The Easter weekend marks a crucial period in the English Football League Championship season. With just four games remaining, much is at stake. Promotion spots are still open, playoff positions are not yet decided, and numerous teams are fighting to avoid relegation to League One. Realistically, around 17 of the 24 teams are involved in these critical battles.
The upcoming games, starting Friday, April 18th, include key matches like Coventry City versus West Bromwich Albion, a Midlands derby with significant playoff implications. Luton Town, battling against consecutive relegations, will play Derby County away before hosting Bristol City, another playoff contender, on Monday. Millwall is aiming for a top-six spot, and Plymouth Argyle hopes to achieve a great escape from relegation. Here’s a preview of what to watch for in the Championship`s double-header weekend.
1. Automatic Promotion Still Up for Grabs?
Leeds United appears to be in a strong position for automatic promotion. Throughout the season, under Daniel Farke, they have displayed arguably the best football in the league, scoring significantly more goals than any other team. Their defensive record is also impressive. In a league known for its competitiveness, their expected goal difference is remarkably high, approaching levels of dominance seen in top European leagues. This indicates a team ready for the Premier League.
However, Leeds has faltered in similar situations in past seasons. Despite a five-point lead with four games left, past experiences temper expectations. Farke emphasizes maintaining emotional balance, stating the importance of consistent energy levels throughout this demanding league campaign to ensure strength when it matters most. This is especially relevant as they prepared for Friday`s game against Oxford.
By the time Leeds plays, they will know if Burnley has overtaken them and if Sheffield United has narrowed the points gap. Sheffield United, after losing their last three matches, is five points behind the top two, a gap that feels larger due to goal difference. They must win against Cardiff on Friday and continue winning. Manager Wilder stresses embracing pressure, but even maximum points might not guarantee automatic promotion. Leeds has managed to win their recent games, and Burnley remains unbeaten in the league since early November. These top teams seem unlikely to slip up significantly. However, Sheffield United has a crucial opportunity against Burnley on Easter Monday, which could significantly impact the promotion race.
The Race for Promotion
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds United | 42 | 53 | 88 |
| 2 | Burnley | 42 | 44 | 88 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 42 | 24 | 83 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 42 | 19 | 76 |
| 5 | Bristol City | 42 | 9 | 64 |
| 6 | Coventry City | 42 | 5 | 63 |
| 7 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 12 | 60 |
| 8 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 10 | 60 |
| 9 | Millwall | 42 | 0 | 60 |
| 10 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 0 | 56 |
2. Playoff Form and Momentum
For Sheffield United, a more immediate concern might be regaining form for the playoffs, should they miss automatic promotion. Momentum is vital at this stage, and Sheffield United currently lacks it. Sunderland`s form has dipped since February but they remain comfortably in fourth. Below them, several teams are vying for the remaining two playoff spots.
Bristol City holds one of these spots but faces a challenging game against Luton Town. Coventry City`s form after the international break suggests they could be a serious playoff contender, supported by their strong underlying performance data. However, recent results have been inconsistent, and they need a win against West Brom to maintain their position. Middlesbrough`s form has been erratic, while Millwall`s recent victory has put them in playoff contention. Their upcoming games could define their playoff chances.
3. Intense Relegation Battle
The bottom of the Championship table is incredibly tight with four games remaining. Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers are only slightly above the relegation zone. The loser of their Friday match will be anxiously watching other results. QPR`s manager, Marti Cifuentes, acknowledges that 50 points is usually enough for safety but mathematical certainty hasn`t been reached, emphasizing the need to keep winning.
The Foot of the Championship
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Queens Park Rangers | 42 | -6 | 50 |
| 16 | Preston North End | 42 | -8 | 49 |
| 17 | Oxford United | 42 | -17 | 48 |
| 18 | Stoke City | 42 | -11 | 47 |
| 19 | Portsmouth | 42 | -16 | 46 |
| 20 | Hull City | 42 | -9 | 45 |
| 21 | Derby County | 42 | -10 | 43 |
| 22 | Cardiff City | 42 | -21 | 42 |
| 23 | Luton Town | 42 | -26 | 40 |
| 24 | Plymouth Argyle | 42 | -38 | 40 |
The relegation battle is unpredictable. Portsmouth`s recent draw against Derby County highlighted this. The teams in the relegation zone, from 22nd to 24th, are not yet out of contention. Luton Town`s recent form has improved, making their game against Derby crucial. Cardiff City hopes for Sheffield United`s struggles to continue and aims to challenge Oxford United. Oxford has stabilized after a period of poor results following a strong start under Gary Rowett. Stoke City and Hull City are also gaining points. Hull`s final fixtures against Derby and Portsmouth could be decisive in the relegation battle.
Plymouth Argyle, despite a poor underlying performance data, might still find a way to survive. This stage of the season is known for unexpected outcomes.
Predictions
Top two: Leeds and Burnley
Play offs: Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City, Middlesbrough
Promoted: Coventry City
Relegation: Cardiff City, Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle
