Image source, Getty Images

It's been a sensational start to the season for Sergej Jakirovic's Hull City.

The 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on Monday lifted them to within two points of second-placed Boro.

Today's opponents Stoke were set fair for a promotion push of their own but a brutal December saw them lose four and win just one of six matches.

They have a very good recent record in East Yorkshire though, they've won on their past four visits to the MKM Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

Pressure is on Middlesbrough as they travel to mid-table side Derby County in an important game for the visitors.

After failing to win any of their past three league matches, Boro will feel a win is crucial today otherwise they could drop from second to fourth by the end of the day.

But the Rams will be a far from easy task for Kim Hellberg's side as the hosts are unbeaten in each of their past five home league games against Middlesbrough since a 2-1 Championship defeat in April 2018.

They have been average as of late though, 14th in the Championship table with just one win in their past six matches, losing twice and drawing three times.

Image source, Getty Images

Bristol City host a Portsmouth side who officially have the worst away record this season to date in the Champiosnhip.

They have only won once on their travels away from Fratton Park, drawing four times and losing five.

A win for the Robins today could be crucial because if they pick up three points and results go their way, they could end up jumping into the top six positions.

John Mousinho's Portsmouth come into this game off the back of a thrilling win over Charlton that saw them score a 98th-minute winner after conceding a late equaliser just one minute prior.

The Blues are actually unbeaten in their past four matches with two wins and two draws.

Image source, Getty Images

One down, 11 to go on this bumper New Year's Day in the Championship.

Here's what's still to come:

• Bristol City v Portsmouth
• Charlton Athletic v Coventry City
• Derby County v Middlesbrough
• Hull City v Stoke City
• Ipswich Town v Oxford United
• Preston North End v Sheffield Wednesday
• Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City
• Southampton v Millwall
• Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
• Watford v Birmingham City
• Sheffield United v Leicester City (17:30 GMT)

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales

To further put Ollie Rathbone's stunning return from injury into context, he now has three goals in just five league appearances this season.

Even more remarkably, those efforts have come at a rate of a goal every 42.7 minutes, such has been his lack of game time due to injury.

Here's how the table looks after that big win for Wrexham this lunchtime.

The Red Dragons are now up to eighth in the Championship table, while Blackburn's 19th-placed standing could well slide with the other sides around them still to play this afternoon.

Speaking of other games, we have 11 more matches to bring you across a busy day of action in the second tier.

Ten games kick off at 15:00 GMT before tonight's big match between Sheffield United and Leicester City at 17:30 GMT.

Kevin Gallacher
Former Blackburn striker on BBC Radio Lancashire

It was a poor performance - start to finish.

I thought the midfield were all over the place, the service up to the front players was pretty poor. The defenders, when looking at the front players, saw no movement, and when we did get the ball forward there was still a lack of runners in behind.

It was a very difficult day and it was made difficult with Wrexham's opening goal, from then Blackburn were never at the races.

For me today, there wasn't any positives, Wrexham wanted it far more. You're hoping the manager can get players in early, and early starts tomorrow.

Image source, PA Media

That's it. Three wins on the trot.

Wrexham did all the damage in the first half with those goals from Sam Smith and Ollie Rathbone.

Moussa Baradji was a whisker from halving the deficit after the break, but that was as good as it got for the disappointing hosts.

Wrexham dominated and move within a point of the play-off spots.

Blackburn, with one win in nine, will hope they don't drop any closer to the relegation places after this afternoon's 3pm kick-offs.

George Thomason skips away down the left in space and fizzes over a cross.

The delivery has too much on it and sails over Ryan Longman's head.

Wrexham continue to threaten.

We have five minutes of stoppage time.

Another hopeful ball is lofted into the Wrexham box is headed away.

Rovers have considerable injuries among their forwards and it shows.

Aside from Moussa Baradji's deflected effort against the bar, it's hard to see where a goal is coming from on this evidence.

Kevin Gallacher
Former Blackburn striker on BBC Radio Lancashire

You get those days where you know something special can happen.

Rathbone has come as a player for Wrexham and he's done what he's meant to do - scoring against the team he supported as a young kid.

It's a special moment, coming back to your hometown club, you know your mates are watching.

Wrexham have deserved it, they've gone beyond and above to get the result today.

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales

A deserved ovation for Ollie Rathbone as he made his way off the pitch there.

A very proud Mr Mick Rathbone, Ollie's father and former Blackburn player, applauded his son as he headed to the dugout there too.

Yuki Ohashi finds a rare bit of space in the Wrexham box.

He takes a step and again looks for the far corner, but drags his shot comfortably side.

Moussa Baradji then gets up to meet a right-wing cross but it lacks any power and bounces gently into Arthur Okonkwo's tummy.

Ollie Rathbone gets a well-earned ovation as he makes way for Harry Ashfield.

The ole's ring around the Wrexham end as the visitors knock it around the back.

Lewis O'Brien makes way for the returning Liberato Cacace in Phil Parkinson's latest change.

Image source, PA Media

Valerien Ismael decides it's time for another change as Axel Henriksson is replaced up top by Dion De Neve.

Ollie Rathbone has his dad - a former Rovers man - watching on in the stands and has been everywhere this afternoon.

Mick must be a little conflicted.

Blackburn get a little sustained spell of pressure and Lewis Miller sends a ball into the mixer. But the Red Dragons deal with it.

Kevin Gallacher
Former Blackburn striker on BBC Radio Lancashire

I don't think any of the players can moan about the manager taking them off because I don't think there's anyone who has merited anything.

It just shows the inconsistencies when you're trying to put a team together. It becomes frustrating for the manager, it's up to the players to play the best they can.

The players don't understand how to do it as a team, they can do it as individuals and I think that's where they're struggling.

Sondre Tronstad makes a vital interception on the edge of his own box as Wrexham again build quickly down the left.

Blackburn struggling to create anything of note. If anything, Wrexham look the more likely to get the game's third goal.