Carsley wants swift Coventry response

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Lee Carsley has called on Coventry to bounce back from their defeat to Cardiff when they take on another automatic promotion contender in QPR at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow.

The Sky Blues went down 2-0 on Boxing Day to the Bluebirds, who climbed up to second in the npower Championship table.

It was Coventry's third game without a win and midfielder Carsley knows they need to turn their fortunes around if they are to remain in the play-off picture.

Rangers, though, go into the game on the back of a 4-0 thrashing of Swansea which extended their lead at the top of the standings to four points.

"We didn't start great against Cardiff to be honest and I think it's fair to say we were beaten by a better team on the day," Carsley told the official Coventry website.

"It's obviously disappointing but you have to move on. It's a busy period at this time of year so it's important we produce the right reaction.

"We always knew it was going to be a tough game but now we're back at the Ricoh on Tuesday and it's important we build some momentum with all the home games we have over the next couple of weeks."

Leeds forward Robert Snodgrass feels his side's home game with Portsmouth will provide them with a chance to make amends for letting a two-goal lead slip at Leicester.

United had to settle for a 2-2 draw as they dropped to third, a point behind Cardiff.

Snodgrass told the Leeds website: "If anyone feels hard done by, Tuesday is a good chance to put that right."

Pompey go into the game in 14th place and on the back of a 1-1 home draw with Millwall.

"They're a good team," added Snodgrass.

"They started a bit shaky, but they have given teams a game. They have some good players, but we have great strength in depth in this squad."

At the other end, Sheffield United travel to high-flying Norwich in need of points to move them further clear of the drop zone.

Yesterday's last-gasp 3-2 defeat at home to Hull left the Blades just four points above the bottom three and striker Jamie Ward admitted the Canaries would prove tough opposition.

"Norwich are a good team who are doing really well so it is going to be another challenge for us, but we must stick together and give it our all as we try and make the fans happy over the festive period," he told the club's website.

"City have a winning mentality from last season and have taken that momentum into his campaign, but we are a capable bunch of players."

Elsewhere, Cardiff will aim to consolidate second place with victory at Watford.

Basement boys Preston host fellow strugglers Middlesbrough, second-bottom Scunthorpe travel to Burnley and Crystal Palace, who occupy the final relegation place, are away to Bristol City.

Swansea, looking to bounce back from their hammering at Loftus Road, are at home to Barnsley, Hull take on Reading at the KC Stadium and Millwall welcome Leicester.

Doncaster's clash with Ipswich at the Keepmoat Stadium has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.