Championship Tips: Points to be shared at Deepdale on Friday night | OneFootball

Preston vs Oxford - Oxford to battle their way to a point

Friday, 20:00, Live on Sky Sports Football

Preston look destined for midtable once again. There have been some bright spots this season, but PNE have been too inconsistent and haven't got the squad depth to challenge for a play-off spot. There has been a disconnect between the players and fans recently, and Paul Heckingbottom will be keen to win back the supporters and create some positivity to lead into the 2026-27 campaign.

Deepdale cannot be described as a fortress, with the hosts taking maximum points in just one of their last five games here. They've also been victorious just once since January 4th and have barely threatened in recent fixtures against Millwall and Blackburn.

Oxford gave themselves a much-needed boost last weekend as they edged past hapless West Brom. Matt Bloomfield's side still have a pulse and they should take some confidence into this tie. They aren't particularly threatening on the road, yet they will dig in and fight for every ball. This game will not be pretty and it feels like an odd choice for TV on a Friday evening, with the most likely outcome being that the points are shared in West Lancs.

Blackburn vs Portsmouth - BTTS at Ewood Park

Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

If Blackburn continued on their current trajectory, they would probably narrowly escape relegation. Nevertheless, Rovers cannot afford to take it easy and the fans will see this as a winnable fixture. Michael O'Neill has improved performance levels, although they've now suffered back-to-back defeats. They deserved at least a point from the game at Bristol City, creating several decent opportunities and they looked dangerous from set-pieces against Derby last weekend.

The hosts' issue has been keeping clean sheets and they have been unable to bolt the door. Going forward, they've been much better and they have enough creativity to fashion a few chances at Ewood Park on Saturday lunchtime. They've taken 32 shots combined across their last two home matches and Pompey's rearguard is unlikely to withstand such pressure, particularly on the road.

Portsmouth were incredibly unlucky to leave Fratton Park with nothing to show for their efforts last weekend. They were undone by a Hull side, who have become adept at soaking pressure and then displaying a ruthless streak when presented with an opportunity. Pompey had won their two previous away games and they although they are missing Josh Murphy for the rest of the season, they shouldn't be met with too much stern resistance from the home defence.

The visitors have netted in six of their last eight and they should play their part in a competitive and entertaining contest.

Hull vs Millwall - Azeez-y as 1,2,3

Saturday, 12:30, Live on Sky Sports+ App

Hull failed to register a shot on target in midweek as they went down 1-0 to Ipswich at Portman Road. The Tigers battled admirably, and moved the ball quickly upfield, however, they couldn't hurt the Ipswich defence. They have been poorer at the MKM this season, conceding far too many goals, yet they managed to beat Derby 4-2 here last time out. That was game was notable for the bizarre xG differential with the hosts scoring four times from an xG of 0.58 and the Rams registering 3.38, yet managing to hit the target just twice.

The hosts will give up plenty of chances here, and Millwall will be looking to take full advantage.

Unlike their hosts, the Lions have had a full week to prepare for this fixture, and they will be looking to build upon back-to-back victories, both of which came with a clean sheet. Alex Neil's side have failed to beat Hull in their last seven attempts which is a little offputting, but they have plenty of attacking talent including Femi Azeez. He took five shots against PNE and seems to be rediscovering his form. His end product still needs to improve, yet he should be able to feed off the hard work and endeavour of Josh Coburn and chances are likely to come his way here.

Bristol City vs Coventry - Sky Blues to keep their momentum going

Saturday, 15:00

Bristol City were dumped out of the FA Cup by Port Vale, currently sitting bottom of League One. It provoked frustration amongst the Robins' fanbase, who are frustrated by the lack of ambition around the club. Gerhard Struber's side aren't easy to predict, yet they will surely arrive here at a low ebb, and the players could be fairly deflated.

Although they managed to pick up a 2-1 victory at Blackburn, they gave up countless opportunities and Coventry are less likely to pass up those chances on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts do possess a sprinkling of quality in their squad with Scott Twine capable of the sublime, and Emil Riis able to stretch defences, but this is not an easy task for Struber's men.

Coventry maintained their five point advantage at the top of the table, and are hoping to extend their winning run to five. Frank Lampard has found the perfect blend in recent weeks, and although they left it late against Stoke, they thoroughly deserved their three points, having fired in 20 shots, and chalked up an xG of 2.13.

They've been using the width of the pitch successfully, with Ephron Mason-Clark causing carnage on the left, and Milan Van Ewijk getting forward with regularity on the opposite flank.

Earlier in the campaign, Cov struggled on the road, but they have won their last two and they should have enough firepower to beat the downtrodden hosts.

Charlton vs Birmingham - Addicks to test the Brum backline

Saturday, 15:00

Charlton were very unlucky not to take a point from last weekend's narrow defeat to Wrexham. The Addicks played some terrific football and could easily have had four or five goals. Unfortunately, their finishing was wayward, and they will need to be far more clinical on Saturday afternoon. Not for the first time this season, they have injury issues at the back with Reece Burke going off injured and Collins Sichenje having also picked up an issue.

Nathan Jones will have his side fired up for this and he has plenty of options, including Miles Leaburn, Joe Rankin-Costello and Charlie Kelman, all of whom started on the bench last weekend.

They are winless in four and are far from safe. A lack of goals at the Valley has been the issue, having failed to net in the first half of a game here since November 22nd.

Birmingham were below par on Monday night, losing 3-1 at home to Middlesbrough. Their away performances have improved, winning three of their last four on the road, yet they produced an awful 90 minutes of football at the Den at the end of February.

