Judgement day

Last updated: 2nd May 2008

Jonathan Greening West Brom Championship

West Brom: title chasers

It's one of those days where players will be both mentally and physically taxed throughout the afternoon.

Chris Kamara
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We've never seen a day like this in the history of the Football League.

There are 12 Championship games taking place simultaneously on Sunday and 10 of them mean something; never has there been one division where so much has been at stake on the final day.

There's going to be a lot of tension in stadiums up and down the country. Everybody will have their radios and mobile phones on and I'm sure there will be people sat at home watching Sky Sports News and passing information on to people in the grounds.

There's no way that players will be able to avoid the scores from other grounds. Fans will start singing if rival teams go behind and it won't be hard for the players to work out what's going on.

They all know they've got to go out and do their bit, but I'm sure they'll be aware of what's happening elsewhere. It's one of those days where players will be both mentally and physically taxed throughout the afternoon.

I've gone through all 12 fixtures and I'm struggling to predict the results of most of them. I think Crystal Palace, Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday will all win because they are at home to teams with little to play for, but I just don't know about the rest.

Cardiff v Barnsley and Scunthorpe v Colchester are the only games that have no bearing, while Bristol City's home game with Preston will simply decide which play-off position the Robins end up in.

Here is my take on what we can expect from the other nine fixtures...

QPR v West Brom

West Brom will want to beat QPR and win the title so that they've got some medals to show for their season. Having got to the semi-final of the FA Cup, that would be the icing on the cake for Tony Mowbray and his boys.

It's hard to say whether they'll do that or not, though it would put my mind a little more at ease if Stoke beat them to top spot.

When I put my bets on at the start of the season, I decided it was a straight choice between West Brom and Watford to win the Championship and I went for the Hornets, which was clearly the wrong way to go and has cost me a big win.

I've got nothing against West Brom, but strictly from a betting point of view I'd prefer to see Stoke win it because at least I would know I wouldn't have won either way!

I don't think a West Brom win is a foregone conclusion because QPR are playing for their futures. They know money will be spent next year and big things could happen at Loftus Road, so they'll want to be part of it.

Stoke v Leicester

I think Stoke will get a draw with Leicester and that would be good enough to secure automatic promotion. It might even be good enough for Tony Pulis' men to win the title if West Brom lose.

Leicester need to match Southampton's result to survive and I'm sure if you offered Ian Holloway a draw before kick-off he'd take it. He'll be hoping that Sheffield United can do him a favour by beating the Saints.

Holloway won't be expecting Norwich to go to Sheffield Wednesday and win because they've got nothing to play for, so it is likely to end up being between Leicester and Southampton for the drop.

As for Stoke, I think they'll be joining West Brom in the Premier League next season.

Southampton v Sheff Utd

Southampton need to better Leicester's result to stay up, but Sheffield United can still get into the play-offs if other results go their way.

I think that if Southampton could get to half-time at 1-0 up then they'll have a very good chance of survival.

If Sheffield United go in behind at half time and see their rivals are winning then it could kill them off. If the likes of Ipswich and Wolves win their games, then United know they cannot get into the play-offs.

An early Southampton goal would send a positive vibe around St Mary's and the electric atmosphere might carry the Saints players through.

They are desperate to win the game, but Sheffield United will not lie down and the first goal will be crucial.

Ipswich v Hull

I fancy a draw in this game because Ipswich don't lose too many at home and Hull are a good side.

However, a point would satisfy neither team. Hull need three points to give themselves a chance of automatic promotion and Ipswich need to win to have a chance of the play-offs, so both sides will go for it.

Hull have had only one performance that has let them down in the last three months and that was the defeat to Sheffield United.

That one blip is the reason why I don't fancy them to beat Stoke to the automatic promotion spot. The loss of Dean Windass to 22 stitches last week will also be a blow to their hopes.

Wolverhampton v Plymouth

Wolves must win and hope that Palace or Watford slip up if they are to make the play-offs.

I think Mick McCarthy's position will be looked at if they don't make it and I'm sure Mick realises that. In my view they should be patient, but Mick knows you have a shelf-life as a manager and he could be out of a job after two years in charge.

I think they'll have a chance because I can see Wolves winning on Sunday. Plymouth have nothing to play for and I would expect a home victory.

Then it's in the lap of the Gods to see if they make it into the top six.

Sheffield Wednesday v Norwich

Sheffield Wednesday know a win will see them safe and as long as they match the result of either Leicester or Southampton they will still be playing Championship football next season.

This is definitely a winnable game for Brian Laws' side because Norwich are safe. They've been magnificent under Glenn Roeder, but their players will be wanting the season to end.

I expect Wednesday to get the win they need.

Crystal Palace v Burnley

Palace are sat in the final play-off spot and they know that a win would guarantee them a top-six finish - and I think they will get the win against a Burnley side with nothing to play for.

