Get the lowdown on all of the team news for the latest round of Championship matches before you put your money on.
Crystal Palace v Norwich
Pablo Counago (hamstring) is a doubt for PALACE while Sean Scannell is pushing for a start after a brief cameo last weekend. Leon Barnett has received an additional two-match ban for NORWICH after a disciplinary hearing while Wes Hoolahan and Russell Martin (both thigh) are in a race against time but Henri Lansbury should be fine.
Portsmouth v Millwall
Carl Dickinson returns from suspension for POMPEY but midfielders Richard Hughes and Michael Brown are unlikely to play due to contractual issues the club say they cannot afford. Kevin Lisbie and Liam Trotter are fit again for MILLWALL and Paul Robinson (ankle) has an outside chance of a return following an injury at Swansea.
QPR v Swansea
Gavin Mahon has extended his loan deal at QPR again while Andy O’Brien could be set for a return and will challenge Neill Collins for a defensive role while up front Heidar Helguson is pushing for a recall. Shefki Kuqi and Jermaine Easter will both be pressing for a place in the starting line up at SWANSEA after a one-nil reverse last weekend.
Barnsley v Burnley
BARNSLEY defender Matt Hill is back in contention following a lengthy layoff but may only find the subs bench while Jay McEveley and Luke Potter (both knee) remain sidelined. Kevin McDonald has returned to BURNLEY after a loan spell at Scunthorpe while Chris Eagles and Martin Paterson are both set to start after a prolonged rest.
Cardiff v Coventry
Dave Jones is considering giving Chris Riggott his debut for CARDIFF on Boxing Day while Jay Bothroyd should find himself back in the starting XI. COVENTRY will be without the suspended Aron Gunnarsson but can welcome back captain Lee Carsley from his one-match and Sammy Clingan may also get a look-in after a one-month layoff.
Derby v Doncaster
DERBY will be without Alberto Bueno (hamstring) and Robbie Savage (suspended) but Kris Commons is expected to make the team after sickness and Miles Addison could be among the subs after a lengthy spell out. Sean O’Driscoll is still DONCASTER manager despite talks with Sheff United while Mustapha Dumbuya (knee) is out for up to six weeks.
Ipswich v Watford
IPSWICH have terminated the loan of Andros Townsend and Gareth McAuley (Achilles) remains sidelined until the new year, but Luke Hyam (hamstring) could make the bench. Inactive last weekend, WATFORD have no new injury worries. Midfielder Stephen McGinn’s fractured cheekbone will keep him out for a further couple of weeks.
Leicester v Leeds
Roman Bednar hopes to be fit for LEICESTER, Chris Kirkland (groin) should be fit but Paul Gallagher has a sore hamstring while Curtis Davies (groin) and Miguel Vitor (hamstring) both limped out of the game at Ipswich. LEEDS defender Alex Bruce aggravated a groin injury in the win against QPR but Andy O’Brien (thigh) should be fit enough to replace him.
Middlesbrough v Nott’m Forest
Nicky Bailey should return to the fold for BORO, who have a full squad available for selection save for their trio of long-term absentees. Barry Robson is pushing to start. FOREST have few fresh concerns but Chris Cohen, Paul McKenna, Kelvin Wilson and Aaron Ramsey will all hope to figure more prominently after warming the bench last week.
Reading v Bristol City
READING could name fit-again skipper Ivar Ingimarsson on the bench but the game comes too soon for Icelandic compatriot Brynjar Gunnarsson (knee). A flu bug has swept through the CITY camp, hampering Keith Millen’s preparations. The Robins will therefore wait to see who is available although Liam Fontaine (ankle) remains sidelined.
Scunthorpe v Preston
Michael Collins (shoulder) is available again for SCUNTHORPE but Ian Baraclough’s defensive worries continue with David Mirfin (foot), Niall Canavan (knee) and Michael Raynes (thigh) all ruled out. An unused substitute recently, PRESTON midfielder Barry Nicholson is targeting a return to first-team action and Josh King should start after an ankle injury.
Sheff United v Hull
SHEFF UTD ‘keeper Richard Wright (thigh) should be fit, Daniel Bogdanovic returns from suspension and Lee Williamson (back) made the bench last week having not featured since April. Richard Cresswell is banned. HULL pair Richard Garcia (knee) and Daniel Ayala (hamstring) both hope to return. Nick Barmby (leg) and Mark Cullen (ankle) are doubts.
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