• Sheffield United have lost their last eight matches

• Coventry are unbeaten in seven Championship games

• Swansea are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches

The Championship season continues with leaders Middlesbrough aiming to build on their superb start to the season when they take on stuttering Southampton in a Saturday afternoon contest.

Basement boys Sheffield United will be desperate to stop the rot with a positive result against Oxford at the Kassam Stadium.

West Brom vs Leicester (Friday, 8pm)

Leicester have been showing encouraging signs and can extend their unbeaten sequence to five by sharing the points against a West Brom side eager to bounce back after successive defeats.

Score prediction: West Brom 1-1 Leicester

Coventry vs Birmingham (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Three successive draws have been a source of frustration for Coventry, but Frank Lampard’s side remain unbeaten and should have a bit too much quality for Birmingham, who have lost their last two away fixtures.

Score prediction: Coventry 2-0 Birmingham

Swansea vs Millwall (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Swansea have not lost a home fixture since March but they might have to accept a share of the spoils against Millwall, who have banked seven points from a possible nine on their travels.

Score prediction: Swansea 1-1 Millwall

Wrexham vs Derby (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Wrexham have been doing their best work outside of north Wales and their wait for a home win could be extended by Derby, who can give as good as they get in a high-scoring game.

Score prediction: Wrexham 2-2 Derby

Charlton vs Blackburn (Saturday, 3pm)

Blackburn were denied by a downpour against Ipswich but they have impressed since the international break and can take a point against Charlton, who are a tough proposition at the Valley.

Score prediction: Charlton 1-1 Blackburn

Ipswich vs Portsmouth (Saturday, 3pm)

Ipswich started the season slowly but they won 5-0 against Sheffield United in their last home game and should be far too strong for Portsmouth, who have failed to score in successive fixtures.

Score prediction: Ipswich 3-0 Portsmouth

Oxford vs Sheffield United (Saturday, 3pm)

Improving Oxford are on a three-game unbeaten run and can make home advantage count against Sheffield United, who are continuing to struggle despite Chris Wilder returning for a third spell in the dugout.

Score prediction: Oxford 2-1 Sheffield United

Preston vs Bristol City (Saturday, 3pm)

Preston are flying high despite a tough early-season schedule and can edge past Bristol City, who were poor in last Sunday’s 3-1 loss at home to Oxford.

Score prediction: Preston 2-1 Bristol City

Sheffield Wednesday vs QPR (Saturday, 3pm)

QPR have won three on the bounce and their resurgence can continue against Sheffield Wednesday, who have lost three home league games without scoring.

Score prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 QPR

Southampton vs Middlesbrough (Saturday, 3pm)

Middlesbrough have been the Championship’s most consistent team so far but they may be content to share the points with Southampton, who need a reaction after last Saturday’s dismal 3-1 loss at Hull.

Score prediction: Southampton 1-1 Middlesbrough

Stoke vs Norwich (Saturday, 3pm)

Stoke seem to have improved since last season and should fancy their chances against Norwich, who were booed off after their 3-2 loss at home to Wrexham.

Score prediction: Stoke 2-1 Norwich

Watford vs Hull (Saturday, 3pm)

Watford have gone four games without winning but they showed positive signs in the second half of Monday’s 1-0 loss at Millwall and can grind out a victory over Hull, who are winless in seven on their travels.

Score prediction: Watford 2-1 Hull