Crucial Championship Fixtures Ahead
Championship Weekend Features Eight Key Fixtures and High Stakes Derbies
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Key Points
1
Wolves have struggled historically against West Brom, winning only one of their last eight league meetings; West Brom have also won on both of their last two league visits to Molineux.
2
Newcastle are seeking their first home league win of the season, while Hull have never lost at St James’ Park in three Premier League visits (two wins and a draw).
3
Hull’s strong start has been built on an aggressive pressing approach despite averaging only 29.3% possession, and the promoted side are aiming to avoid defeat in their opening five matches—a feat last achieved by Portsmouth in 2003-04.
4
Hibernian and Aberdeen have the oldest average starting-XI ages in the Scottish top flight this season, at 26 years and 325 days and 27 years and 325 days respectively.
5
Norwich have won six of their last eight league meetings with Bolton, while Bolton have lost four of their previous five league visits to Carrow Road.
Championship weekend brings eight crucial matches that will shape the title race and playoff picture. Newcastle host high-flying Hull City seeking their first home league win of the season, while Wolves and West Brom contest a Black Country derby between play-off contenders BBC. Elsewhere, Norwich face Bolton in a clash between a side that has conceded in 14 straight league games and a team yet to win away, and Burnley attempt to snap a devastating 19-match winless league run against Derby County BBC.
Newcastle Seek Home Win Against Hull's Unbeaten Record
Newcastle are desperate for their first home league win of the season as they face high-flying Hull City. Hull have an extraordinary record at St James' Park — they are the only team to visit more than once in the Premier League and never lose, with two wins and one draw Yahoo Sports. The promoted side has built their strong start on aggressive pressing despite averaging just 29.3% possession. Newcastle's defensive frailties have been exposed in recent matches following a heavy loss to Leeds.
Wolves Face West Brom in Struggling Head-to-Head Battle
Wolves and West Brom clash in a Black Country derby between playoff contenders, but Wolves' recent form against their rivals is alarming. Wolves have won only one of their last eight league meetings against West Brom, that victory coming in May 2011 BBC. West Brom have won both of their last two league visits to Molineux, adding to Wolves' struggles. Both teams remain play-off hopefuls, making this fixture critical despite the historical disadvantage.
Norwich Faces Bolton Despite Defensive Concerns
Norwich host Bolton in a matchup between contrasting form lines. Norwich have conceded in 14 consecutive league matches, creating deep defensive problems. However, Norwich hold a strong record against Bolton — they have won six of their last eight league meetings BBC. Bolton remain winless away from home and have lost four of their previous five league visits to Carrow Road. Mohamed Toure has been among the Championship's most productive scorers since his debut, adding another attacking dimension to the fixture.
Hibernian Face Aberdeen After Managerial Change
Hibernian dismissed David Gray and now risk a seventh straight home Premiership defeat against Aberdeen. Both sides feature the oldest average starting-XI ages in the Scottish top flight this season — Hibernian at 26 years and 325 days, Aberdeen at 27 years and 325 days BBC. Aberdeen arrive with momentum, having posted consecutive clean sheets and a 4-0 victory. Portsmouth take a two-match unbeaten run into their meeting with Blackburn Rovers, who ended a four-game winless spell last weekend. Lincoln City remain unbeaten in five matches with four clean sheets before facing Swansea.
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