Championship, it’s back to immediate action in the English cadet league: predictions on Monday’s matches.
The Championship, the English cadet league, has already delivered a first verdict, actually expected (and expected) for several days now. Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, absolute dominator of the tournament, has been promoted to the Premier League with six days in advance. Last Friday’s 25th win of the season at home to Middlesbrough, beaten 2-1 thanks to goals from Barnes and Roberts, was decisive.
The Clarets, who are 19 points ahead of the third placed team, are now back in the top flight after just one year of purgatory. The former Manchester City defender and captain’s adventure started quietly, and he needed time to settle down: after a complicated start, in which he even risked being sacked, there was no more for anyone. Burnley will now try to honour the seven games they have left to play, even if they will find more motivated opponents in front of them. On the 41st day there is an interesting summit clash with Sheffield United, a team that is trying to emulate the Clarets. The Blades dream of returning to the Premier League after two years: they are currently second, with a good margin over third-placed Luton (+8) and have also played one match less. Burnley will not give anything away, but the Blades’ greater motivation could make the difference. It will be a spectacular match with at least one goal each at Turf Moor.
Championship: Norwich can make no more mistakes
The disappointing Norwich, currently only seventh and out of the play-offs, can make no mistake in their home match with Rotherham: in their 0-2 win at Blackburn, the yellow-greens showed important signs and should secure their second consecutive success.
Gibbs from Norwich
Victory on the doorstep also for Luton, third force in the championship, against the dangerous Blackpool, penultimate in the standings and at serious risk of relegation. Also intriguing is the clash between West Bromwich, still in the race for the playoffs, and Qpr, which has just one point of advantage over the red zone: the Baggies, eager to redeem themselves after the heavy defeat suffered in Rotherham, are the favourites. Cardiff and Milwall should also avoid defeat, while the match between Bristol City and Middlesbrough will not disappoint in terms of spectacle: Boro boast the best attack in the Championship after Burnley.
Championship: possible winners
- Cardiff or draw (in Cardiff-Sunderland, 4pm)
- Milwall or draw (in Hull City-Milwall, 16:00)
- Luton (in Luton-Blackpool, 16:00)
- Norwich (in Norwich v Rotherham, 16:00)
- West Bromwich (on West Bromwich-QPR, 16:00)
The matches with at least one goal per team
- Huddersfield-Blackburn, 1.30pm
- Wigan-Swansea, 16:00
- Burnley-Sheffield United, 21:00
Championship: matches with at least three goals in total
- Cardiff-Sunderland, 4pm
- Bristol City-Middlesbrough, 18:30
