The final few weeks of the English Championship have arrived, with everything still to play for in England’s second-tier.
That being said, its time to keep one eye on the Championship and the teams at the top, three of which will be playing in the Premier League next season if they manage to secure promotion. In case you’re not familiar with how this works, the bottom three from the PL at the end of this season get relegated to the Championship, and the two teams who finish first and second in the Champions gain automatic promotion to the world’s most-watched league.
(MORE: Latest Championship standings)
Then, as if that wasn’t enough excitement, teams who finish third through sixth in the Championship battle it out in the playoffs, with the winner of the final at Wembley securing a place in the PL in what’s been dubbed as ‘soccer’s richest match’ with the cash windfall for promotion exceeding $150 million. Wowza.
Each week from now until the end of the season, will check in on the Championship to see the ecstasy and agony of those teams fighting to make it to the big-time after a gruelling 46 game season.
Some massive teams are on the brink of promotion, can they get themselves over the line?
Automatic aspirations
Current position: 1 – Leicester City – Games played 38, points 85
The Foxes have one hand on the Championship trophy, as they beat second-placed Burnely 2-0 away at Turf Moor last weekend with two stunning goals in the sunshine. Tough trip to FA Cup holders and in-form Wigan Athletic awaits in midweek, before the Foxes host Sheffield Wednesday on Friday. Pivotal three day stretch coming up.
Current position: 2 – Burnley – Games played 39, points 79
After defeat to Leicester, the Clarets are starting to wobble a little and losing star striker Sam Vokes for the rest of the season will hurt them. A tricky game away at playoff hopefuls Watford awaits this week. Can Sean Dyche’s side hold onto second spot? They have a nine point cushion over QPR with seven games to go, but anything can happen…
Current position: 3 – Queens Park Rangers – Games played 39, points 70
Harry Redknapp’s men have recovered after a blip which saw them lose four in seven but now QPR are three games unbeaten. Possessing the best squad in the Championship, by far, it has been a disappointing season for Redknapp’s men who were relegated from the PL in 2012-13. However, they’re still in with a shot of automatic promotion if they can finish strong. Playoff chasing Bournemouth away this weekend for the R’s.
Top six certainties
Current position: 4 – Derby County – Games played 39, points 69
Steve McLaren has turned Derby into playoff certainties and they have an outside chance and nicking second place. The American and Canadian ownership group who run the Rams have this week stated the club is no longer in debt to them, as good times are ahead for the Pride Park outfit. Middlesbrough away this weekend.
Current position: 5 – Wigan Athletic – Games played 38, points 63
New manager Uwe Rosler has had a tremendous start to life at the DW Stadium, with the Latics in the FA Cup semifinal and making a strong surge towards the playoffs. Last weekend Jordi Gomez missed a last minute spot kick which would’ve sealed victory over Lancashire rivals Bolton, but Wigan remain on course for the playoffs as they aim for an immediate return to the PL. Big week, as they host Leicester and Leeds.
Play Off pretenders
Current position: 6 – Reading – Games played 39, points 60
The Royals have been wobbling under Nigel Adkins, as they could only draw at home to Huddersfield on Saturday. It is now six games without a win at the Madejski Stadium at precisely the wrong time of the season. Only three wins in their last 10 games could scupper Reading’s chances of making a return back to the PL at the first time of asking. They face relegation haunted Charlton Athletic away this weekend.
Current position: 7 -Nottingham Forest – Games played 39, points 58
Managerless Forest have made a right pig’s ear of the final few months of the season. For so long this season Forest were flying under Billy Davies, but the Scotsman was relieved of his duties last week as the two-time European champions slid down the standings. However, they are only two points and one place below the playoffs so all is not lost. Rumors of Stuart Pearce taking over at the City Ground are rife, a big win against lowly Millwall could be exactly what they doctor ordered.
Current position: 8 – Ipswich – Games played 39, points 58
The Tractor Boys have had a fine season under Mick McCarthy and are threatening to make a late run to the playoffs. Portman Road has become a fortress and Ipswich are one of the toughest teams to play against. Organized and solid, they will be hoping to beat Blackburn at home this weekend.
Current position: 9 -Brighton – Games played 38, points 56
Oscar Garcia has seen his side slip towards midtable after a run of three-straight defeats. The South Coast club are an attractive side to watch, but too often this season they’ve come up against teams who’ve out battled them. If they lose to Blackburn in midweek, they can almost kiss their playoff dreams goodbye.