Five matches to savour: Roses battles and a derby whet the appetite
A war of the Roses trilogy sees Leeds United travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers, while two fixtures on this side of the divide see Huddersfield Town welcome Burnley and Sheffield United entertain Oldham Athletic.
Another game thrown into the mix is a local tussle between Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers and there are also big games for Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Middlesbrough, Rotherham United and York City. Crunch time is nigh.
Five weekend crackers:
Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United
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Hide AdWhites fans descend on Ewood Park in typically big numbers and soothed by the fact that Leeds have won their last two games and ended the slim prospect of being dragged in potential bother at the foot of the table. Now is the time for a bit of on-pitch expression and a glimpse into something that Steve Evans at least hopes will be the future next season. After grinding out a couple of wins, Leeds have earned the right to showcase themselves.
Huddersfield Town v Burnley
Town’s renaissance under David Wagner has been remarkable in its own way and, after a convincing midweek victory over Reading, opportunity knocks for them at home to Burnley as they chase the biggest scalp of the German’s tenure. One thing is for sure, they will receive grateful thanks from Hull City and Boro fans if they manage to topple the Clarets. Town have yet to beat one of the division’s big-hitters under Wagner, despite giving Boro a real run for their money and Derby to a lesser degree. It is a good challenge for Herr Wagner, whose side are just the type of dangerous outfit who can spoil the best-laid plans of lofty rivals.
Hull City v MK Dons
The silver lining for the Tigers following their FA Cup exit to Arsenal was Rotherham United’s late win over Hull’s promotion rivals Boro. Hull, despite drawing a blank in their last two home games, have been strong at the KC and the arrival of MK looks a decent fixture. After those misses at Birmingham, an early goal - preferably from Abel Hernandez or Mo Diame - would provide welcome reassurance. The Tigers have not been great of late, but one convincing victory could change things quickly.
Rotherham United v Derby County
The Millers’ March schedule looked thoroughly daunting, but it is fair to say they have made light of it. Heroic wins over Boro and Wednesday have lifted confidence levels sky-high ahead of the arrival of Derby as Neil Warnock and his merry men seek to down another big-hitter. The bigger they come, the harder they fall. It will very much be a case of ‘bring it on’.
Bradford City v Doncaster Rovers
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Hide AdWhile Bradford head into the derby in purposeful mood after an excellent win over leaders Burton, Doncaster are on the floor after a desperate run of 10 games without a win that has incorporated derby losses against Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Sheffield United. There has been no respite for Rovers for several weeks and they are now entrenched into an attritional battle to preserve their league status. They will be tested to the full by a physical and workaholic City side. Have they got the aptitude to front up, roll up their sleeves and scrap for everything? After the midweek loss at Scunthorpe, there was fighting talk, but talk is cheap.