Norwich vs. Reading (Friday, 7.45pm)
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Norwich City play their first game since the sacking of Dean Smith by playing host to Reading on Friday evening.
Despite the clubs sitting in fifth and eighth place respectively, they are locked on the same points in the Championship standings.
We say: Norwich City 1-1 Reading
Given the recent developments at Carrow Road, this is a difficult match to predict. With Reading able to overtake their hosts with victory in East Anglia, Norwich may be more than satisfied with earning a share of the spoils should the game be competitive.
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Swansea vs. Watford (Friday, 7.45pm)
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Both looking to bounce back from Championship defeats last time out, Swansea City and Watford will do battle in South Wales on Friday.
A loss to Millwall on Boxing Day saw the visitors fall 10 points behind the top two in the Championship table, while their hosts find themselves 16th and in the midst of an eight-game winless run in England's second tier.
We say: Swansea City 1-2 Watford
Swansea are severely lacking confidence given their recent form, and even away from home, the Hornets should have enough quality to condemn their hosts to another defeat and take all three points.
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Birmingham vs. Hull City (Friday, 7.45pm)
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Birmingham City play host to Hull City on Friday evening looking for the win which would keep the club in close proximity to the Championship playoff spots.
However, defeat would leave Blues just two points ahead of Hull, despite the Tigers occupying 21st place in the standings.
We say: Birmingham City 1-1 Hull City
For different reasons, both sides will not want to end the year with a defeat, particularly Hull who are closer to the bottom three. Taking everything into consideration, we expect a hard-fought competitive draw, one which is unlikely to feature many goals.
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Stoke vs. Burnley (Friday, 7.45pm)
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Burnley will attempt to strengthen their already-strong promotion bid when they face Stoke City in the Championship on Friday evening.
At a time when the Clarets sit top and 11 points clear of third place, Stoke remain down in 17th position in the standings despite a three-game unbeaten spell.
We say: Stoke City 0-2 Burnley
Having had a day longer of preparation than the leaders, Stoke will fancy their chances of pulling off the upset. However, it is impossible to back against the Clarets right now, leaving us to predict another win and clean sheet for Kompany's side.
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Barney Corkhill
