Ipswich, Leeds, and Leicester win again: A review at the Championship promotion battle

admin | April 2, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

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).

Two months ago, Ipswich appeared to be crumbling, but they have stood up to the most extreme pressure. Given their fantastic record, it’s easy to forget that this is their first season back in the Championship, and when they scored a winner in the seventh minute of extra time against Southampton, back-to-back promotions seemed closer than ever. One area of concern for manager Kieran McKenna is their defence, which has conceded 20 more goals than Leeds and 16 more than Leicester, and the next derby against Norwich is certainly a big game. They will go into it with no fear, having lost only five games all season.

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).

Leicester’s comeback victory over Norwich on Monday was huge for the club. They appeared to have been promoted two months ago, and were 17 points ahead of Leeds at the turn of the year. However, a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road was costly, coming after a run of two wins in seven. Their victory over the Canaries restored them to first place, but Ipswich and Leeds reacted, dropping them back to third. They have a game in hand against Southampton, which may be less stressful than it could have been if the Saints were still in the automatic battle. Veteran Jamie Vardy continues to bring experience off the bench, and this could become more apparent as the season progresses.