When I was manager of Bradford in the Championship, we played Bruce Rioch's QPR on the last day to stay up.

They had nothing to play for and their players looked determined before kick-off, but we scored after 20 minutes and after that the game was finished.

Those first 20 minutes were very tense, but our nerves settled once we'd got the first goal. I wouldn't say the QPR players weren't interested, but they were only there to make up the numbers and I can see it being the same with a team like Burnley.

It looks fairly good for Palace.

Blackpool v Watford

Watford know that a point should be good enough for them to reach the play-offs. If Aidy Boothroyd's men get a draw then Wolves would need to win by three clear goals to overtake them.

All the teams below Watford will be hoping they slip up. You wouldn't bank on Watofrd winning because one win in 13 is relegation form, not promotion form - although they tend to play better away from home.

Blackpool still aren't mathematically safe from relegation, but I'd be surprised if the four teams below them managed to overtake them on the final day. I think Leicester will draw, so Blackpool will be safe - but they'll be looking for the point they need to make sure.

Charlton v Coventry

Coventry are still not certain of survival, but a lot would need to go against them if they are to go down.

I can't see Leicester getting all three points at Stoke so I don't think they will be able to catch Coventry.

But Charlton will be keen to get a result for Alan Pardew's sake. They have not performed as well as expected and in many ways this game is as important to them as it is to Coventry.

Comments

James Tucker (Bristol City fan) says...

Hi Chris, Gary Johnson is god. He has done wonders for Bristol City FC. Also Steve Landsdown has been amazing. Bristol City and Hull City have been the overachivers this season. It will be a City v Hull final city to win 2-1. Trundle getting the winner to shut everyone up regarding the 1 million price tag. But whatever happens BRISTOL CITY FC Have done all the fans proud this year. Come on Boys lets have Premiership Football at ASHTON GATE next year.

Posted 00:54 6th May 2008

Chris P (Leicester City fan) says...

Its a shame we have gone down but sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward. I dont think the answer is to get rid of ian Holloway he should be given the summer to have a clear out and bring some fresh faces in and get us back into the championship on the first go. There is also rumours about Milan Mandaric selling the club and i think he owes it to the fans to stay here and keep his promise about getting us to the premiership and not walking away when we need him the most

Posted 11:29 5th May 2008

Nick Burnett (Southampton fan) says...

WELL DONE SAINTS!! Thank heavens this season's over. Cant take anything away from the manager & players. The blame for Saints relegation battle lies entirely with the unrest in the boardroom. Let this be a lesson to you. SORT YOURSELVES OUT, & GET A GRIP. Dont put us through this again.

Posted 01:39 5th May 2008

Fraser Mee (Ipswich Town fan) says...

Well all is done and dusted. Good luck to the Baggies and the Potters in the Premiership. As for the the teams in the play-offs, it all starts again. As for us we yet again proved how formidable we are at home 52 pts from 69. And only 14 goals concedered. But away from home? Second worst record, only 17 pts. Even the 3 relegated teams picked up more points than us! Just shows how much of a medioca team we are. In a way pleased that we didn't make the play offs, because a season is about how you perform over 46 games, not just your 23 home ones. We just didn't turn up and play with any desire or conviction. At the end of the day we got what we deserved ..... another season in the Championship.

Posted 19:38 4th May 2008

Glenn Manning (Ipswich Town fan) says...

So many fans got it wrong today. Congratulations to Watford for holding on with 10 men, and equalising 2 mins after being so. Well played Ipswich, You did what was necessary, and lady luck did not shine on us this season. Leicester City in Division One (Unthinkable). What a revival for Southampton. There is always next year Town fans.......

Posted 16:17 4th May 2008

John Haines (West Bromwich Albion fan) says...

Congratulations to West Brom' for their promotion - I hope they ice the cake today by winning the championship at QPR. The only downside of their promotion is not being able to play Wolves in Black Country derbys next season unless, of course, a cup draw brings the old rivals together.

Posted 14:26 4th May 2008

Andy Tipple (Ipswich Town fan) says...

I think Town can edge past Hull at home, the team is pretty much back at full power. Are home form shows that the top teams have to work extremely hard to get anything at Portman Road. The problem is the other teams with play-off hopes are mostly playing mid table teams so Town will need a bit of luck to push past Palace or Watford. Come on Town!!!

Posted 13:50 4th May 2008

Phil R says...

I'd like to reiterate Chris R's point being a Burnley Fan. Nothing would give me, and 1000's of other Burnley fans greater satisifaction than to see Mr Warnock dumb struck by a 94th minute winner for Burnley condeming Palace (or any other team that Mr Warnock Manages for that matter) to another season in the Championship. Come on you Clarets! Blake goal to decide it in the 94th Minute!

