sometimes there’s more to it than that. So, reading between the lines, and like I say, the nine starts and clearly not being in the squad as well, it might be best for both parties for Callum to move on when the window opens and start fresh somewhere else. I think it would be best for both parties.

Another Win and Norwich Are Pretty Much on the Verge of the Play-Offs

I’ve always said it, they have got that quality in the squad. It’s just about finding the consistency, and they’ve kind of shown that now, haven’t they? Back-to-back wins, scoring seven goals. And the biggest thing is, they’ve conceded so many goals this season, but they’ve only conceded two in the last two games. So there is promise there. It’s just consistency now.

This game for me is massive. If they could follow it up with another win away at a tough place, then you would have to say they’ve turned that corner. And they’re scoring goals for fun, so it’s a really important period of the season coming up. But yeah, you would have to say you’ve seen glimpses there that they can certainly turn it around. Listen, they’re 12th in the league, and they’re only four points off the play-offs, so it’s not all doom and gloom. They get another win, and they’re pretty much on the verge of the play-offs.

It’s a Brave Style, and the Test Comes When Swansea Stop Winning

It is a brave style, let’s put it that way, because now winter’s coming, the cold nights. Can you keep going? But clearly, the manager, that’s his philosophy, that’s his style. And if anyone doesn’t want to do it, I’m sure he’ll bring players in who can.

So if I’m a player, the biggest thing is that players want to run. When you’re winning games, and you’re near the top of the league, you haven’t got an issue with running hard. It’s when you’re not winning games; it’s when the levels drop. So it’ll be tough, but I think they can, because they’ve stayed near the top from the start of the season. Disappointing loss last game out, but they’ve got the quality to bounce back.

It Wouldn’t Surprise Me One Bit If Sheffield United Are Up There in May

Sheff Utd, the same as Norwich, are building momentum. I’ve said from day one, Chris Wilder has got that quality and experience in the league. He’ll get the best out of his players, and you’re seeing that now. Good win last time out. They’re sitting comfortably ninth in the table, just outside the play-offs. They’re in a fantastic position, and I’m sure it’s a position Chris Wilder’s delighted with. Definitely a team that would not surprise me one little bit come the end of the season if they were up there challenging.

Scott Parker Knows West Ham Inside Out, and It’s a Very Good Appointment

I think it’s a good, safe appointment, a good manager. He did really well at Burnley and Bournemouth as well. He’s got that experience of getting teams out of the Championship. And with his relationship with West Ham, he played 113 times for them, so he knows the club inside out, the fans know him, and they know what style of football is coming to their football club. Defensively, they’ll be solid, but they’ll also attack. So I think it’ll be a very, very good appointment.

Derby Fans Would Take Fourth or Fifth From Bottom Right Now

I think if you speak to any Derby fans, and I have, they’re disappointed, but they would take fourth or fifth from the bottom now just to stay in the league, and then go from there and see what happens. They’re in a really tough run of form at the moment, having lost 4-0 in their last game. Now, coming up against Bolton, they won away at Charlton, a great result. So it’s going to be a real, real long season for them, but survival has got to be key for that football club.

Aidan Morris Is on the Radar of Many Premier League Teams

I think Aidan Morris is getting the limelight now, whereas under Hackney he was almost the one that wasn’t really mentioned; it was all Hackney. But he’s got qualities, and he’s shown that this season: his work rate, his energy, his quality. No wonder he’s getting the attention. And of course, with Boro being at the top as well, the spotlight’s on them.

But he’s a player that’s certainly on the radar, I’m sure, of many Premier League teams. Boro won’t want to lose him this season or next season, but he’s a quality player, and he’s having a fantastic season.

You Heard the Boos Against Everton, and Jaissle Is Under Pressure

It’s extremely difficult when the home fans are against you. St.James Park can be a hostile place. You heard it the other night against Everton. I watched it; it wasn’t great. You heard the boos, so he’s under pressure, just as the Sunderland manager is, and the players are there too. So the crowd let them know how they’re feeling, and it’s no different at Newcastle. So he needs some results. He needs performances from his players, because if he doesn’t, again, he’s going to be under severe pressure.