Preston - Coventry

Preston demolished Scunthorpe in the previous round (0-3 away), they’re still far from relegation line (10 points), but they’ll probably give a good try. That win stands alone, but lately North End played against the team from the top. Against Leeds and Burnley lost, but took a draw vs. Norwich, Nott Forest, QPR and Watford. Preston have never lost at Deepdale against City (6 wins of last 7) and have just one defeat in last 13 both at home and away. No injury worries for Phil Brown.

Coventry are in a better position (8 points above the line), but actually facing a free fall since they have just one win out of last 17 games (winless in last six). Manager Boothroyd paid the price for poor results, they have a caretaker Andy Thorn, played a draw at Burnley (2-2) in the midweek, but actually Coventry are the best chance that Preston have to keep their hopes alive. Some important players are sidelined, or in doubt. Striker King is suspended, defender Cranie injured, while another striker Platt and skipper Carsley will have a late fitness test.

This is the first “make or break” game for Preston, they boosted the confidence with impressive display at Scunthorpe and Coventry surely aren’t unbeatable. I expect a tough match, but believe in Phil Brown’s capabilities and predict a home win. 2-1 correct score.

Bet: Preston -0.25
Odd: 2.07 Canbet
Stake: 7/10
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Preston North End - Middlesbrough

After a run of three games without a win and especially after London humiliation against Queens Park (0-4), Preston put a decent display on the road and beat Sheff.Wed. (2-1). John Parkin scored a winner for a desperately needed win and staying in the top six. They have almost the same team from the previous season (finished sixth), all lines in the squad are well balanced, harmed dignity has been recovered and in my opinion they’ll be (along with Cardiff) the most serious threat to ex-Premiership crew (Newcastle, WBA and Middlesbrough). Only missing is departure on loan of excellent Sean St Ledger to ‘Boro (won’t play against own club) because the financial reasons. Good news came from medical service as Lilywhites have been boosted by the news that skipper Callum Davidson (defense) should make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury. Also, absence of the key midfielder Paul Parry seems finished as he was an unused substitute at Sheffield and he should play. No new injury or suspension worries for boss Alan Irvine and best eleven should appear.

Middlesbrough started the season in Championship with clear intention for returning in the Premier League. And all started well as club was placed at the top of the table. Then crisis at Riverside and three consecutive home defeats without a single goal scored (WBA 0-5, Leicester City 0-1 and Watford 0-1). 'Boro bounced back at mid-week against Derby County as midfielder Adam Johnson scored twice for a 2-0 win. Then public was hit by the news that Gareth Southgate has been sacked. Well, it’s not about his capability to lead one team on 'Boro’s level, I first claimed he should chose more appropriate profession. The problem is the moment that seems wrong. Team finally won at home, players were pointing the team spirit, fans promising full support and I expect at least missing of positive reaction at Deepdale. Future boss (will be appointed in coming days), Gordon Strachan, will watch the game, but I doubt he’ll see too many good things. Team that will be led by coach Colin Cooper will miss mentioned defender Sean St Ledger, another centre back Seb Hines is a doubt, while skipper defender Emanuel Pogatetz could return after his knee injury. 

This will be the clash of two serious contenders for Premiership. Usually I would ignore any tought about betting on such game, but moment when it happens gives an advantage to the lads from Deepdale. And defense line without St Ledger (and maybe Pogatetz) will have a lots of problems to stop outstanding John Parkin. Home win (Pinnacle 2.70) should be considered as a gamble, while my advise is dnb (1.90 also Pinnacle). 

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Sheffield United - Preston North End

Semi-final, play-off, re-match. First game ended 1-1 and that result set the home side as a favorite for the final. As it was expected, we watched a tough game at Deepdale. Blades put very solid performance, started with attacking attitude with a clear intention to finish the job in the first game. Jamie Ward missed a big opportunity to took his team in a lead and punishment came in 20th minute after a tragic mistake by defence line. Blades consolidated after that and in the rest of the game were the better side. Midfielder Brian Howard scored at the start of the second half and just thankfully to not-serious reactions of Craig Beattie (twice), result stayed the same. Tonight full Bramall Lane will support the lads who are in clear advantage. I think that Blades deserved a direct promotion, they're the most quality team in play-off, mentally very strong and they are the main candidate to reach Premier. But, to make a situation not so perfect, there are some injury problems for Kevin Blackwell. John-Joe O'Toole is injured, while Darius Henderson, Jamie Ward and David Cotterill are under the serious doubt.

