The English Championship’s Battle for Premier League Promotion
With two matches left for most English Championship clubs, the battle for Promotion is hitting its high point. Eight clubs sit in contention for the Promotion playoff positions, the most at this point in years.
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While Watford and AFC Bournemouth have clinched spots in the promotion playoffs, they remain under attack from behind. Sitting at 85 and 84 points respectably, both sides are closely followed by Middlesbrough (84) and former Premier League side Norwich City (82).
Out of these four sides, Norwich have the experience in Premier League play and promotion. Excluding Norwich, none of the other three sides have played in the Premier League since 2008-09 when Middlesbrough was relegated.
While Norwich, Watford and Middlesbrough all have played in the Premier League in the past, Bournemouth have not. In fact, the Cherries are attempting to get their second promotion in three years.
Watford will be looking to avenge their 2012-2013 Playoff final loss against Crystal Palace, their supporters will be looking for a less stressful battle than their Promotion playoff match against Leicester City.
Also in the hunt for the automatic spots will is Middlesbrough. Suffering heart breaking losses in both the FA Cup and League Cup this season, Middlesbrough have defeated Manchester City and taken Liverpool to penalties.
If the Smoggies form in these big matches is any indication of what to expect from them late in the season, these final matches could be the most suspenseful yet.
Also in the fray for Promotion playoff positions are Derby (76), Ipswich Town (75), Brentford (72) and Wolves (72). All four clubs have relatively simple matches remaining. Should Ipswich and Derby win one of their remaining matches, it will be tough for either Brentford or Wolves to join them in the playoff.
Assuming that Derby and Ipswich manage to hold their current positions in the table, it should set up matches with the current third and fourth placed sides Middlesbrough and Norwich.
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While Watford still have a trip to American Express stadium against Brighton on the cards, the side should be able to take full points from the match. Bournemouth should also seal their first trip to the Premier League with matches against Charlton and Bolton.
With Watford and AFC Bournemouth also headed for the Premier League, I also believe that Middlesbrough will join them going up. Their big match form this season against such sides as Liverpool and Manchester City should be enough to put them through.
With three clubs headed down from the Premier League, three must find their way to the top. With the season winding down, these eight clubs will now battle in an effort to reach the pinnacle of English Soccer.
For these eight clubs, these next matches could be the biggest in the history of their club. Playing in the Premier League is one of the biggest honors a player can have. The question now remains, which players want it more?