Our Picks: Key Championship clash, European champions play catch-up

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Our Picks: Key Championship clash, European champions play catch-up

Wright celebrates
Wright celebratesProfimedia
Another weekend is upon us and your pals at Flashscore have compiled a few matches worth keeping tabs on over the next few days. Take a read of 'Our Picks' below:

Norwich v Coventry - Ali Pollock

It’s no secret that the Championship is one of the most competitive leagues on the planet, with sides desperate to gain promotion to the Premier League.

The same goes for this season, with just three points separating Coventry in sixth (the final play-off spot) and Norwich in 10th.

The fact that over halfway through the season at least 10 sides – stretching down to Cardiff in 14th - are in with a realistic shout of finishing in the final two play-off positions really shows just how competitive the division is.

England's second tier regularly delivers
England's second tier regularly deliversFlashscore

Two of the contenders meet on Saturday when Coventry travel to Norwich.

Both clubs suffered at the start of the campaign but have begun to put together some decent form, particularly the visitors who have lost just once in their last 15 games in all competitions.

Coventry’s Haji Wright and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto stand out as their danger men, scoring eight and seven league goals respectively.

Sakamoto warms up
Sakamoto warms upProfimedia

The same goes for Callum O’Hare, who has been in fine form since returning from a long term injury lay-off (three goals in last four appearances).

Norwich have been dealt a blow ahead of the match, with star player Jonathan Rowe ruled out through injury.

The winger has already netted 12 league goals this term.

The Canaries still have Gabriel Sara, though, who is one of the best midfielders in the division and has contributed well with five goals and eight assists.

Both clubs will be desperate to get some points on the board and boost their chances of a top six finish.  

Antwerp v Brugge - Anthony Paphitis

Antwerp and Club Brugge come together at lunchtime on Sunday in a good-looking clash towards the top end of the Jupiler Pro League.

It hasn't been the smoothest of campaigns for reigning champions Antwerp, who find themselves in fifth and 17 points off leaders Royale Union SG.

Top of the pile in Belgium
Top of the pile in BelgiumFlashscore

The hosts' form of late has been patchy to say the least - two wins, a draw and two defeats placing them middle of the pack in the division.

Top scorer Vincent Janssen - formerly of Tottenham - was suspended for their 1-0 win at Standard Liege on Wednesday, but is likely to be back in the fold to try and add to his nine league goals this term.

The rest of Mark van Bommel's team will need to be on the ball against a dangerous Club Brugge side, who have been on a roll.

The visitors arrive at the Bosuilstadion riding a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions with their last league defeat coming in November.

Brugge's last 10 in the division have seen them win six while scoring 22 goals in the process - their points tally of 22 in that time only bettered by Royale Union SG.

They have a plethora of attacking options with their main threat coming from Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, who has 16 goals in 23 outings this term.

The likes of Philip Zinckernagel (6G, 5A), Andreas Skov Olsen (8G, 4A) and Hans Vanaken (6G, 4A) have also been productive under Norwegian coach Ronny Deila.

Brugge will be favourites to claim three points as things stand, but a caveat to mention is they only have two wins in 10 games since 2018 when visiting Antwerp.

Bayern v Gladbach - Ste Carson

Bayern Munich find themselves in a similar position this weekend as they hope an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen drop points so they might leapfrog them to the Bundesliga summit.

Borussia Monchengladbach stand in their way this time around, a team traversing a rough patch (slumped in 12th) but one that should be too good to drop.

The current state of play
The current state of playFlashscore

Things don't get easier for die Fohlen, though, as they travel to Bavaria to face the reigning German champions.

Bayern have dropped just seven points in their last 15 matches - three of those coming in a shock defeat to Werder Bremen last month.

Gladbach have recorded one win in their last five games - against Stuttgart - but were able to stumble league leaders Bayer last week in a 0-0 stalemate.

Harry Kane has scored a staggering 23 goals so far this term - making him the Bundesliga leader - and will indeed be the man to watch.

Teammate and fellow former Premier League star Leroy Sane, another to keep tabs on, is also enjoying a productive season, with eight goals and ten assists.

Kane fights for the ball with Wober and Plea
Kane fights for the ball with Wober and PleaProfimedia

For Gladbach, Alassane Plea is undoubtedly the talisman - with seven goals and three assists - and thus most attacks will flow through him.

Tomas Cvancara is another one to watch, though, with five goal contributions, but the Czech international faces a late fitness test before facing Bayern.

Naturally, the Bavarians are strong favourites going into the match - but Gladbach showed backbone against Bayer last week and could prove themselves a stumbling block.

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