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Lillywhites made their run into play-off zone with four wins from last four league games. In the first game, excellent left-back Sean St.Ledger scored for a lead, team played with 100 percent of potential, making even some opportunities for double it. But, it has to be said, it wouldn't be fully deserved. Their performance is not consistent, play in warm-cold shape. They lost at home, for example, against Blackpool 0-1, but in the next home game humiliated Cardiff 6-0! Their progression would be a first class surprise, but if the host underestimate them everything is possible. That's the beauty of play-offs, however. Lee Williamson is missing as he completes a three-game ban, while Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart remain on the injured list.

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This is a play-off, I don't believe in underestimating, though won't be an easy game surely. I expect a cautious game in the first half (and will place a gamble ht/ft, X-1), but don't doubt we'll watch the Blades at Wembley (and in Premier, next season). Bwin offers 1.90. Home win.

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Crystal Palace 0-0 Sheff Utd

Sheffield United had to settle for a place in the Championship play-offs following a draw at Crystal Palace. 
Birmingham clinched automatic promotion with a 2-1 victory at Reading, which meant that even a win for the Blades would not have been enough. 
Palace keeper Julian Speroni was in great form, saving from Jamie Ward on three occasions and tipping over a header from Greg Halford. 
Blades captain Chris Morgan's header bounced off the post late in the game.
But for all of the possession and chances they created the Blades could not find a past Palace's last line of defence - something they would have rued had the game between Reading and Birmingham finished in a draw. 
United will now play Preston in their Championship semi-final playoff tie, with the first leg at Deepdale. 

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock: 
"While I'm tinged with being a Blade it was solely a manager's job I had to do, but it wasn't easy for me. 
"I shook Kevin Blackwell's hand before the game and told him I wanted to win. We couldn't do that, but we competed really well and had some good chances. 
"I couldn't have asked for anything more from my players. I can go back to being a Blade now and support them in the play-offs. 
"I think once they get over the results this weekend, they will be the favourites to go up." 

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell: 
"It was a massive pressure game and they didn't buckle, they just kept going. 
"I can't complain about the display at all and now we just need to reproduce that in the play-offs. 
"You need breaks in these games and we just didn't get them - Speroni made save after save. 
"We needed something to go our way and it just didn't happen for us. If I could take anything away from Crystal Palace it would be Lady Luck. I'd put her in the boot of the car and hope that she can rear her head in the play-offs when you need it." 


Crystal Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, McCarthy, Jose Fonte, Hill, Ertl, Danns (Scowcroft 90), Carle, Moses (Rui Fonte 55), Kuqi, Stokes (Hills 72).
Subs Not Used: Clyne, Cadogan. 
Booked: Lawrence, Ertl. 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Kilgallon, Morgan, Naughton, Halford, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn (Webber 89), Cotterill, Henderson (Beattie 74), Ward (Lupoli 74). 
Subs Not Used: Hendrie, O'Toole. 

Att: 22,824 
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

www.bbc.co.uk

Charlton Athletic - Cardiff City

After a 2-2 home draw against Blackpool, Charlton theoretically secured relegation. They had a 2-0 lead, but first Campbell scored for 2-1, then Hughes in last minute took care for a draw on Valley. It's very interesting, Addicks play better after they lost any chance to stay in Championship. Five games without a defeat, with great performance against the strongest league teams (0-0 against Preston and Birmingham at home, 2-2 vs Reading and minimal defeat against Wolves on the road). Some youngsters got an opportunity to play and they use it very well. Striker Tresor Kandol and midfielder Darren Ambrose are in doubt, while centre-half Jonathan Fortune (Achilles), midfielder Jose Semedo (ankle) and striker Andy Gray (pelvis) are still on the sidelines.

Blue birds lost any chance for direct promotion, but first objective is to forget nightmare from Deepdale Stadium. They expected a tough game against Preston, but 0-6 is a total catastrophe. All good results in this season are placed in the shadow of one game. Before Preston, Cardiff was in more than decent shape, with three consecutive wins (Derby, C.Palace and Burnley). With three rounds left, they're very close to play-off. It is not secured, but they can play with much less pressure. Today have a chance to finish the job, will be motivated and will go in attack from the first whistle. The only injured player is key right back Kevin McNaughton, but boss Dave Jones is expected to make changes in starting eleven.

Charlton's teenagers got their five minutes on the big scene, will try to surprise again, but it has to be said, quality is only on one side. Welsh lads will do everything to wash the Preston shame. I expect them in 4-3-3 formation. There will be a space for counter-attacks, but I don't think Charlton can score. So, away win instead over. Expekt offers 1.95, Bwin 1.90, I think it worths. Dare to predict, 0-2 correct score. Away win.