- Hull have lost their last five to drop into relegation zone
- Sunderland and Burnley are still unbeaten at home
- Preston and Oxford could claim their first away wins this weekend

Burnley and Middlesbrough get the weekend’s Championship action under way on Friday night and there are a number of intriguing clashes at both ends of the table, with a prediction for each game below.

Burnley vs Middlesbrough (Friday, 8pm)

With four consecutive wins under their belt, Burnley should be able to take all three points in Friday’s fixture. However, Boro are the league’s top scorers away from home so expect the visitors to trouble the hosts.

Score Prediction: 2-1

Leeds vs Derby (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Leeds' home form has been outstanding at fortress Elland Road this season, where they have won seven of their nine games in the league.

Six of these victories were achieved without them conceding and Derby could be the latest club to leave with nothing, while also failing to get on the scoresheet.

Score Prediction: 2-0

Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Wednesday win more points on the road than they do at Hillsborough and the Lilywhites' capacity to nullify opponents — only five teams, all in the top 10, concede fewer shots than Preston — suggests this showdown will be a tight one.

Score Prediction: 0-0

Sunderland vs Stoke (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Sunderland’s 10-game unbeaten run was ended by Sheffield United last time out but they should be able to edge out a Stoke side that has failed to win any of their last four games and have not scored in their last two.

Score Prediction: 1-0

Cardiff vs Watford (Saturday, 3pm)

Watford are unbeaten in four matches, keeping clean sheets in three, and could be too strong for a Cardiff side that has lost their last two at home.

Score Prediction: 2-0

Hull vs Blackburn (Saturday, 3pm)

The Tigers have recently parted ways with Tim Walter and interim boss Andy Dawson may struggle to get the best out of his side against a Blackburn outfit on a run of three consecutive wins.

Score Prediction: 1-0

Luton vs Swansea (Saturday, 3pm)

While neither side is in the greatest spell of form, two of Luton’s and each of Swansea’s last three have produced a minimum of three goals and so an entertaining encounter could be on the cards.

Score Prediction: 2-2

Millwall vs Coventry (Saturday, 3pm)

Millwall have turned The Den into a fortress over recent weeks, winning three of their last four at home 1-0, and they could grind out another result against Frank Lampard’s Coventry.

Score Prediction: 1-0

Plymouth v Oxford (Saturday, 3pm)

Plymouth have conceded 10 goals across their last two games but they face an Oxford side without an away win this season.

The poor form of both sides points to a low-scoring affair.

Score Prediction: 1-0

Portsmouth vs Bristol City (Saturday, 3pm)

Pompey have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and the league’s bottom side could claim a valuable point against a Robins side that have lost two of their last three.

Score Prediction: 1-1

QPR vs Norwich (Saturday, 3pm)

The Canaries have scored 10 goals across their last two Championship matches and they may run away with things against QPR, who are yet to win at home this season.

Score Prediction: 1-4

West Brom vs Sheffield United (Sunday, 3pm)

Only seven goals have been scored at the Hawthorns all season and it could be another low-scoring affair on Sunday, with the two promotion hopefuls likely settling for a point.

Score Prediction: 0-0