Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough suffered a 2-0 loss at West Brom, but they have a chance to bounce back against Reading, who have struggled on the road this season. Reading may also face a six-point deduction, but it is unlikely to affect their performance. Middlesbrough’s effective ball movement and multiple threats make it challenging for Reading to progress the ball effectively towards their final third. Boro has recorded the second-highest xG of any Championship club, while Reading has a poor xG record, especially away from home.

Boro have won six of their last seven home matches. Over this period they are averaging 2.29 goals per game. They face a Reading side that has struggled to score on the road. The Royals have scored just once in their last five away matches. This was in the FA Cup against Manchester United.

Mick McCarthy’s impact at Blackpool has not kicked in yet, and some fans believe that their better players are not being used effectively. They face Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, who sit atop the expected points table since the turn of the year. Burnley have strength in depth in every position and have the best xGA in the league.

Burnley are unbeaten in their last 15 competitive matches and remain in the FA Cup. This run has seen them concede an average of just 0.47 goals and scoring 1.93 goals per game. Blackpool have won just one of their last ten league matches. Blackpool have failed to score in four of those matches and are averaging 0.7 goals per game.

Atalanta’s form has slipped in recent weeks, losing three of their last five league games, and their home form has been poor for a long time. Despite this, Atalanta remain a constant threat and could breach Udinese’s defence, though Udinese may still score given Atalanta’s tendency to concede at home.

Both teams have scored in the last seven meetings between these sides and there has been an average of 4.86 goals per game. Atalanta’s home matches this season have seen them average 2.25 goals and their opponent’s average 1.42 goals per game.

Northampton Town are expected to win against relegation-threatened Crawley Town this weekend. With only one loss in their last seven games and an attack that has scored the second most goals in the league, Northampton are a tough team to beat. On the other hand, Crawley has lost their last four games, and their survival hopes have been dented by a recent 5-2 thumping at home by Carlisle United.

Northampton beat Crawley 2-3 when they met earlier this season and they have home advantage this time around. Crawley have failed to win any of their 16 away games so far this season and they have lost 10 of them. They are averaging just 0.75 goals per game on the road.

Derby County are at a good price to win against Shrewsbury Town, who have failed to score in their last two away games. The Rams have won seven of their last eight home games and have a strong squad, including James Collins and Curtis Davies. The Shrews have had a great season, but may be running out of steam.

Derby have been in formidable form at home in the league. They have won eight of their last 10 matches; scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game and conceding just 0.4. Shrewsbury have done reasonably well away from home this season but Derby should have too much for them.

Huddersfield Town are four points away from safety and will prioritize home games at the John Smith’s Stadium. Their season has been affected by below-par transfer windows. Coventry City, with Viktor Gyökeres as their main threat, are not ruling out play-offs. Midfielder Jamie Allen is in his best goal-scoring form since 2018-19. Dutch midfielder Gustavo Hamer is one of the Championship’s most special talents. Huddersfield face a strong challenge from Coventry, but Warnock will be keen to take something from the game.

Huddersfield won Neil Warnock’s only home game in charge so far 2-1. Coventry are conceding 1.13 goals per game away from home this season and the last two times these teams have played at The John Smith’s Stadium it has ended 1-1.