Despite much of the focus being on the FA Cup this weekend, there are some crucial games taking place in the Championship with fixtures affecting both the top and bottom of the table. Crystal Palace could be the big winners, as they look to move out of the bottom three…

Crystal Palace v Norwich (Sat 3pm)

The Eagles may be struggling to maintain their Championship status, but they have shown signs of improvement under Dougie Freedman and the return of James Vaughan will be crucial. The Everton striker has return to Selhurst Park on loan, and having scored five goals in his previous stint this season, could prove the difference between survival and relegation.

Although their away record is poor, Palace have not lost at home since October – a run of six games – and they will be desperate to derail Norwich’s promotion hopes. The Canaries have surprised many this season, with late goals crucial for them in recent games. But Palace beat them 2-1 at Carrow Road earlier in the season and could be a good bet to do the double.

Match Bet: Palace to win @ 9/5

Hull City v QPR (Sat 3pm)

QPR still look the strongest team in the league, helped by a couple of useful additions during the transfer window ? Wayne Routledge and Danny Shittu. The R’s will be further tested though by a Hull City side, who has lost just one of their last 12 league games.

The Tigers have the second best defensive home record in Championship – conceding just six goals all season – and the goal-scoring threat of Matty Fryatt makes them serious play-off contenders. QPR have lost just twice away from Loftus Road and this looks like being a stalemate, which would be a decent result for both teams.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Millwall v Barnsley (Fri 7:45pm)

With just three places and two points separating the two teams, this clash at the New Den is a tough one to call. The Tykes have responded really well to losing their star man Adam Hammill to wolves ? picking up four points from a possible six since the winger’s departure, and their 2-0 win at Doncaster in midweek was impressive.
Millwall have lost just three of their 13 home games to date and have won their last four home league games, conceding just one goal in that run.

Match Bet: Steve Morison to score at anytime@ Evens

Scunthorpe v Preston (Sat 3pm)

These two teams are staring League One in the face, but both will remain hopeful of pulling off the great escape – three points here for either team could be crucial. Scunthorpe have the added pressure of being at home, where they  have gained just one win all season.

Preston meanwhile, will be buoyed by two back-to-back draws since Phil Brown took charge, thanks to two late goals. North End could go one better at Glanford Park this weekend.

Match Bet: Preston to win @ 7/4.

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