- Sheffield United are third in the table, five points behind leaders Leeds
- Fourth-placed Sunderland are in the automatic-promotion hunt
- Portsmouth are three points above the relegation zone

The FA Cup will take the main focus this weekend but there are five matches from the Championship and they could have a major say at both ends of the table.

Sunderland are firmly in the promotion race after beating rivals Middlesbrough on Monday and will be hoping to follow that up with another success as they host Watford in one of two early kick-offs.

Fellow title-contenders Sheffield United take on Portsmouth, who are battling it out at the opposite end of the table, in what looks set to be an enthralling clash.

Sunderland vs Watford (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Both teams have scored in nine of Watford’s last 11 away games and they should be able to get on the scoresheet at the Stadium of Light, although they look likely to be outclassed by this Sunderland side.

Only Leeds and Sheffield United have won more Championship games than the Black Cats and they showed their attacking quality in their 3-2 win over Middlesbrough last time out.

Score prediction: Sunderland 3-1 Watford

West Brom vs Sheffield Wednesday (Saturday, 12.30pm)

West Brom were a shade unlucky to lose to Plymouth last time out and may be able to bounce back against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Baggies have lost just one home game all season and could get the better of the Owls, who have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions.

There have been over 2.5 goals in five of the last seven Championship meetings between these two teams and a repeat of that looks likely in what should be an entertaining affair.

Score prediction: West Brom 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth (Saturday, 3pm)

Portsmouth’s away record in the Championship this season leaves plenty to be desired, collecting just seven points and losing their last seven road matches in all competitions.

The Blades have hardly been in scintillating form going forwards, having failed to score in three of their last five home matches and they may have to dig deep to grind out the win.

Score prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Portsmouth

Norwich vs Derby (Saturday, 3pm)

Both teams have scored in 13 of Norwich’s 16 home games this season and a repeat of that is fancied in this clash.

Derby may have lost seven Championship matches in a row but there have been some positive signs in recent weeks and they could hold out for a draw.

Score prediction: Norwich 1-1 Derby

Bristol City vs Swansea (Sunday 12pm)

Bristol City have won five of their last six home games in the league and they could chalk up another win against Swansea, who have lost six of their last seven in all competitions and have only scored three goals in that run.

Score prediction: Bristol City 1-0 Swansea