Championship predictions: Can Leeds close gap on Ipswich in race for PL?

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Leeds vs Ipswich, Saturday 12.30pm – Live on Sky Sports Football

This is a very big game. Is it must-win for Leeds even now? Quite possibly. The gap is 10 points, and with Ipswich up against Leicester on Boxing Day, that could change very quickly.

Ipswich will have been frustrated not to find a way to beat Norwich last time out. The hoodoo against their fierce rivals continued even in the position of strength they are currently in. They will play to win this, but Kieran McKenna will be very happy with a draw, which I think he’ll get.

Prediction: 2-2 (Sky Bet odds)

Leicester vs Rotherham, Saturday 3pm

Leicester put on a show of strength at Birmingham on Monday night, coming away with a win thanks to some counter-attacking brilliance and another fabulous display by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

This could not be a more ominous trip for Rotherham. Leam Richardson has had a rough start losing his first two, and I can’t justify any reason for that not becoming three.

Prediction: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds)

Middlesbrough vs West Brom, Saturday 3pm

Middlesbrough are into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup! They may be dwindling a little in the league this year, but that is certainly something to look forward to.

Michael Carrick will be keen for them to stay focused on Championship matters, starting with a game they really need to win if they are to push back on towards the top six. I fancy a few goals, and Boro to edge it.

Prediction: 3-2 (Sky Bet odds)

Plymouth vs Birmingham, Saturday 3pm

It came as a bit of a shock to see Steven Schumacher up and leave Plymouth Argyle this week, but it has happened to them recently when Ryan Lowe moved on, and they handled that very well. Who comes in next has a big job on their hands to keep their current upward trajectory going.

Wayne Rooney also has a big job on his hands at Birmingham. Leicester were the wrong team to run into as they tried to build some momentum, and I think Plymouth could also be tough as they rally from losing their leader. Home win.

Prediction: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds)

QPR vs Southampton, Saturday 3pm

That was a setback for QPR against Sheffield Wednesday. Defeat from the jaws of victory, and a chance missed to climb out of the bottom three ahead of a real tough game against Southampton.

The Saints were convincing against Blackburn, albeit against 10 players towards the end. They will take confidence from putting a team away, and I think they’ll also put away QPR. Albeit by a narrower scoreline.

Prediction: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds)

Sunderland vs Coventry, Saturday 3pm

Michael Beale takes charge of his first Sunderland game, and already has a battle on his hands to win over a, potentially, sceptical home support. But you can be sure the fans will still get behind their team at the Stadium of Light.

Coventry took a great point off Leeds last weekend, especially after falling behind, and always fancy themselves against the big hitters in this league. I think they will get another point to take home with them for Christmas.

Prediction: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds)

Remaining Championship predictions (Sat 3pm KO unless stated)

Bristol City vs Hull City (Fri 7.45pm): 0-1

Swansea vs Preston (Fri 7.45pm): 1-1

Blackburn vs Watford: 2-2

Norwich vs Huddersfield: 2-0

Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff: 2-1

Stoke vs Millwall: 1-0

Source : Sky Sports