Championship Promotion Preview

Cardiff City find themselves well and truly in the promotion mix approaching the end to an exciting and upredictable season.

Any of the top 9 teams are still in with an excellent shout while Crystal Palace and Colchester are waiting enviously on the edge should any further mishaps occur.

Games every week change the entire complexion in the Championship promotion race and this week is no exception:


Southampton v Colchester (friday night)
Southampton are slipping away and manager George Burley is coming under intense pressure to get a result. They let a 2 goal lead slip against Cardiff and defeat here is unthinkable.


Derby v Cardiff
Two teams up there and scrapping for every point, Derby want automatic and Cardiff need to clamber back into the play-off zone. Either side could win it, but neither can afford to lose.


Norwich v Stoke
Both teams inconsistent but Norwich have been kind to Cardiff in recent weeks, they could keep Stoke out of it with a win but Stoke have to win to keep pace with the play-off contenders.


Preston v Burnley
Early kick-off and Preston must go all out for the win, Burnely have slipped right down the table but Preston have been in their own rough patch. On 65 points now, automatic is in reach but consecutive defeats could see them miss out altogether


Sheff Wed v Wolverhampton
Wolves have come on apace but Sheff have enjoyed a great season to date. 5th place at present Wolves but a vastly inferior goal difference could prove a problem. A point may be enough for Wolves here.


Sunderland v Hull
A must win for both sides, Hull have pulled clear but still lie in danger of relegation and would love a win in this derby game. Sunderland have stormed up the table and lie in third, a draw is ok but the black cats must look to win.


West Brom v Birmingham
Crucial derby game. 1st vs 6th but no love lovs and onlyt 7 points between them. Nothing to separate the sides and West Brom have home advantage - anything could happen.



The weekend's results will change the look of the table - do Cardiff hope for a Birmingham win and take WBA's play-off spot ? Every team must concentrate on their own results and keep picking up points - exciting but nervous times ahead !!!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.