Nahki Wells has three games left to hit his target of scoring 20 goals this season in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Bermuda striker scored his eighteenth for Huddersfield Town in their 1-1 draw at Rotherham United on Tuesday, and is a firm favourite to be crowned the club’s player of the year next weekend.

However, Huddersfield are at home against Birmingham City today and Wells has not scored at John Smith’s Stadium since his side beat Reading 3-1 at home on March 8.

Still, having scored twice in two games Wells is on a roll, and Birmingham are a team in decline after winning just once in their past nine games.

Much will come down to Wells’s ability to get the better of Michael Morrison, the Birmingham defender, who is a threat at both ends of the pitch.

Out of the running for a play-off place, Birmingham, who are ninth have little left to play for but pride. Huddersfield, meanwhile, are safe from relegation and looking to continue their climb towards mid-table.

Burnley went top of the Championship last night after Joey Barton’s deflected free kick secured a 1-0 win at Preston North End.

With only the top two gaining automatic promotion to the riches of the Barclays Premier League, Sean Dyche’s Burnley moved a point clear of Middlesbrough and three ahead of third-placed Brighton and Hove Albion.

Middlesbrough, who have a game in hand, can regain top spot when they host Ipswich Town today, and Brighton, who have also played a game less than Burnley, are away at relegated Charlton Athletic.

Barton scored the only goal after six minutes when his curling free kick cannoned off the wall and wrong-footed Chris Kirkland, the Preston goalkeeper, on its way into the net.

Burnley, who have two matches left in the season, could have extended their lead in the second half when they hit the woodwork twice in quick succession.

Andre Gray’s effort hit the post and George Boyd clipped the top of the crossbar with a shot from distance as Burnley extended their unbeaten league record to 21 matches.