- Coventry have emerged victorious in seven out of their last eight matches
- Luton have been unable to secure a win in any of their previous 13 league games
- QPR have triumphed in seven out of their last eight matches at their home ground
As third-placed Burnley is occupied with FA Cup duties at a nearby location, Leeds and Sheffield United will aim to secure victories against West Brom and QPR on Saturday to widen the gap in the Championship automatic-promotion battle for themselves.
We provide predictions for the correct score across all eight Championship matches scheduled for this weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland (Friday, 8pm)
Sheffield Wednesday have only managed to win two of their last 10 Championship games. Sunderland are likely to carry forward their form from a 4-0 victory in the previous encounter and clinch a crucial win.
Score prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Sunderland
Blackburn vs Norwich (Saturday, 12.30pm)
Norwich have secured just two away victories in the Championship since late September. Despite this, they might have the edge over Blackburn, who have suffered defeats in six of their last nine matches.
Score prediction: Blackburn 1-2 Norwich
Oxford vs Coventry (Saturday, 12.30pm)
Following a strong start under Gary Rowett at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford are now winless in six matches and face a tough challenge against Coventry, who have been dominant with seven wins in their last eight Championship fixtures.
Score prediction: Oxford 0-2 Coventry
Leeds vs West Brom (Saturday, 12.30pm)
Crucial victories against Sunderland and Sheffield United have put Leeds in a favorable position in the Championship. They are expected to continue their strong performance against West Brom. However, West Brom have managed to score in 16 of their last 18 games and may find the net at Elland Road despite facing defeat.
Score prediction: Leeds 2-1 West Brom
Luton vs Portsmouth (Saturday, 3pm)
Portsmouth have climbed out of the relegation zone in the Championship with three consecutive wins and have the potential to progress further against bottom-placed Luton, who have struggled with 13 winless games.
Score prediction: Luton 0-2 Portsmouth
Middlesbrough vs Derby (Saturday, 3pm)
Derby find themselves in a difficult position after a run of 12 matches without a win and are unlikely to pose a threat to Middlesbrough. The home team gained confidence from a 3-1 victory over Stoke and are hopeful of re-entering the race for the play-offs under Michael Carrick's management.
Score prediction: Middlesbrough 3-0 Derby
QPR vs Sheffield United (Saturday, 3pm)
Following a defeat to Leeds, Sheffield United face the risk of losing more ground to the league leaders after their match against QPR, who have been in impressive form with seven wins in their last eight home fixtures.
Score prediction: QPR 2-0 Sheffield United
Stoke vs Watford (Saturday, 3pm)
The race for the Championship play-off spots remains intense, with Watford pushing for a place after consecutive victories over Middlesbrough and local rivals Luton. They will be confident heading into the match against Stoke, who are sliding towards the relegation battle with three defeats in their last four matches.
Score prediction: Stoke 0-1 Watford.