Phil Parkinson could end his eight-match reign as Charlton Athletics’s caretaker manager by equalling an unwanted 53-year record at Sheffield United today. A draw or defeat will ensure the south London club a 16th league game without a win, a mark they last achieved in 1955.

Parkinson has led the Championship’s bottom club to three draws and four defeats since he took over from Alan Pardew, and was given until the end of the year to make a case for the position permanently. Keith Gillespie, who was on loan at Charlton, has been recalled by Sheffield United.

Nottingham Forest, who sacked manager Colin Calderwood after their Boxing Day defeat by Doncaster Rovers, travel to Norwich City without defender Julian Bennett. Doncaster hope to get back-to-back wins for the first time this season against Burnley, whose manager, Owen Coyle, has challenged his players to bounce back after their defeat against Barnsley.

Reading and Birmingham City can close the gap on leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, who visit Blackpool tomorrow, when they play Southampton and Swansea City, respectively. Southampton’s on-loan defender, Alex Pearce, will not be able to play against his employers. Birmingham will test Damien Johnson and Sebastian Larsson, but Swansea’s Jason Scotland and Leon Britton are doubts. Michael Chopra will start the last game of his loan spell at Cardiff City before returning to Sunderland against Plymouth, who will have Emile Mpenza back. Crystal Palace visit Bristol City and will give a fitness test to Paddy McCarthy.

Queens Park Rangers’ on-loan forward Heidar Helguson should return against his former side Watford, while Jon Macken is doubtful for Barnsley’s match with Preston North End. Ipswich Town could have defender David Wright back at Derby County, who might start on-loan winger Nacer Barazite. Sheffield Wednesday could recall Sean McAllister and Marcus Tudgay at Coventry City, who have Leon McKenzie and Leon Best available.

Sunday's matches (all kick-offs 3pm)
Barnsley v Preston North End
Birmingham City v Swansea City
Bristol City v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Plymouth Argyle
Coventry Cityv Sheffield Wednesday
Derby County v Ipswich Town
Doncaster Rovers v Burnley
Norwich City v Nottingham Forest
Queens Park Rangers v Watford
Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic
Southampton v Reading