They do have threats in the final third, yet they were also sloppy at the back on Monday night. This is not likely to be a high-scoring game, but both teams should register, at the very least.

Derby vs Sheffield Wednesday - Brewster to heap more misery on Wednesday

Saturday, 15:00

Derby haven't found it straightforward at Pride Park this season, but they've now won back-to-back games here and will be expected to make it three on the bounce when Sheffield Wednesday visit on Saturday.

There is a six point deficit to make up on sixth placed Wrexham, but their play-off ambitions are still alive and they will be hoping to close the gap with the Welsh side otherwise engaged in FA Cup action this weekend.

With Derby priced at 1/4, the value may lie in exploring the goalscorer market. Carlton Morris is still feeling his way back following a long-term injury and is unlikely to play the full 90, whereas Patrick Agyemang's goals haven't been quite as forthcoming. Rhian Brewster may have done enough to earn himself a start in this game. He needed less than 30 minutes to make his mark against Blackburn, finding the net with his one and only opportunity. He is a composured and clinical figure and the former Sheffield United striker could add to his tally against the already relegated Owls.

Ipswich vs Leicester - Tractor Boys to keep the pressure on the top two

Saturday, 15:00

Ipswich moved up to third with a hard fought victory over Hull in midweek. Kieran McKenna, who oversaw his 100th win in charge of the club, was pleased with his side's patience and determination. They will be looking to take advantage of the schedule, which has thrown up three consecutive home games.

The Suffolk side have a fairly imperious home record, with only Coventry collecting more points on their own patch then the Tractor Boys. Hull barely threatened throughout the 90 minutes, with the hosts managing to record their fourth clean sheet in five home fixtures.

They are heavily fancied for this game, and they shouldn't be too affected by the hectic schedule. Anis Mehmeti, Wes Burns and Dan Neil all started on the bench in midweek, with Leif Davis claiming an assist during his 33 minute cameo.

Leicester have improved under Gary Rowett, although their below-par performance against Norwich was a touch concerning. The Foxes are unbeaten in their last two away games, taking points off Middlesbrough and Stoke. They are undoubtedly showing more character and determination under the new management, but that may not be enough to restrain the high-flying hosts.

They should be able to frustrate the hosts for long periods of this game, but quality wise, they are likely to fall short.

Sheffield United vs West Brom - Blades to bounce back against the Baggies

Saturday, 15:00

Sheffield United fired in 15 shots during the first half of their 2-1 defeat to Coventry in their previous home game. Chris Wilder was pleased with the performance, yet he described his side as 'naive' and bemoaned their inability to manage the game during the second half. The Blades have been strong at Bramall Lane all season, and their 2-0 victory at QPR last weekend does give them something to build on.

They have been a little inconsistent lately, but their only two defeats since January 21st have come against the current top two. They've netted in each of their last ten games here, scoring 2+ in seven of those encounters.

West Brom have appointed James Morrison until the end of the season. Having reportedly spoken to both Darren Moore and Slaven Bilic, they have opted for stability, and the former midfielder's mandate is clearl; keep the club in the second tier.

Despite their poor performances, WBA aren't in the bottom three, although they have a tough fixture list to negotiate, hosting six of the top nine. This is arguably their toughest remaining away trip, and they are likely to struggle at this ground.

They are without both of their first choice centre backs with Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham both missing, and there was a further blow with Mikey Johnston ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. That leaves them short of quality in key areas and another defeat feels inevitable.

Swansea vs Stoke - Mediocre midtable affair in South Wales

Saturday, 15:00

Swansea are drifting towards the end of the campaign. Although they aren't quite safe, the Swans are likely to pick up enough points to comfortably survive and book their place in the second tier next season. Vitor Matos' side were easily beaten by Ipswich last weekend and their performance against PNE on February 24th, was lacklustre and underwhelming.

Home fans will be hoping to see a little more intensity from their side this time around. Zan Vipotnik's clinical finishing has got them out of some tight spots recently, and they may need the Slovenian to come to the rescue once again.

Despite suffering a dip in performance levels, they are an effective home outfit, unbeaten at this venue since November 25th.

Stoke's season has petered out considerably, although they almost took a point from their recent trip to the CBS. Mark Robin's side generally reduce each match to fine margins, with four of their last nine games ending all square, and a further four being decided by a single goal. Another low-scoring, and tight affair is expected.

QPR vs Middlesbrough - Boro to find joy at Loftus Road

Sunday, 16:30, Live on Sky Sports Football

QPR have struggled with injuries throughout the season and they have a smorgasbord of injuries to contend with this weekend. Fans pointed to a lack of leadership last weekend with three 19-year-olds on the pitch, as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United. Nicholas Madsen' absence has been keenly felt, although injuries to Ilias Chair, Kwame Poku, Karamoko Dembele and Rumarn Burrell have stifled all creativity.

Conceding goals has also been issue for the hosts, conceding the first goal of the game within the first 21 minutes in three of their last four. Games at Loftus Road have been highly entertaining this campaign, with the hosts managing to keep just a single clean sheet since the beginning of October 1st.

Middlesbrough kept the pressure on Coventry with a 3-1 victory on Monday night. Kim Hellberg's side took advantage of some generous defending, and managed to control the majority of the game. He opted for David Strelec over Morgan Whittaker, and he has plenty of options if he wishes to freshen up the squad.

Boro have scored at least twice in four of their last five matches on the road and that run of form should continue here.