There are two Championship fixtures on Tuesday evening which could have ramifications at both ends of the table as Birmingham host Burnley, while Cardiff can go third if they avoid defeat at a Coventry side entrenched in the relegation zone (totesport – Championship).

Coventry v Cardiff (7.45pm)

The Sky Blues host the Bluebirds at the Ricoh Arena with the two sides desperate to secure three points for very different reasons.

Andy Thorn’s Coventry side threw away a lead on Saturday to go down 2-1 against high-flying West Ham on home soil and remain in second-bottom spot  – but six points behind Burnley in the final position of safety with a far inferior goal difference.

However, their hopes of securing a much-needed win will not be helped by the arrival of Malky Mackay’s in-form Welsh outfit, who arrive on the back of a 2-1 victory at Reading on Saturday – a third successive win.

Coventry were very unfortunate to lose against the Hammers at the weekend as Sam Allardyce’s men came from behind with two lucky goals.

Therefore, Thorn is looking for a similar performance from his players, whilst hoping Lady Luck shows here face for his charges as they bid for a first win in seven attempts.

However, Cardiff are one of the in-form teams of the division at the moment and they know even a draw at the Ricoh Arena will take them above Middlesbrough and into third place, while a win will see them move to within a point of West Ham, albeit having played a game more.

On that basis it is difficult to see anything other than an away win, but don’t expect Coventry to roll over without a fight. And, if they do get the rub of the green, it would not be a massive surprise if they nicked a point.

Prediction: Away Win 90 Minutes @ 21/20
Value Bet: Coventry/Cardiff HT/FT @ 25/1

Birmingham v Burnley (7.45pm)

Chris Hughton’s Blues continue to play catch-up in the Championship in terms of the number of games played due to their Europa League involvement and in making ground on the play-off places.

And, they have a perfect chance to move within two points of the top-six, whilst still possessing two games in hand over the majority of teams above them, when playing host to struggling Burnley on Tuesday at St Andrew’s.

Blues blew two points at the weekend when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Peterborough on home soil despite dominating the entire game.

Hughton admitted it felt like a defeat, while goal scorer Marlon King stressed that the side must be more clinical in front of goal in future matches if they are going to achieve their aim of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The point for City means they have now gone three games without a league win and they will be desperate to put things right this week.

Burnley arrive in a desperate run of form having slipped to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Leeds at Turf Moor at the weekend – a third straight Championship defeat.

It leaves the increasingly under-pressure Eddie Howe’s men just outside the relegation places – two points ahead of third-bottom Bristol City – and in dire need of a result.

However, their plight has not been helped by the loss of striker Charlie Austin to a dislocated shoulder injury suffered against Leeds which could sideline him for a spell.

So, with both sides in need of the points, the outcome will be determined by the quality on the pitch and, if Birmingham can produce a similar display to the Posh encounter on Saturday, they will certainly not be denied the win on this occasion.

Prediction: Home Win 90 Minutes @ 4/5
Value Bet: Birmingham 3-1 Correct Score @ 14/1

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