Without wanting to put the fear into anyone, some interesting twists and turns tonight for those of you keeping an eye on the Championship. I like to check who is in with a chance of getting into the Premier League every now and again, albeit that we still most certainly don't know who we'd prefer given relegation still remains a distinct possibility.
So tonight Burnley could only manage a draw against play-off chasing Cardiff, which allowed Middlesbrough and Brighton to narrow the gap by thumping Huddersfield and beating Birmingham respectively. That means autos are still a three-way battle, realistically I don't think anyone else can do it although Hull if they win their game in hand may not be totally out of the running. It means that after looking like Brighton would run away with it, then 'Boro (with some dramatic Karanka shenanigans), then finally Burnley, we're now back to everyone being none the wiser.
The other three play-off places are taken up by Sheffield Wednesday, who just beat Lambert's Blackburn, and Derby and Hull, who played each other, with Johnno getting a good result. That cements Derby's place in the top six, gaining two points on Cardiff. With six games to play though, there's still plenty of time for Cardiff to make up the gap if any of the two or three teams above them lose form. Our old crisp packet covered friends down the road are probably too far away now following a disappointing 0-0 against relegation candidates Charlton.
So who would I like to see go up and who do I think will? First part depends on whether we get relegated of course, and I'd prefer the strongest teams to go up if we are and the weakest ones if we don't, although it's probably much of a muchness. That means for me, if we're relegated, Hopefully Hull, 'Boro and Burnley to be promoted. If we stay up, ideally Brighton, 'Boro (assuming it needs to be two in the likely autos) and then either Sheffield Wednesday or perhaps Cardiff (although the latter' status as our bogey team in the PL puts me off...)
As for who I think will, that's really tough. I can't see Burnley failing to make the autos at the moment, with a favourable fixture list and the key match at home to 'Boro on the 19th April. Despite going away to Burnley, 'Boro edge it for me on the other spot, but it's a tough call - they've got some tricky fixtures, but face Brighton at home on the last day of the season. I'd say the favourite for the play-off win will probably the one of those three that fails, but I can't help feeling that the timing of missing out is important - if it happens on the final match of the main season, that could be enough to knock confidence as it is difficult to pick yourselves back up again. But if it's a game or two before, you have time to recharge and prepare. For me, the Boro v Brighton match looks like the decider and if Brighton miss out I suspect they won't make it through the play-offs. Hull look like the most dangerous play-off team with their promotion experience, but they are hitting bad form at the wrong time, so I'm going to call it as our good friends Derby.
So tonight Burnley could only manage a draw against play-off chasing Cardiff, which allowed Middlesbrough and Brighton to narrow the gap by thumping Huddersfield and beating Birmingham respectively. That means autos are still a three-way battle, realistically I don't think anyone else can do it although Hull if they win their game in hand may not be totally out of the running. It means that after looking like Brighton would run away with it, then 'Boro (with some dramatic Karanka shenanigans), then finally Burnley, we're now back to everyone being none the wiser.
The other three play-off places are taken up by Sheffield Wednesday, who just beat Lambert's Blackburn, and Derby and Hull, who played each other, with Johnno getting a good result. That cements Derby's place in the top six, gaining two points on Cardiff. With six games to play though, there's still plenty of time for Cardiff to make up the gap if any of the two or three teams above them lose form. Our old crisp packet covered friends down the road are probably too far away now following a disappointing 0-0 against relegation candidates Charlton.
So who would I like to see go up and who do I think will? First part depends on whether we get relegated of course, and I'd prefer the strongest teams to go up if we are and the weakest ones if we don't, although it's probably much of a muchness. That means for me, if we're relegated, Hopefully Hull, 'Boro and Burnley to be promoted. If we stay up, ideally Brighton, 'Boro (assuming it needs to be two in the likely autos) and then either Sheffield Wednesday or perhaps Cardiff (although the latter' status as our bogey team in the PL puts me off...)
As for who I think will, that's really tough. I can't see Burnley failing to make the autos at the moment, with a favourable fixture list and the key match at home to 'Boro on the 19th April. Despite going away to Burnley, 'Boro edge it for me on the other spot, but it's a tough call - they've got some tricky fixtures, but face Brighton at home on the last day of the season. I'd say the favourite for the play-off win will probably the one of those three that fails, but I can't help feeling that the timing of missing out is important - if it happens on the final match of the main season, that could be enough to knock confidence as it is difficult to pick yourselves back up again. But if it's a game or two before, you have time to recharge and prepare. For me, the Boro v Brighton match looks like the decider and if Brighton miss out I suspect they won't make it through the play-offs. Hull look like the most dangerous play-off team with their promotion experience, but they are hitting bad form at the wrong time, so I'm going to call it as our good friends Derby.
