We are moving towards the season’s climax in the Sky Bet Championship and Easter Monday throws up some more thrilling fixtures.
There are many matters yet to be resolved at both ends of the league table and The72 takes a look at the top three fixtures set to take place tomorrow.
Preston North End v Derby County
Both clubs had a Good Friday to forget with The Lilywhites falling to a surprise 4-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County being humbled by basement club Sunderland by the same scoreline at Pride Park.
Winless in eight, Derby County look to have entered their annual end of season crumble and a trip to Deepdale is not one which they will savour. Preston North End were far from terrible at Hillsborough on Friday and with some better defensive performances, will be a tougher nut for The Rams to crack.
Points are crucial for both sides if they are to finish in the top six and this one really should be keenly fought to the bitter end.
Sheffield United v Cardiff City
Sheffield United fan Neil Warnock takes his Cardiff City side to Bramall Lane on Easter Monday looking for a ninth straight league win. The home side are unbeaten in four themselves so this won’t be easy for the Sky Bet Championship’s second placed club.
The Blades sit just one point outside of the play-off places as a result of a solid first campaign back in the second tier and if one team is to stop Warnock’s Bluebirds, you wouldn’t bet against it being his beloved Sheffield United.
Cardiff City should gain promotion to the English Premier League but given the late rollercoaster rides which the Sky Bet Championship throws up, this is a fixture which the South Wales outfit will hope they can safely negotiate their way through without slipping on a huge banana skin.
Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday
Forgetting last season, Sunderland have made a habit out of dramatic late escapes from the relegation trap door. This season must go the same way if they are to avoid playing in the third tier of English football next term.
Both Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday recorded surprise 4-1 wins on Good Friday over Derby County and Preston North End respectively and they will be more confident going into this fixture.
The Stadium of Light has been a place of doom and gloom this season and with Sunderland holding such a poor home record, manager Chris Coleman has a huge job on his hands to turn the tide in the remaining games of the campaign. Monday’s visitors have struggled to cope with injuries this season and with little to play for, are looking to end the campaign on a high.
Sunderland could be the biggest side to be relegated to Sky Bet League One for several years and the game against The Owls is huge with little margin left for error.
