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Ollie's predictions: Top six all to win as promotion race hots up

Ian Holloway
Image: Ian Holloway previews the Football League action

Ian Holloway previews a busy Football League fixture list and foresees wins for all of the top six clubs in the Championship.

Burnley v Leeds, Saturday, Sky Sports 1 HD, 12:30pm

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It's very tough to get points off the big boys at this time of the season. Burnley slipped up against Cardiff with a 0-0 but I can't see Sean Dyche settling for anything less than a win here. Those lads have been here before and know what it takes to get results. I can't see them dropping many points between now and the end of the season.  

George Boyd had a great chance to score last week and didn't take it - he hasn't scored since January, but I think he'll put that right here. He's a quality player. 

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)

Nottingham Forest v Brighton, Monday, Sky Sports 1 HD, 7:30pm

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I'm going to this one. I love going to the City Ground but I don't think the change of manager has helped things there. It should be an intriguing match and I don't want to upset the locals but Brighton look good for another away win. They've only lost two games on the road this season. That shows a real togetherness within the camp. I was speaking to Steve Sidwell on Sky Sports News HQ on Wednesday and you can tell the lads there have a real special spirit. 

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OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

Middlesbrough v Preston, Saturday, 3pm

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Highlights of the Championship match between Middlesbrough and Huddersfield

Preston have had a fantastic season and with a few more breaks here or there could have been challenging for the top six. However, Middlesbrough are revitalised. Aitor Karanka is the man and the players know that now. Since the big fallout everyone has pulled together. They've cleared the air, which has been vital. They'll be hard to stop now.   

OLLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

Huddersfield v Hull, Saturday, 3pm

Hull still have the credentials to make a play for the automatic spots despite being seven points away. Steve Bruce, who won't be panicking, will have his team revved up for this one after what happened at Derby. They were a little unfortunate there as they had a man sent-off at a crucial part of the game. I wouldn't read too much into the heavy scoreline. Hull will bounce back here, with a bang. 

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-3 (16/1 with Sky Bet)

Derby v Bolton, Saturday, 3pm

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Highlights from Derby's 4-0 win over Hull in the Championship

Bolton could be relegated on Saturday if results don't go their way. It's sad to see such a great club go down with a whimper. I've been there and it's a gut-wrenching feeling. Bolton's defending in midweek was awful against Brentford and Derby's attacking players will be licking their lips at the thought of facing them. Home win.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-1 (12/1 with Sky Bet)

QPR v Charlton, Saturday, 3pm

I really liked how QPR shaped up against Middlesbrough - that's the best I've seen them play this season. They lost 3-2 but they were unfortunate. This should be a game they can win as Charlton must be flat as a pancake after seeing what Fulham and Rotherham have done in recent weeks. I've got to give the goal to Tjaronn Chery. He's bang in form. Give credit to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for that - Chery looks like he wants to play for him. 

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

MK Dons v Rotherham, Saturday, 3pm

Neil Warnock is the miracle man! He knows how to get results at this level. Rotherham haven't lost in seven games and it looks as though they are almost safe from relegation. This is a massive game for MK Dons. Lose this and it could be over for them. A win would peg them right back onto the tails of Rotherham but I can't see it as Warnock will have his dressing room feeling like they're invincible. When you get on that sort of roll things fall for you.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 0-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

Fulham v Cardiff, Saturday, 3pm

Anthony Pilkington celebrates
Image: Anthony Pilkington has been a revelation for Cardiff, says Ollie

I've been saying it all season: Cardiff are a good shout to make the top six and despite them being four points off Derby, I still think they can gatecrash the play-off places. The switch to play Anthony Pilkington as a striker has worked a charm. His running, his chasing and his all-round play is excellent. If he's fit this weekend, he could make the difference. His style gives them a different dimension. Fulham have bagged two victories at a crucial time but I still can't trust them. 

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

Wigan v Coventry, League One, Saturday, 3pm

Four wins on the spin have sent Wigan to the top of the league. They're peaking at just the right time and Burton will now be scrambling to make sure they get their noses over the line with Walsall and Gillingham on their tails. Coventry have dropped like a stone - they've been disappointing. Wigan's goal machine Will Grigg should fire his team to another win. He has been sensational for them.

OLLIE PREDICTS: 3-2 (20/1 with Sky Bet)

Northampton v Bristol Rovers, League Two, Saturday, 3pm

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two match between Bristol Rovers and Crawley

Northampton could seal promotion this weekend with a win and they deserve it but the Rovers are in town to spoil the party. When you can see the finish line in sight, it's hard to get over the line. Rovers are on a roll. Go on the Gas!

OLLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (13/2 with Sky Bet)

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