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Match Previews

Preview: Sky Bet EFL midweek fixtures

31 October 2017

The Sky Bet Championship returns for a full programme of action this week, while there’s also some League One business to be taken care of too. Here’s the preview…

In-form Rams head to Elland Road

With a victory at Norwich City on Saturday, Derby County extended their winning streak to three games.

Next up for Gary Rowett’s team is a trip to Leeds United, who will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 home loss at the hands of Sheffield United last time out.

Another victory for Derby would see them move into the play-off places and leapfrog their hosts for the evening, although they haven't won at Elland Road since 2013.

A turning point?

Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers meet at the Stadium of Light, with both clubs looking for only their second respective win of the campaign.

The Trotters were close to securing that second triumph at Fulham on Matchday 14, but a late Tom Cairney equaliser denied Phil Parkinson’s side, who did manage to further their unbeaten run to three games, however.

Sunderland, on the other hand, haven’t picked up maximum points since the second weekend of the season. Three points for the Black Cats would see them climb out of the bottom three, though.

Around the grounds

New league leaders Sheffield United are on the road once more, as they head south for an encounter against Queens Park Rangers, who’ll be on a high after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nuno’s players have a chance to respond quickly, when they face Norwich City at Carrow Road, while third-placed Cardiff City host Ipswich Town.

Wednesday sees two match-ups, with Birmingham City hosting a Brentford side who haven’t tasted a league defeat since 12th September.

There’s live action on Wednesday too, as Preston North End welcome Aston Villa to Deepdale, in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Sky Bet Championship: Matchday 15 fixtures

Tuesday 31st October

Burton Albion v Barnsley    
Cardiff City v Ipswich Town    
Fulham v Bristol City    
Hull City v Middlesbrough    
Leeds United v Derby County    
Norwich City v Wolverhampton Wanderers    
Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United    
Sheffield Wednesday v Millwall    
Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers    
Reading v Nottingham Forest (8pm)

Wednesday 1st November

Birmingham City v Brentford
Preston North End v Aston Villa (7:45pm - live on Sky Sports)

Appointments: Click here to see the match officials on midweek duty

A first league meeting…

After facing off in the Checkatrade last season, Blackburn Rovers and Fleetwood Town's maiden league clash takes place at Ewood Park on Tuesday night.

Rovers prevented Wigan Athletic from finding a route past them at the weekend in a goalless draw, while the Cod Army saw off Oxford United 2-0 at Highbury.

Both are level on 24 points in the standings at present, and a win for either would lift them into fifth spot.

Tuesday 31st October

Blackburn Rovers v Fleetwood Town

Appointments: Click here to see the match officials on midweek duty


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