Reading too are revived after a disjointed start, putting these two clubs on a similar trajectory upwards. The only problem is that Brian McDermott’s side are already supposed to be in the upper echelon. Some of the new faces continue to bed in, while other key figures like Jimmy Kebe recuperate from injury…Burnley 2-0 Reading

Cardiff v Ipswich – Cardiff City Stadium

Both sides sit adjacent in the league table, but Ipswich are surely more buoyant ahead of this crunch clash of promotion hopefuls. The Suffolk side are unbeaten in four matches, with notable results gained against the creme of the division: drawing at Boro, holding off West Ham away, and besting Brighton.

Cardiff entered the international break with an inconsistent run of draw, win, loss – Malky Mackay openly conceded the time was right to take a pause, reassess the plan, and get back to it. Finding some realistic loan talent remains a top priority too…Cardiff 2-2 Town

Coventry v Nottingham Forest – Ricoh Arena

Forest fans feel they have a precious bit of their club back. Former player and manager Frank Clark is the new chairman after owner Nigel Doughty stepped down after the open admission of failure in the Steve McClaren appointment. His first task is to find the new leader to restore confidence and pride at the City Ground. After achieving that, do away with that ridiculous transfer tribunal responsible for driving Billy Davies just a bit more nutso.

Speaking of searching for a new boss, Coventry may want to form an exploratory committee or something, just in case…Coventry 0-1 Forest

Derby v Southampton – Pride Park

This is a tasty tussle between first and third. Never mind the tonking Derby got from Leceister last round, or their slightly worrying form…actually, let’s be concerned. Southampton continue to fly high and are fairly indiscriminate when it comes to goal explosions – Saints have scored at least three goals seven times across all competitions. Their fast start has shown little evidence of fading.

It’s a critical time at Pride Park despite their high place in the table. Nigel Clough needs to protect against Derby’s recent propensity to shrivel after early success. Could be a long day for the home supporters…Derby 1-3 Southampton

Middlesbrough v Millwall – The Riverside

The sensible Boro supporter looks at the calendar, then the table, and then takes another look just to be sure, before nodding approvingly to the lofty position at this juncture. The progress under Tony Mowbray has been so drastic it’s almost immeasurable; one league loss since April, historical away form, and the only Championship club not to see defeat since this season’s inauguration.

Pockets of disapproval still exist within the dias-Boro given the lack of goals over the last three, conveniently bypassing the three clean sheets. They need to take a long look. And then look at Millwall, who’ve scored one league goal in six weeks…Boro 3-1 Millwall

Watford v Crystal Palace – Vicarage Road

Palace have tailed off a bit after their positive start. Still, a draw versus West Ham and an improbable win over their naturalised rivals Brighton over the last two keeps hope alive in south London. The work done by Dougie Freedman and his Boro-tinged staff – Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming – is nothing short of commendable.

The same can be said for the hosts in truth. Sean Dyche continues to focus on separating his side away from the relegation zone. The loan capture of Michael Kightly from Wolves should prove a boost, as long as the oft-injured livewire can stay on the pitch and off the treatment table…Watford 1-1 Palace

West Ham v Blackpool – Upton Park

Big Sam’s benevolence knows no bounds. First, he engineers a sterling scoreless draw against Millwall, knowing a win for either would result in more thuggery and buffoonery, further blighting the English game in the eyes of global spectators. Now he’s keen to share his talent with the lesser-privileged Doncaster. Next up, he’ll mediate between Carlos Tevez and Roberto Mancini, ensuring both parties are heard and understood fairly before brokering a satisfying outcome resulting in all three hitting greater Manchester’s filthiest gentleman’s clubs in a stunningly heartwarming display of multiculturalism.

Good to see Daniel Bogdanovic making the most of a great opportunity with the Tangerines. He bagged two in the recent 5-0 beat down of Bristol City. Ian Holloway just received another strike plaything in the peripatetic Lomana LuaLua, sort of a poor man’s less crazy El-Hadji Diouf…West Sam 3-2 ‘Pool

5.20p

Portsmouth v Barnsley – Fratton Park

Steve Cotterill the top target for Forest? Sure, he knows how to work under de facto transfer embargoes, but does his stint at Notts County completely discredit and disqualify him? Surely he should stay around and see if the new owners really do want to spend some of that money they say they’ve got?

You have to say Barnsley are a form side – unbeaten in their last six, so what if they have 5 draws? If you cannot, at least make sure you don’t lose…Pompey 1-0 Barnsley

Brighton v Hull – Falmer

Another juicy fixture, rivalling Derby/Southampton as best of the round. Brighton haven’t won at home since August – Hull are unbeaten in their last three away from Humberside. The home side are still developing a fortress mentality at their new sponsored-by-a-corporate-whore modern ground.

Nigel Pearson says he content with his side as-is, though one would reckon another goalscorer or two would be welcome additions. A final place in the top six could well come down to goal difference…Brighton 2-1 Hull

16 Oct 11

1.00p

Birmingham v Leicester – St. Andrew’s

It was difficult in the beginning, balancing the rigors of a new, rugged league and the club’s first European foray in nigh on 50 years. Stability, thy name is Chris Hughton. The former Newcastle boss is delivering on both fronts. Brummie aren’t as high up in the table as one who looks to bounce straight back up should be, but with two matches in hand they are stll capable of contending to be at the right end of the table come May.

Leicester expect to be there too. Sven is in fine fettle at the moment as the Foxes have racked up 12 of their 16 points in their last six…Brummies 1-2 Leicester