Norwich City and Bournemouth were able to maintain their automatic promotion spots last weekend after returning to winning ways. The Canaries are scheduled to host a struggling Nottingham Forest side on Matchday 17, but the Cherries have a much tricky encounter against Swansea City, who are just one point behind them in the standings.
Three games to watch out for in Matchday 17:
Swansea City vs Bournemouth – December 8: Swansea and Bournemouth have had identical results over the past five games (three wins, one draw and one defeat). The Cherries are currently second on the table with a one-point lead over the Swans. The south Coast outfit have had the edge in the contest and they are unbeaten in the previous seven meetings against the Swans with five wins and two draws. It will be interesting to see whether the hosts can jump above the Cherries with a first league win against them since 2007.
Millwall vs Queens Park Rangers – December 8: The London derby has been grabbing much attention after some Millwall fans booed their players for taking a knee against Derby County last weekend. Millwall are winless in eight matches where they have gained just five points and have recently suffered back-to-back defeats. Rangers have fared much better with 10 points in this period, but go into the derby after three successive losses. Both teams will be desperate for a win. Millwall will start as the slight favourites as they are unbeaten in four meetings against Rangers (three wins and one draw).
Coventry City vs Luton Town – December 8:
Coventry are currently six points clear of the relegation zone and that has been primarily due to their impressive home form. They have picked up 14 points from eight games at St Andrew’s. On the road, they have managed just three points in the same number of matches. They are scheduled to host Huddersfield Town, who are presently 13th on the table with a four-point advantage over them. The teams have not faced each other since a League Cup tie way back in 1977. Coventry will be hoping to pick up a third straight win at their temporary home ground.
Stats from 11v11.com and Soccerstats.com
