EFL Championship Round 35 Preview: Quick Form Guide and Team News for Every Fixture This Weekend

EFL Championship Round 35 Preview: Quick Form Guide and Team News for Every Fixture This Weekend

The Championship doesn’t wait for anyone, and as Round 36 rolls into view, the table is tightening, the margins are shrinking and the pressure is rising.

At the top, automatic promotion remains within reach for several sides separated by fine details: goal difference, squad depth, and moments of composure. In the playoff picture, consistency is everything. At the bottom, survival instincts are kicking in. With just a handful of weeks left, every fixture now feels heavier.

Here’s how the weekend shapes up.

Bristol City vs Watford (Friday, 20:00)

Friday night football sets the tone as Bristol City host Watford in a clash between two sides hovering in the congested mid-table pack. Bristol City have been competitive at Ashton Gate, averaging over a goal per home game, but their defensive record remains inconsistent. They sit 8th in the league, just four points off the playoffs.

Watford’s away form has been unpredictable. They’ve shown they can create chances in volume, but they’ve also conceded in key moments. With both sides still harbouring faint play-off hopes, this has the feel of a game that could open up if there’s an early goal. Despite a loss to Ipswich last time out, they are still in the race for a top 6 spot and a win could give them.

TEAM NEWS: Bristol City are still without McNally and Atkinson, while Watford miss a handful of players, including Kwadwo Baah.

Derby County vs Blackburn Rovers (12:30)

Derby’s season has been built on resilience. They’re not blowing teams away, but they’ve been difficult to beat at Pride Park and have steadily climbed into the top-half conversation, sitting just outside the playoffs. Their defensive numbers have improved in recent weeks, conceding fewer high-quality chances, but they need to turn things around after two losses on the bounce.

Blackburn, meanwhile, have been streaky. When their attack clicks, they’re dangerous, but away from home they’ve struggled to sustain tempo. They are slowly falling further down the table and clear the drop by just four points. A win for both teams here feels like a must.

TEAM NEWS: Blackburn's injury list is never-ending, including Todd Cantwell. Derby have a few of their own, with Langas not back till mid-March.

Leicester City vs Norwich City (12:30)

Leicester remain seated on the opposite side of the table to their predictions, sitting in the bottom three! At home they average high possession and consistently generate double-digit shot counts. Their goal difference reflects that attacking edge, and simply put, it's too good to see them go down. With the quality of their side, things have to change.

Norwich have been entertaining but vulnerable. They’ve scored regularly this season but also conceded at a rate that’s hurt their play-off push. If this becomes open, goals at both ends wouldn’t be a surprise, but Leicester’s control at the King Power should be decisive.

TEAM NEWS: Both teams are stacked with injuries. Longer than their squad lists!

Portsmouth vs Hull City (12:30)

Portsmouth have battled hard but continue to struggle defensively, particularly against top-half opposition. They’ve conceded more than they’d like at Fratton Park, often under sustained pressure. Things don't look to get any easier as they welcome high-flying Hull.

Hull City, by contrast, have quietly put together one of the more balanced campaigns in the division, flying under the radar. Strong away performances and an ability to manage leads have kept them firmly in the promotion picture. If they dictate midfield territory, they’ll feel confident here.

TEAM NEWS: Portsmouth have 13 players in the medical room, including Josh Murphy.

Charlton Athletic vs Wrexham (15:00)

Charlton’s campaign has been defined by inconsistency. They’ve shown flashes of attacking quality but haven’t quite turned performances into sustained runs. They need a big win at the Valley to boost their grip on survival.

Wrexham, in their first season at this level in decades, have adapted impressively. Their direct attacking style and physical presence have translated well to the Championship. This could be one of the weekend’s more entertaining fixtures. This team could go all the way to Wembley and create history!

TEAM NEWS: Wrexham are without vets Sheaf and James, while Charlton are missing Mr Reliable Matt Godden.

Coventry City vs Stoke City (15:00)

Coventry continue to look like genuine automatic promotion contenders. They rank among the league’s best for goals scored and have tightened up defensively compared to earlier in the season. Their home record has been a foundation for their push. Can Frank Lampard take them all the way?

Stoke, while competitive, haven’t been as reliable away from home. They’ll look to disrupt and counter, but Coventry’s consistency over 90 minutes makes them favourites. After their hot start to the season, they'd have hoped to be higher, but a win could give them a glimmer of playoff hope.

TEAM NEWS: Coventry are only missing Dovin, while Stoke's list is never-ending.

Ipswich Town vs Swansea City (15:00)

Ipswich remain one of the division’s most aggressive attacking sides, averaging close to two goals per game at home. Their high-tempo pressing often overwhelms visitors early. After a rocky start, they are eyeing up those auto places.

Swansea have been capable of scoring on the road but also prone to defensive lapses. If Ipswich get into rhythm, this could become stretched quickly. But recently their biggest story has been Snoop Dogg's arrival. They need to do more.

TEAM NEWS: Darnell Furlong is suspended, but they have a very strong side despite missing Philogene. Swansea are without Idah and Inoussa.

Oxford United vs West Bromwich Albion (15:00)

Oxford are locked in a battle for survival and every point is critical. They’ve been more compact at home in recent weeks, prioritising structure over expansiveness.

West Brom’s form has fluctuated, and they’ve found goals harder to come by away from home. This feels like a game where the first goal could dictate everything.

TEAM NEWS: Grant, Mepham and Odeh are out for the Baggies, while the home side miss De Keersmaecker and a few others.

Preston North End vs Millwall (15:00)

Two sides who pride themselves on organisation. Preston have been solid without being spectacular, often grinding out narrow results.

Millwall’s defensive structure remains their strength. They don’t concede many, but they don’t always create freely either. A low-scoring contest wouldn’t surprise anyone. The Lions are the surprise story of the division so far.

TEAM NEWS: Preston are without Iversen; the visitors have 6 players out.

Queens Park Rangers vs Sheffield United (15:00)

QPR have shown improvement at home, finding the net regularly in recent weeks. However, clean sheets have been harder to come by.

Sheffield United have endured a turbulent season and remain under pressure near the bottom. Defensive fragility has cost them repeatedly. If QPR start strongly, this could tilt quickly.

TEAM NEWS: QPR are missing star striker Burrell and many others, while Sheffield United miss midfielder Riedewald.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Southampton (15:00)

Southampton arrive needing momentum to keep their play-off hopes alive. Their away form has been mixed, but they continue to average solid attacking numbers across the campaign.

Sheffield Wednesday, battling near the foot of the table, are playing for pride and survival. Expect intensity, especially early on. Southampton’s quality may ultimately tell — but in the Championship, nothing comes easily.

TEAM NEWS: Roerslev is out for the visitors, while Wednesday are down and have 10 men out.

The Bigger Picture

Round 35 feels pivotal. The top of the table remains fluid, the play-off race is crowded, and the relegation fight is unforgiving. With goal differences tightening and fatigue setting in, small margins will define this weekend.

In the Championship, it’s never just another round — especially not at this stage of the season.