Posted 13:42 4th May 2008

Lee (Port Vale fan) says...

hope stoke go up ,as a vale fan would be nice to see them do a derby, cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 13:35 4th May 2008

Steve Moros (Hull City fan) says...

Re. David, Barnsley, why do the other teams deserve to go up more than Hull City? I think we deserve it more than most, relegation favourites at the beggining of the season and we end up finishing at least third, not very ill-deserved when you think about it David, unless i can smell sour grapes because such an undeserving team knocked three past home and away?

Posted 13:21 4th May 2008

Chris P (Leicester City fan) says...

As a Leicester fan i think we will go and beat Stoke today. West Brom proved it on Monday night when they needed the win and they bottled it when the pressure was on. I hope we stay up as we will have lots of local derbys with Forest coming up and Derby coming down and Coventry looking like they are staying in this league

Posted 11:09 4th May 2008

Tom O'connell (West Bromwich Albion fan) says...

Kammy, yet again you look at things negative in West Brom's favour! Maybe if you look at how we are playing you will see the side that should be champions, although to be fgair if we lose the title to any one it it is fittin it should be Stoke! They to are a godd side and play their own way! Goodluck to both teams today, Stoke and West Brom will do us proud in the Prem BoInG BoInG

Posted 10:55 4th May 2008

Benjamin Lipman (Coventry City fan) says...

Have to say Its one of the most crazy seasons ever some one might go down on 54 points?? and Automatic gets you 78 points?? and the possble 68 points for the play offs 14 points from religation to play offs thats only 4 wins 2 draws?? how crazy is that Personally id rather be in Coventrys position than Leicesters and Southampton. will see whats happened come 4 this afternoon.

Posted 10:46 4th May 2008

Richard Langran (Leicester City fan) says...

Having beem to most home games at Leicester this season,its not been to watch at all, however the Barnsley and West Brom matches were excellent and proves they can do it and perform, I believe they will stay up for next season and will do the business today, we had 32 000 a sellout at the last home game of the season, So come on Leicester have the belief and give the large City fan base what they deserve which is 3 points at Stoke today !!!

Posted 09:33 4th May 2008

Adam Hall (Crystal Palace fan) says...

Chris, I hope that your prediciton is correct! In true Palace fashion there have been more ups and downs this season than a rollercoaster. One question I often ask myself is would we have run away with the league this season had we had Warnock from the start? The fact we were looking like relegation fodder to potential playoff finalists is incredible! I am so proud of he boys....almost there!

Posted 08:48 4th May 2008

Chris R (Burnley fan) says...

I'm not so sure about your prediction on Burnley's attitude about facing Crystal Palace. We all know Neil Warnock isn't the most popular manager about, even less so in East Lancashire. Burnley with nothing to play for? If we managed to stop Warnock achieving a play-off place, I think a lot of the fans would celebrate like we've secured it ourselves.

Posted 08:28 4th May 2008

Michael Morris (Sheffield Wednesday fan) says...

Brain laws has had quite a rough season considering we only lost 1 of our last 11 games last year and nearly got the play off spot. the loss of chris brunt as well was clearly a major part of our form this season, just look at his form for west brom this season. i think we will get the result on sunday against norwich. i think wednesday is to of a big club to go down. COME ON YOUR MIGHTY OWLS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 01:43 4th May 2008

Andrew Dignam (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan) says...

Agree with Chris that should Wolves not make play offs Mc Carthy must go . Wasted opportunities all season by not scoring enough goals ,trying to win by the one goal, conceding late and drawing ,with a so called star studded attack , we now must hope for Watford or Palace to fall over and us to win , l dont think we will make it.Do you think Bully would make a good manager?

Posted 01:13 4th May 2008

Andrew Dignam (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan) says...

Agree with Chris that should Wolves not make play offs Mc Carthy must go . Wasted opportunities all season by not scoring enough goals trying to win by the one goal conceding late and drawing with a so called star studded attack , we now must hope foe Watford or Palace to fall over and us to win , l dont think we will make it.

Posted 01:10 4th May 2008

Adam Bloor (Stoke City fan) says...

Predictions for Sunday - Stoke will beat Leicester, all week I've being hearing how much is at stake for the foxes, as if Stoke will turning up for a Sunday afternoon stroll, after 45 games the table tells the story, Leicester are a poor side , FACT! I hope Sheff U can do them a favour and keep them up! As for Hull at Ipswich, well, if I had a choice of Leicester at home or the the best home side in the league away, sorry foxes anyday! QPR I think should get a draw agaist West Brazil, based on the form OPR have been in since the turn of the year, they should be up there next season! So to round it up - 1st The Mighty Potters, 2nd Brazil with Palace for the play-offs. Leicester or the saints for the drop! Wouldn't like to predict that one!

Posted 00:19 4th May 2008

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