The Championship: an exciting promotion race with a potentially dull conclusion | OneFootball

The Championship season is coming toward its closing stages and the excitement is about to reach the next level.

A proper title race

The Premier League title race is as flat as it could be. It is good news for the neutral that a team other than Manchester City is going to lift the trophy, but Liverpool are so far ahead that there is no excitement or uncertainty.

Source: ESPN.com

The Championship on the other hand has not disappointed. Leeds United and Sheffield United are both tied on 80 points at the top of the table and Burnley are only two points behind. The play-offs race is equally as fascinating.

A number of teams are still in with a shot of competing in the two-legged tie which could see them make it to Wembley, where they will face one final challenge to make it to the English top flight.

There could be an underdog story

Coventry City are one team currently in the promotion play-offs. The former English giants were in League Two as recently as 2018 and suffered from financial problems and dwindling attendances. They lost the play-off final against Luton Town a couple of years ago, but could have another shot at glory this time around in what would be quite the story.

Bristol City going up would arguably be an even greater spectacle. Not only are they from an area in England which has not experienced great footballing success, but they as a club have not played in the top tier since 1980. Currently, they are level on points with West Brom, outside the play-offs solely on goal difference.

With only six points separating sixth from 12th, there is still every chance a team which has not competed in the Premier League for a number of years will claim the prize of promotion.

A possibly underwhelming conclusion

A close title race and the possibility of different teams from the norm winning promotion are all well and good. However, it is pretty much confirmed at least one of either Burnley or Sheffield United will go straight back up to the Premier League. As well as this, Leeds, who have spent time in the top tier in recent years, could be promoted.

All these teams have done their fair share in providing entertainment when they have been in the top flight. Leeds were exciting to watch under Marcelo Bielsa and Sheffield Utd did well on their Premier League return in 2019/20. Sean Dyche’s Burnley even qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

On the whole, however, all three teams have struggled and are used to low finishes which often result in relegation. Supporters of other top flight clubs would surely far rather have a new away day destination than once again travelling to play one of these teams.

The ideal scenario

Those who get nostalgic about the prime Barclays era would love to see Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers back in the Premier League. West Brom may also be welcomed back, although in the past they have not been the most exciting club to watch.

Ideally, at least one team which has not experienced the Premier League for a while will go up. It is worth noting that Millwall are only six points off the play-offs. Their presence would bring about some fiery London derbies which would be a great watch.

Ultimately, two of Leeds, Sheffield Utd and Burnley are likely to be promoted. The neutrals will just have to hope a team that is vaguely interesting manages to claim the final spot.