3 talking points from the midweek Championship action
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With seven teams still claiming a realistic chance of the title, a total of 10 sides with play-off credentials and a relegation scrap currently involving around 10 teams the Championship is living up to its reputation of being one of the most exciting leagues around.
This week is no different, with a host of potential flashpoints thrown up by the fixture list.
With just 14 games to go few things – if any – are close to being resolved but here are three things we could be talking about before the weekend.
Malky Mackay facing old club Cardiff
When Mackay left the DW Stadium many thought he could and perhaps should struggle to find another job. In reality his time away from the dugout was relatively short with Wigan offering the Scotsman a speedy return to the game.
However, things haven’t been going swimmingly for Dave Whelan’s appointment, with the Latics just three points off the basement having won just two of their last 10 league games.
Things are expected to get worse, too, when his old club – unbeaten in four – come calling desperate to let their former manager know what they think both on and off the pitch.
Dougie Freeman to extend unbeaten run
While things had gotten a little stale under Stuart Pearce at Nottingham Forest the Midlands club look to have an outside shot at reaching the play-offs thanks to a solid start from new boss Freedman.
The former Crystal Palace and Bolton manager has won three of his first four games in charge, drawing the other, and had his side playing some impressive stuff in the weekend’s 4-1 thrashing of Bolton.
Title hopefuls Bournemouth will prove a sterner test of Forest’s resolve, but with no wins in three Eddie Howe’s ability to secure an automatic route to the top flight is starting to look a little shaky.
Forest remain 12 points off the play-off pace but three points against the Cherries would go a long way to boosting confidence of a late run.
Blackpool doomed to relegation
Many fans, Tangerines or otherwise, may feel that Blackpool have been resigned to relegation for some time but defeat away to Brentford could really leave Lee Clark’s side staring into the abyss.
The Bees will be buzzing after beating Bournemouth 3-1 at the weekend and while there are still plenty of games to play, defeat at Griffin park could leave the Seasiders some 17 points from safety!
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