Brighton star can help Ipswich to promotion

Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento can help Ipswich achieve promotion if they win their three remaining matches.

Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento is assisting Ipswich Town in their surprising drive for the Championship crown.

The Tractor Boys returned to the top of the Championship with a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday, with Sarmiento, who arrived to Portman Road on loan in January, playing the first hour. It was the Ecuadorian’s fifth Championship start with Ipswich.

Leaders Ipswich, second-placed Leicester, and third-placed Leeds are separated by only two points, with the Foxes having played one fewer game, while Southampton, who have two games in hand on both the Tractor Boys and United, are six points behind. If Ipswich and Leicester win their remaining games, they will advance to the play-offs, leaving Leeds and Southampton behind.

Ipswich has played 43 games, scored 89 points, and has a +32 goal differential. Their final three matches will be against Hull (a), Coventry (a), and Huddersfield (h). All three of their remaining opponents still have something to play for, with Hull and Coventry on the verge of the play-off race and Huddersfield fighting frantically to avoid relegation.

Leicester has played 42 games, scored 88 points, and has a +41 goal differential. They will face West Brom (h), Southampton (h), Preston (a), and Blackburn (h). Their fate, however, remains in their own hands, and with three of their last four games at the King Power Stadium, they will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage.

Leeds has played 43 games, scoring 87 points and having a +42 goal differential. Their opponents are Middlesbrough (a), QPR (a), and Southampton (h). Leeds, like the two clubs ahead of them, has experienced a wobble at the worst possible time. Monday’s trip to Middlesbrough is followed by another away game against QPR before Southampton travel north for a final-day battle.