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As the 2024/25 season approaches its final stages with just 11 matches left, the competition for promotion from the Championship to the Premier League intensifies.
Leeds currently sits at the top of the table, enjoying a remarkable 17-game unbeaten streak dating back to December. However, the team, managed by Daniel Farke, is not in the clear just yet, as their lead remains precarious.
Chasing closely are Sheffield United and Burnley, trailing by three and five points respectively, while Sunderland is also in the mix, hoping to reclaim a top-two spot that seemed secured earlier in the season.
Let’s take a look at the Championship standings and the upcoming fixtures for the top teams…
Analyzing the Contenders for Premier League Promotion
1st – Leeds, 76 Points
After a bitter disappointment in last season’s play-off final against Southampton, Leeds is on a determined path back to the Premier League. Farke’s squad boasts the best home record in the Championship alongside a commendable away performance, aiming for a total points haul of 100 by season’s end. With an impressive tally of 72 goals, they are the highest-scoring team across England’s top four divisions. Despite losing three matches—each by a narrow 1-0 margin—their resilience has been notable since their last defeat on November 30.
2nd – Sheffield United, 73 Points
Sheffield United faced a two-point penalty earlier due to financial shortcomings but swiftly overcame this setback. They lit up the league with 15 victories in their opening 22 matches, leading the table at Christmas. However, some setbacks against direct rivals such as Burnley and Sunderland, as well as a draw against West Brom, have allowed Leeds to take over the top spot. Nevertheless, the Blades have rebounded with eight wins from their last ten games, firmly positioning themselves in the promotion race.
3rd – Burnley, 71 Points
Burnley has shown resilience since their relegation from the Premier League last season. A thunderous start, highlighted by impressive wins, set a strong tone for the campaign. Maintaining their position within the top four since September, the team’s exceptional defensive capabilities, seen in their 25 clean sheets and just 10 league goals conceded, underscore their competitive edge. Their defense notably emerged unscathed until a recent match against Cardiff.
4th – Sunderland, 65 Points
Initially, Sunderland dominated the Championship early on, but inconsistency in November and December impacted their standings. The team suffered back-to-back losses in February for the first time this season, stalling their momentum. However, a crucial victory over Sheffield Wednesday has revitalized their hopes of securing automatic promotion.
The Play-Off Battle
With first and second positions likely out of reach for others, seven teams are vying for play-off spots as the season winds down. Frank Lampard’s Coventry is in fifth place with 53 points, closely followed by West Brom, Bristol City, and Blackburn, each at 52 points. Middlesbrough occupies ninth with 50 points, while Watford and Norwich are just lingering in tenth and eleventh places with 49 and 48 points respectively.
Looking Ahead
The culmination of the season promises to be thrilling as teams battle for their shot at Premier League football. The upcoming fixtures and performance in these final matches will be crucial for shaping the Championship landscape.
Essential EFL Podcast: Insights and Predictions!
The Essential EFL podcast from Sky Sports serves as a valuable resource for comprehensive coverage of the Championship, League One, and League Two. Tune in for forecasts on upcoming matches and insights from prominent players, analysts, and experts within the league.
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Source
www.skysports.com