Preview: Championship

Leeds United make the short trip to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend knowing they should realistically be two points better off after their midweek clash with Bristol City.

United led 2-0 at Ashton Gate with five minutes of normal time remaining when two goals in quick succession meant the game ended 2-2, but their opponents on Saturday were also dishing out last-minute heartache in their 1-1 draw with Reading.

Friday night’s solitary fixture sees Derby visit St Andrew’s to take on Birmingham City. The Blues have only played two league games so far as a result of Brentford’s pitch being not up to scratch for their Tuesday night clash. The Rams were another side to benefit from a late equaliser in midweek – Johnny Russell made it 1-1 against Middlesbrough, meaning it is three straight league draws for Paul Clement’s side so far.

Brentford were handed a boost ahead of their game away at Burnley this Saturday when highly-rated striker Andre Gray  failed to agree personal terms with Bristol City over a £9m move, but now it is reported that the attacker is undergoing a medical with this weekend’s opponents. Gray bagged 18 goals last season as Brentford made the play-offs, and scored last weekend in his side’s 4-2 win over the Robins. The Clarets have had a less than ideal start to their season, losing 2-0 at Ipswich last time out and remaining winless so far.

QPR welcome Rotherham to West London on Saturday and will have star striker Charlie Austin at their disposal – at least for another couple of days. Austin took to Twitter to issue a statement on Thursday regarding the comments made about him by West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, describing comments about his knee as “an outrageous slur” on his professionalism. Austin’s QPR came from 2-0 down to beat Wolves 3-2 at Molineux on Wednesday night, whereas Rotherham played out a goalless draw with Preston in their last outing.

Hull will hope to continue their unbeaten run this weekend when they travel to the Valley to take on Charlton Athletic. Steve Bruce’s Tigers have also been linked with both Andre Gray in the past week, however have not been able to offer the required asking price –  something which will be sure to frustrate the fans as they will be hoping to secure an immediate return to the top-flight. The Yorkshire outfit showed good character to grab a late winner against Fulham on Wednesday – Sone Aluko scored in the 88th minute to make it 2-1 – whereas Charlton played out a goalless draw at the City Ground with Nottingham Forest.

Friday

Birmingham V Derby (7.45pm)

Saturday

Leeds V Sheff Wed (12.30pm)
Bolton V Notts Forest
Brighton V Blackburn
Burnley V Brentford
Charlton V Hull
Fulham V Huddersfield
Middlesbrough V Bristol City
Preston V Ipswich
QPR V Rotherham
Reading V MK Dons
Cardiff V Wolves (5.15pm)