Premier League-bound: Who will grab promotion to the big league?
Published:
Just two games remainin the Championship title race. Three teams can’t go into two – so somethingmust give.
Norwich City lead the way on 88 points and look almostcertain grab one of the automatic promotion spots.
Chasing them down are Sheffield United on 85 points andanother three points behind are Leeds United.
Eight months of toil boils down to a duo of games where tearswill be shed and heroes made.
We take a look at the three contenders’ remaining fixturesand how it could all turn out.
Norwich City
Form
The Canaries looked to be soaring into the Premier Leaguejust one month ago, but a run of four straight draws have cast doubt among thefans.
It’s taken two late equalisers in the final ten minutes tosnatch draws from Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday recently.
They do have the league’s top scorer in Teemu Pukki and hemay have to reach 30 goals to calm any fears of losing their heads.
Remaining Games
Daniel Farke’s boys host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday nightand could secure promotion with a point if Leeds lose to Aston Villa on Sunday.
The last day of the season could be tricky with an away dayat Villa. Dean Smith has masterminded a ten-game winning run that has brokenclub records and they are easily the form team in the league right now.
Norwich are 1/4 for the title but won’t want to go to Villa Park looking for three points. Although with 12:30pm kick-offs across the board – game management will be key.
Sheffield United
Form
Two straight stalemates earlier this month may have opened the door for their rivals.
But two wins from the last two have steadied the ship andhave left destiny in their own hands for a return to the top-flight.
There is still a sniff of the title at 11/4 and the Blades may fancy their chances with both games against teams with nothing but pride to play for.
Remaining Games
Already-relegated Ipswich Town visit on Saturday who haven’twon this month and are treading water until the season is wrapped up.
If Chris Wilder’s men can run up a score then it would heappressure on Norwich in the late kick-off to bag the win themselves.
A flying start against Stoke City on the final day could bejust what they require, with Leeds waiting on any slip ups.
Leeds United
Form
Two straight defeats have seen them out to 13/8 for a return to the Premier League Promised Land.
They need snookers and help from League One-bound Ipswich tomake the top two now.
After such a strong start to the campaign, they have twogames to avoid the lottery of the play-offs.
Remaining Games
The eleven extra goals scored by Sheffield United may be vitalhere. But with the pressure off, Leeds must take six points from their finaltwo matches.
Marcelo Bielsa will know what is required when they meet Villaon Sunday, and a victory could be crucial in stopping the Midlands sideswinning momentum.
An end of season saunter away to Ipswich, should see threepoints – but will it be too little too late by then?
View the latest Championship odds
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
