Birmingham vs. Middlesbrough (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Middlesbrough make the trip to St Andrew's to face Birmingham City on Monday with the opportunity to strengthen their spot in the Championship playoff places.
At a time when Boro are sixth in the standings ahead of the weekend's fixtures, Birmingham have recently dropped to 16th position courtesy of two successive defeats.
We say: Birmingham City 0-2 Middlesbrough
While it has been proven time and time again that anything can happen in the Championship, Boro have been relentless under Carrick. Despite their recent defeat at Burnley, we expect the visitors to have few issues in registering a win and clean sheet at St Andrew's.
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Norwich vs. Watford (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Norwich City play host to Watford on Monday knowing that victory will see them return to the Championship playoff places.
Although Watford remain in the top six in the standings ahead of the weekend's fixtures, the Hornets have suffered back-to-back defeats.
We say: Norwich City 1-1 Watford
Such has been each club's recent form that no-one would be surprised to see another defeat for either team. However, we feel that they may err on the side of caution, resulting in a low-scoring draw.
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Stoke vs. Preston (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Stoke City and Preston North End meet at the bet365 Stadium on Monday looking for the victory which will catapult either side away from the Championship relegation zone.
However, although the two teams sit in 17th and 15th position in the standings, they sit as close to the playoffs as they do to the bottom three.
We say: Stoke City 2-1 Preston North End
On the back of three defeats, Lowe will recognise the importance of his Preston side getting back on track. However, despite their setback versus the leaders, we expect Stoke to shake off that disappointment and come through a close match with three points.
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Swansea vs. Burnley (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Championship leaders Burnley will endeavour to begin 2023 on a positive note when they travel to South Wales to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Monday.
The Swans, meanwhile, will look to follow up their comfortable victory over Watford last time out with another three points as they bid to move into the playoffs.
We say: Swansea City 1-3 Burnley
Both sides head into Monday's contest in hight spirits, but league leaders Burnley will be regarded as strong favourites to kickstart 2023 with another victory.
Indeed, the Clarets have looked unstoppable in recent weeks and although Swansea boast a good record on home soil, we believe Kompany and co will get the job done at the Liberty Stadium and maintain their position at the Championship summit.
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West Brom vs. Reading (Monday, 3.00pm)
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West Bromwich Albion and Reading square off in the Championship on Monday with just one point separating the two clubs in the Championship standings.
Despite the sides being two of the form sides in the division, the clubs occupy 11th and 10th position ahead of Saturday's fixtures, albeit within touching distance of the playoffs.
We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Reading
While Reading will be more than satisfied with their Christmas period, their best form all season has come in home fixtures. With that in mind, expect West Brom to continue along their way under Corberan, potentially netting during the latter stages to earn a narrow win.
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Wigan vs. Hull City (Monday, 3.00pm)
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Basement club Wigan Athletic kickstart 2023 with a Championship encounter against Hull City at the DW Stadium on Monday night.
The two teams enter this fixture off the back of contrasting results in midweek, with the Latics losing at home to Sunderland and the Tigers securing all three points away at Birmingham City.
We say: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Hull City
Considering the form of both teams, Hull will fancy their chances of success on Monday and will be regarded as slight favourites to claim maximum points.
Wigan will be desperate to turn their fortunes around but we can see the Tigers roaring to victory and moving further clear of the drop zone.
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QPR vs. Sheff Utd (Monday, 8.00pm)
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Seeking to build on their impressive run of form, Championship title contenders Sheffield United kickstart 2023 with an away trip to Loftus Road to face Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.
While the R's lost to Luton Town on home soil last time out, the Blades claimed maximum points against Blackpool on the road.
We say: Queens Park Rangers 0-2 Sheffield United
QPR have failed to score in their last two home matches and they may struggle to breach a resilient Sheffield United backline, who have conceded fewer goals (22) than any other side in the Championship so far this season.
The Blades are in high spirits at present and they should have enough quality in their side to secure a routine win to kickstart 2023 in positive fashion.
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Matt Law
