Almost every match in this gameweek will be between direct opponents, which are promising us a lot of action and excitement. As some teams are still playing in FA Cup, most of the teams in Championship will play league football this weekend. These are our Championship predictions for this round.

Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town

Aston Villa has been in awful form since Jack Grealish got injured and they’ve managed to get only one win in their last eight matches. That is an awful record for a team that has second best attack in the league. Ipswich Town has been busy in this transfer window, but they are still not good enough to compete with teams like Aston Villa. Although they are in bad form, I expect Aston Villa to get an easy win against Ipswich Town as they simply have to get a win as soon as possible.

Aston Villa to win: 3-0

Blackburn Rovers vs Hull City

This is a game between direct opponents. Nobody expected these two teams to fight for play-offs, but they have been amazing this season. Blackburn Rovers are improving their form lately, while Hull City has been unbelievable as they are unbeaten in their last ten league matches. This will most certainly be a very interesting game with a lot of action on both sides. However, if we are looking at their form, Hull City should be a favorite to win this one. They are excellent in attack and very organized in defence and they will be looking to continue their amazing form.

Hull City to win: 1-2

Norwich City vs Sheffield United

When it comes to direct opponents, this has to be the most important match on Saturday. Norwich City is in bad form lately and Sheffield United will be looking to get their second place back. Both teams have been excellent this season, especially in attack, so I will expect a lot of goals on both sides. Although none of these two sides will settle with a point, for me, draw sounds like the most likely outcome of this game.

Draw: 2-2

Nottingham Forest vs Wigan Athletic

Martin O’Neill couldn’t get a win in his first match with Nottingham Forest, but this will certainly be an easier challenge for him and his team. Wigan Athletic has an awful away record with only one win in their 14 away games so far. Only Rotherham is worse away from home this season. Nottingham Forest has excellent team, they have proven Championship players and they have an advantage of playing at home. If this was away game for Nottingham Forest I wouldn’t be so certain that they will win, but since it’s not I am quite confident that they will get all three points on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest to win: 2-0

Rotherham United vs Leeds United

Leeds United is without a doubt the best team in Championship this season, but they are currently far from their best form. They have lost three of their last five matches and although it seems easy, this will be another tough challenge for them. Rotherham United is fighting for survival this season, but their home record so far was quite impressive. They have lost only three home games this season and two of them happened recently. Although this is quite risky, considering the form of both teams, I don’t expect Leeds United to win this match.

Draw: 1-1

Stoke City vs Preston North End

Nathan Jones managed to get his first win with Stoke City and it was against league leaders Leeds United. This time they will have quite an easier challenge, with Preston North End struggling to get in good form this season. Preston has been particularly bad away from home, where they’ve managed to get only three wins so far. Stoke City has been struggling with their attack under Gary Rowett, but I am quite certain that they won’t have those problems under Nathan Jones.

Stoke City to win: 2-1

Swansea City vs Birmingham City

Lukas Jutkiewicz has shown once again that he is unreliable, but Birmingham City needs him to find his form back as soon as possible. This is a game between direct opponents, and with a win here, Birmingham City can get back in their fight for play-offs. However, Swansea has found their form once again as they are unbeaten in their last four matches. Both teams will most certainly go for a win and I expect both teams to score in this one, but for me, Birmingham City is having a better chance to get a win.

Birmingham City to win: 1-2

Bolton Wanderers vs Reading

Last game on Monday will be another clash between direct rivals. Bolton Wanderers will meet with Reading as both teams are looking to get out of the relegation zone. Although Reading has won only one away match so far this season, they will have to go for a win in this one. Between these two teams, I have to say that Bolton is in worse form. I don’t expect a lot of action in this one, but I expect Reading to get all three points.

Reading to win: 0-1

The post Championship Predictions: Aston Villa and Stoke to win? Norwich and Sheffield United to split points? appeared first on COL.