Championship Preview: Cardiff take on the in-form Tigers

There is no time to rest for Championship teams or fans. Another round of fixtures throws up some thrilling matches. We look ahead to the standout games and players to watch this week…

MATCH OF THE WEEK

Cardiff City v Hull City

Cardiff have suffered two defeats on the trot. The latest came against Charlton in midweek. The Bluebirds were leading 2-0, but Charlton staged a remarkable comeback to win 5-4.

They now find themselves outside the automatic promotion places. Cardiff are determined to finish in the top two given their woeful record in the Championship play-offs.

Their next games are against Hull and Middlesbrough at home, two teams who are also competing to go up automatically.

Meanwhile Hull come off the back of three wins, including an impressive victory against Wolves. They now sit in fourth, behind Cardiff only on goal difference.

Their key player is Sone Aluko. The 23-year-old has scored six times in 15 league appearances this season and created numerous other goals for his teammates.

There is still a long way to go in the season, but this already looks like a vital match for two teams who could be fighting for automatic promotion.

OTHER MATCHES

Bristol City v Charlton: Six defeats in a row for Bristol City has meant this is now a must-win match for Derek McInnes. The main problem is the defence which continues to leak soft goals. Charlton scored five against Cardiff City in midweek. This game should contain goals.

Wolves v Brighton: Despite two consecutive defeats Wolves still find themselves only three points outside the play-off positions. Meanwhile Brighton are one point outside them. Two solid teams with match-winning talent.

CRUNCH MATCH

Leicester City v Nottingham Forest

An East Midlands derby renowned for the fierce rivalry between the two teams and sets of fans. However the fact that both teams this year are promotion contenders adds some extra spice.

Leicester have picked up one point from their last three games, which has meant that they have slipped back into the play-off places, whilst Forest are two points outside the top six.

When Forest visited the King Power Stadium last season in the league they earned a point in a goalless draw but in a FA Cup third round replay lost 4-0. They will be determined to avenge this defeat.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Glenn Murray

The 29-year-old forward, now has 13 goals this season, after a midweek hat-trick against Ipswich Town.

Murray is a natural-born poacher, who always seems to find space and time in and around the six-yard box and works tirelessly when the opposition have the ball. Despite Crystal Palace’s system of playing one lone striker, he is always a handful for opposition defences.

Murray has been profiting from the outstanding service he is currently receiving from Yannick Bolasie, Owen Garvan and Wilfried Zaha.

This week Crystal Palace face Peterborough, who are currently in the relegation zone and prone to conceding goals. Murray will be desperate to add to his goal tally and impress new manager Ian Holloway.

FIXTURES

Friday 9th November 2012

Middlesbrough v Sheff Wed 7.45pm

Saturday 10th November 2012

Leicester City v Nottingham Forest 12.45pm

Barnsley v Huddersfield 3pm

Blackburn v Birmingham 3pm

Blackpool v Bolton 3pm

Cardiff v Hull 3pm

Ipswich v Burnley 3pm

Leeds United v Watford 3pm

Millwall v Derby 3pm

Peterborough v Crystal Palace 3pm

Wolves v Brighton 3pm

Sunday 11th November 2012

Bristol City v Charlton 3pm

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