• Table-topping Coventry bidding to get the show back on the road at home to Bristol City

• Red-hot Southampton chasing more success away at struggling Norwich

• Second-placed Middlesbrough face stern test against visiting QPR

With the midway point looming in the Championship, leaders Coventry City have a five-point cushion ahead of Middlesbrough at the top of the table, but pressure is on to respond in Saturday’s showdown at home to Bristol City.

The Sky Blues have lost at Ipswich and been held to a draw by Preston in their last two league matches so can ill-ford another setback with Boro, who host Queen’s Park Rangers, hot on their heels.

An out-of-sorts West Brom entertain Sheffield United on Friday evening to get gameweek 21 started while other headline clashes see Norwich host the division’s form side Southampton and Leicester lock horns with promotion-chasing Ipswich.

West Brom vs Sheffield United (Friday, 8pm)

The pressure is hotting up on West Brom manager Ryan Mason following a run of just two wins in 10 and they look vulnerable at home to a Sheffield United side that are slowly getting their act together with four wins and two draws in their last six matches.

Score prediction: West Brom 1-2 Sheffield United

Norwich vs Southampton (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Southampton are currently the Championship’s form team, having responded to a sluggish start with six wins in their last seven matches putting them on the cusp of the play-off places. The slick Saints can see off second-bottom Norwich, who have lost seven of their nine outings at Carrow Road.

Score prediction: Norwich 1-3 Southampton

Oxford vs Preston (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Ten-man Preston battled to a point at home to pace-setting Coventry in midweek, making it four draws in six outings, and they may have to settle for the same scenario at Oxford. The U’s are desperate for points and they have shared the spoils in three of their last five.

Score prediction: Oxford 1-1 Preston

Stoke vs Swansea (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Consistency has evaded Stoke, who have lost five of their last six matches, but they remain eighth and tend to save their best for the Potteries. Swansea have suffered three defeats on the spin on the road and could be there for the taking.

Score prediction: Stoke 2-1 Swansea

Birmingham vs Charlton (Saturday, 3pm)

Birmingham were well below par in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss at QPR but they are chasing a fifth straight success at fortress St. Andrew's. The Blues have racked up 14 goals during a four-game winning run at home and should inflict a fourth straight away loss on Charlton.

Score prediction: Birmingham 3-0 Charlton

Coventry vs Bristol City (Saturday, 3pm)

Coventry have dropped points in their last two league matches but the Championship leaders have won seven and drawn two of their nine games at home. Expect them to hit back with Bristol City having won only two of their last eight as they continue blowing hot and cold.

Score prediction: Coventry 3-1 Bristol City

Leicester vs Ipswich (Saturday, 3pm)

Ipswich are up to fourth following a good spell of form but they have lost 2-1 at Oxford and been held to a 1-1 draw at Blackburn in their last two away trips. Leicester are not as bad as their position implies and they have held top two Coventry and Middlesbrough to a point at home.

Score prediction: Leicester 1-1 Ipswich

Middlesbrough vs QPR (Saturday, 3pm)

Middlesbrough on a roll having recorded three straight Championship victories but QPR have four wins in five and can serve them up a challenge at the Riverside. Goals look assured and a thrilling draw could be on the cards.

Score prediction: Middlesbrough 2-2 QPR

Millwall vs Hull (Saturday, 3pm)

Millwall have dropped only two points in their last six league matches at The Den and that home dominance can continue against Hull, who are tough to trust with four defeats in seven. The Lions have kept four shutouts in six home outings.

Score prediction: Millwall 2-0 Hull

Portsmouth vs Blackburn (Saturday, 3pm)

Seven defeats in nine has seen Portsmouth fall into the Championship relegation places and Blackburn should sense an opportunity to add to their misery at Fratton Park. Rovers are unbeaten in four on the road and have won three of those matches.

Score prediction: Portsmouth 1-2 Blackburn

Wrexham vs Watford (Saturday, 3pm)

Wrexham are the Championship’s draw specialists, having shared the spoils nine times in 20 outings, while Watford have had to settle for a point in four of their last seven matches. Only two places split them in the table and this could be tight.

Score prediction: Wrexham 1-1 Watford

Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby (Monday, 8pm)

Eight of Sheffield Wednesday’s 10 home league games have ended in defeat and the crisis club are unlikely to stop the rot against Derby. The Rams have won three of their last four on their travels and can grind their way to maximum points at Hillsborough.

Score prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Derby