Npower Championship Preview

Southampton vs. Reading kicks off the weekend’s Npower Championship action with a bang at St Mary’s on Friday April 13 with the winner almost certain to secure automatic promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

The hosts have set the pace at the head of affairs since the start of the campaign however Reading’s tremendous run of form post New Year has set up an almighty battle for top flight status with West Ham sitting just a few points behind both clubs in third.

Three points here for either side should be enough to hold a position in the top two come the last day of the season and it is the Royals who carry all the momentum following their rapid rise up the standings.

By contrast, Southampton have stuttered in recent weeks and home advantage may turn into a pressure situation for Nigel Adkins side who would be floored at the prospect of falling into the play-off places after leading the way for so long.

The reverse fixture produced a 1-1 draw at the Madejski but Reading have to be respected as a much better side now.

Brian McDermott has developed a really strong outfit that already appear capable of making the step up to the Premier League and they can land decent odds of around 11/5 by continuing their excellent run.

West Ham definitely have it all to do if they are to force their way back into the automatic equation but the Hammers will fancy their chances of making headway against Brighton at Upton Park.

Sam Allardyce’s men were mightily impressive when dispatching of Barnsley 0-4 at Oakwell recently and have to be regarded as a strong pick if they can maintain that level of form.

The pressure is likely to be off West Ham now that they are in a chasing position and it is highly doubtful whether Brighton are good enough to win in East London despite their relatively prominent position just outside the play-off zone.

Birmingham are solid favourites to consolidate their place in the top six as struggling Bristol City make the visit to St Andrews, whilst Blackpool will also be looking to keep their noses in front of the pack on the road at Nottingham Forest, who are still in danger of relegation despite moving away from the drop zone in recent weeks.

Leicester City are aiming to make a late charge for the play-offs and the Foxes will see their trip to Millwall as a must win game.

Nigel Pearson has finally got his side into a rhythm but hopes of an unlikely Premier League return will surely be ended if Kenny Jackett’s men can gain a crucial three points of their own to move away from trouble at the bottom.

Doncaster and Portsmouth both appear doomed for relegation and their fixture at the Keepmoat is primed to be a really intense six-pointer.

The winner will emerge with a genuine chance of survival however a draw is likely to seal the fate of both clubs in terms of a slide down to League One for next season.

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09/04/2012     © Frixo 2024