When Chris Wilder left Sheffield United last weekend, most seemed to think that it was a bad move for the club. Despite the club being rooted to the bottom of the Premier League for the entire campaign there had been no discontent towards their manager, and it was felt that he would be the best man to have them challenging for a quick return.
In this respect, most pointed to Norwich City who retained the services of Daniel Farke despite their relegation last season, a decision that has paid dividends. Norwich City have been at the top of the Championship for most of the season, and are currently ten points clear of their nearest challengers with ten games remaining. Barring a disastrous collapse, Farke’s team will be back in the Premier League next season, and are odds on to do so according to allvideoslots CA. The big question is: who will be joining them?
All three relegated teams have been in the hunt this season. While Norwich have bossed things, both Watford and Bournemouth have been up there despite their managerial upheaval. Such wranglings are normal at Vicarage Road, and the disruption hasn’t made any real difference. However, after years of stability under Eddie Howe, Bournemouth are now onto their second manager since he left, and their form has faltered.
Watford currently sit in second place, and it is looking like the fight for the second automatic promotion spot will be a three-way battle between the Hornets, Swansea City, and Brentford. Watford are the most consistent of the three sides, while their Premier League experience could stand them in good stead. Swansea have also been fairly consistent, though are prone to the occasional surprising defeat, recent heavy losses to Huddersfield Town and Bristol City being prime examples. And Brentford – who went so close last season – have been wobbling over the last month or so, losing four of their last seven games.
Reading have enjoyed a decent season, and sit comfortably in the play-off places. However, their run-in includes trips to in-form Barnsley, second-placed Watford, and champions-elect Norwich City, while play-off contenders Cardiff City – who have seen a revival under Mick McCarthy – and Swansea City will both be visiting the Madejski Stadium.
There is often a team that makes a late run towards the play-offs, and this season’s surprise package who have stormed into the play-off places in recent weeks are Barnsley on the back of eight wins in their last nine games. Cardiff City have also dragged themselves into the mix following the departure of Neil Harris, having lost just once since Mick McCarthy arrived in the Welsh capital.
As things stand, it seems fairly certain that Norwich City will be taking the Championship title; the real interest lies in who will be joining them in the Premier League. It really is too tough to call, and the last ten games are going to be well worth watching.
