Ipswich, Leeds, and Leicester win again: A review at the Championship promotion battle
|The trio’s unrelenting form increases the likelihood that all three will finish with more than 100 points.
The Championship is heading for one of the most spectacular finishes in its history, with the division’s three top teams showing no signs of slowing down.
With the Easter programme done, Ipswich leads Leeds by one point in the two automatic promotion slots, with Leicester a further point behind.
The trio’s unrelenting form raises the chance of all three finishing with more than 100 points, and the PA news agency examines how the race could unfold.
Ipswich (First, played 40, points 87)
Run-in: Norwich (a), Watford (h), Middlesbrough (h), Hull (a), Coventry (a), Huddersfield (h).
Leeds (Second, played 40, points 86)
Run-in: Coventry (a), Sunderland (h), Blackburn (h), Middlesbrough (a), QPR (a), Southampton (h).
Daniel Farke’s team remains unbeaten in the league in 2024, as well as at home, throughout the season. A depleted squad drew against Watford in their first game back following the international break, before a late surge helped them defeat Hull 3-1 on Monday. Crysencio Summerville is the division’s best player, and with 17 goals and eight assists to go with Dan James’ 20 and Georginio Rutter’s 21, they have attacking talent to burn. However, the loss of midfield workhorse Ilia Gruev has exposed certain flaws, and Farke has yet to recreate the fluidity he gives to Leeds’ midfield. They need him back, just like Wales full-back Connor Roberts and Italy forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Leicester (Third, played 39, points 85)
Run-in: Birmingham (h), Millwall (a), Plymouth (a), West Brom (h), Southampton (h), Preston (a), Blackburn (h).