Congratulations everyone, we have survived the international break. Now it’s time to turn our attention back to the bread and butter of the league. We have now reached gameweek 12 of the SkyBet Championship and here are my predictions for the weekend in what is one of the hardest leagues in the world to predict.

TV and Internet times for matches shown in the US are included, where applicable.

Blackpool v Wigan; Saturday, 7:15am EST; live on beIN SPORT Play

This game marks the start of Blackpool manager Paul Ince’s five-match stadium ban. The Seasiders have drawn their last 4 games, whilst Wigan’s current league position of twelfth is somewhat misleading considering they have two games in hand over most other teams. After a promising start, I expect Blackpool to gradually slide down the table.

Prediction: Away win

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Barnsley v Middlesbrough; Saturday, 10am EST

A tough one to call. Despite sitting bottom of the league, Barnsley have had a very tough run of fixtures at the start of the season, playing most of the sides in the top half. Boro thumped Yeovil 4-1 before the international break, but have struggled to find any form of consistency this season and haven’t recorded back-to-back wins in the league since last December.

Prediction: Home win

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Blackburn v Charlton; Saturday, 10am EST

Where would Blackburn be without Jordan Rhodes? The former Huddersfield man is already top scorer of the Championship with 9 goals to his name. Charlton have had a very disappointing start to the season, but Chris Powell is a good manager and I expect them to start climbing the table soon. However, they haven’t won a game away from home this season and Blackburn have been particularly strong at Ewood Park this season.

Prediction: Draw

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Bolton v Sheffield Wednesday; Saturday, 10am EST

An important game at the bottom of the table. I suspect the losing manager of this one will be out of a job on Monday morning. Have Bolton finally turned the corner after their 2-1 win at St Andrews? With their squad they should be challenging for the Top 6, not languishing in 20th place. Sheffield Wednesday have been really poor and haven’t won a single game all season. I fear for them and Dave Jones.

Prediction: Home win

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Ipswich v Burnley; Saturday, 10am EST

Top of the league, 26 points off 11 games – Burnley have been on fire this season! Helped by the forward partnership if Sam Vokes and Danny Ings, the latter who was rewarded with an England U-21 call-up, Sean Dyche’s team have so far exceeded all expectations. How long can they keep going? Ipswich have picked up almost all of their points from Portman Road this season and could mount a serious playoff charge as the season progresses.

Prediction: Home win

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Leicester v Huddersfield; Saturday, 10am EST

As a Watford fan, I’m worried about Leicester. They have recovered really well from the heartbreak of the playoffs last season and have a very good Championship squad and manager. Huddersfield have also started pretty well, aided by the goals of James Vaughan. I expect Leicester to come out on top though.

Prediction: Home win

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Millwall v QPR; Saturday, 10am EST

A London derby. This season was always going to be difficult for Millwall after the departure of Kenny Jackett. Currently sitting in 18th position, I expect them to be around the relegation zone for the whole season.  QPR have looked unbeatable so far. Conceding 2 goals in 10 games tells its own story. They might struggle to win at The Den though.

Prediction: Draw

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Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth; Saturday, 10am EST

I’m sure Forest will be in the Top 6 this season. They have signed some very good players and have a good squad for this level. Despite being one of the bookies’ favorites to go down, I always thought Bournemouth would do well. Eddie Howe likes his team to play with an attacking style, which means they will always score and concede a lot of goals. I fancy a high-scoring draw here.

Prediction: Draw

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Reading v Doncaster; Saturday, 10am EST

Reading probably expected to be slightly higher up the table than their current 7th place. There appears to be some issues with the takeover of the club, but I don’t expect that to affect Nigel Adkins’ side at all. Doncaster have impressed me with their start to the season and I think Federico Macheda is a great signing on loan. I can’t see them getting anything at the Madjeski though.

Prediction: Home win

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Watford v Derby; Saturday, 10am EST; live on beIN SPORT Play

Like Leicester, Watford have also responded well to defeat in the playoffs last season. As top scorers in the league, their success this season will depend on how many results they can grind out when not playing well. I thought Derby’s decision to sack Nigel Clough was very harsh. Having said that, Steve McClaren has had a good start, inspiring his side to a comeback from 4-1 down against Ipswich and followed that up with a win against Leeds. I do however think this will be his first defeat as manager of The Rams.

Prediction: Home win

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Yeovil v Brighton; Saturday, 10am EST

By all accounts, Yeovil’s performances this season have been better than their points tally suggests. With the lowest budget by far in the Championship, Gary Johnson will be performing miracles if he can keep his side up. Brighton are in a transitional period with new manager Oscar Garcia and I expect them to be in the top half this season. Leroy Lita could prove to be a shrewd signing for them on loan. They won’t have an easy game at Huish Park though.

Prediction: Draw

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Leeds v Birmingham; Sunday, 8:15am EST; live on beIN SPORT Play

I can’t imagine this being a classic for the Sky cameras. Leeds are struggling for goals and Birmingham’s record away from home is very poor this season.  Leeds should win, but I think I’ll be watching paint dry on Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: Home win