Championship Preview: Forecasting all 12 matches scheduled for Friday

- Leeds are leading the standings on goal difference compared to Burnley
- Sheffield United in third place are five points behind the top two
- The gap between Oxford in 17th place and bottom club Plymouth is just eight points

With only four rounds of fixtures remaining in the Championship season, Friday's games could prove crucial in the race for automatic promotion, the battle for the play-offs, and the fight to avoid relegation, as all 24 teams are in action.

We have score predictions for all 12 matches, starting with a crucial relegation encounter between Derby and Luton in the early kick-off and ending with league leaders Leeds' visit to Oxford.

Derby vs Luton (Friday, 12.30pm)

Derby, one point above the relegation zone, will face Luton, who are just three points away from safety. Both teams are in good form, but with Derby earning 10 points from their last four home games, they are expected to come out on top in this vital clash.

Score prediction: Derby 2-1 Luton

Blackburn vs Millwall (Friday, 3pm)

Blackburn halted an eight-game winless streak with a victory at Luton in their last match, but they have not won at home in over two months. They could struggle against a Millwall side pushing for a play-off spot after three consecutive wins.

Score prediction: Blackburn 0-1 Millwall

Bristol City vs Sunderland (Friday, 3pm)

Bristol City, with 16 points from their last six home games, are likely to overcome Sunderland, who have been inconsistent on the road.

Score prediction: Bristol City 2-1 Sunderland

Coventry vs West Brom (Friday, 3pm)

Coventry, in sixth place, have won five of their last six home matches and are expected to beat seventh-placed West Brom, who have not won any of their last 14 away games.

Score prediction: Coventry 2-0 West Brom

Frank Lampard's team, Coventry, is set to compete against West Brom, their rivals in the play-offs.

Middlesbrough vs Plymouth (Friday, 3pm)

Middlesbrough will look to bounce back from consecutive defeats against bottom side Plymouth, who have struggled on the road, winning just one of their last 21 away matches.

Score prediction: Middlesbrough 3-0 Plymouth

Norwich vs Portsmouth (Friday, 3pm)

Norwich, out of play-off contention, are strong at home and could defeat Portsmouth, who are in relegation danger due to their poor away form.

Score prediction: Norwich 3-1 Portsmouth

Preston vs QPR (Friday, 3pm)

Preston and QPR are unlikely to be dragged into a relegation battle and a draw could be on the cards in this match.

Score prediction: Preston 0-0 QPR

Stoke vs Sheffield Wednesday (Friday, 3pm)

Stoke will aim to continue their unbeaten run against Sheffield Wednesday, who are on a winless streak.

Score prediction: Stoke 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Swansea vs Hull (Friday, 3pm)

Swansea have been in good form but might find it tough against Hull, who have a better away record.

Score prediction: Swansea 1-1 Hull

Burnley coached by Scott Parker seem to be getting closer to securing automatic promotion.

Watford vs Burnley (Friday, 3pm)

Watford could see their slim play-off hopes fade away against second-placed Burnley, who are unbeaten in 29 league games and have a strong defensive record.

Score prediction: Watford 0-1 Burnley

Sheffield United vs Cardiff (Friday, 5.30pm)

Sheffield United, on a losing streak, will face Cardiff, who are struggling near the bottom of the table.

Score prediction: Sheffield United 3-0 Cardiff

Oxford vs Leeds (Friday, 8pm)

Oxford's home form has been key for them, but they might struggle against league leaders Leeds, who are aiming for promotion.

Score prediction: Oxford 1-4 Leeds