Luton v Nottingham Forest, 12:30 p.m. – Live on Sky Sports Football
It looks like Luton may have hit the buffers at the wrong time. Three without a win have now given hope to the teams hoping to win their place in the top six from now until the end of the season. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are just flying. Five wins in a row, and the team that could most worry Bournemouth for second place. It could be close, but the dynamics of the Forest should make them dominate it on Kenilworth Road. Prutton predicts: 1-2 (Sky Bet) Friday 15 April 12:00 p.m. Start 12:30 p.m.
Birmingham vs. Coventry, 15:00 – Live on Sky Sports Football Red Button
Birmingham have conceded just one goal in their last five games, which was a penalty, and that says a lot about their difficulties this season. Coventry won a fantastic victory at Fulham last weekend to keep their playoff hopes alive. Until they finish math all they can do is continue. A victory here, and you never know. Prutton predicts: 0-1 (Sky Bet odds)
Bournemouth – Middlesbrough, 15:00 – Live on Sky Sports Football
Now this is a big, big game. Bournemouth have just suffered a small blow in their last two games and suddenly the threatening presence of Nottingham Forest appears on the horizon. Middlesbrough itself also suffered two defeats at the wrong time. They are still in good shape, but they need a lot of wins from now until the end of the season to get into the top six. I can not see a victory in Vitality, however. Score a draw. Prutton predicts: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds) Friday 15 April 14:30 Start 15:00
Hull vs Cardiff, 15:00 – Live at Sky Sports Football Red Button
That was a big win for Hull in Middlesbrough last week, and it should give them some impetus towards the final stages of the season. Even with nothing to play with, it is always good to try to finish things at a high level. Cardiff came back well from their horror show against Swansea to beat Reading. Survival has now been confirmed and it is time for Steve Morison and his side to look ahead. They showed good character and will do it again against Hull. Prutton predicts: 0-1 (Sky Bet odds)
Peterborough vs Blackburn, 15:00 – Live at Sky Sports Football Red Button
It’s likely to be a matter of when and if not for Peterborough now in terms of relegation. It could happen by the end of the Easter weekend, although Grant McCann’s team has shown improvement in recent weeks. Blackburn just have to win it to have real hope of returning to the top six. But I can not see it the way they have been following lately. Paint for me. Prutton predicts: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds)
Sheffield United vs Reading, 15:00 – Live at Sky Sports Football Red Button
Sheffield United will be disappointed that they did not beat Bournemouth last weekend, but are still in control of their place in the play-offs. Reading still has a few things to do to ensure survival, and a defeat here could make them sweat again if other results go against them. I can not, in fact, see them picking anything up from Bramall Lane. Prutton predicts: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds)
Huddersfield vs QPR, 17:30 – Live on Sky Sports Football
These have been some huge wins for Huddersfield lately. They are close to securing a place in the playoffs and still have half an eye on Bournemouth if the Cherry continue to slip. QPR is in free fall. Their play-off dream is over after five defeats in the bounce. Although it would be typical of the Championship for the team in any form to show up and claim a surprise win, I can not see it happening here. Home victory. Prutton predicts: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds) Friday 15 April 17:15 Start 17:30
Derby against Fulham, 20:00 – Live on Sky Sports Football
The only thing Derby can really do now is try to win every game as it comes and see what happens, but it is fair to say that survival is unlikely at this stage. Fulham are almost there, but they set their sights on Coventry last weekend. Marco Silva will be determined not to let this happen again and that will be enough to make them cross the line at Pride Park. Prutton predicts: 1-3 (Sky Bet odds) Friday 15 April 19:30 Start 20:00
Other Prutton predictions (All Good Friday start at 3 p.m.)
Preston vs Millwall: 2-2 Stoke – Bristol City: 1-1 Swansea – Barnsley: 2-0 West Brom – Blackpool: 1-2
