Either Watford’s Gianfranco Zola or Hull City’s Steve Bruce will be in the Premier League come 2.30pm this afternoon
It is the final day of the npower Championship today and come 12.45pm half the teams in that division will be bidding for the chance to play in the Premier League next season, cement their play-off place or avoid relegation to the third tier of English Football.
Cardiff City are the only club certain of playing in the top flight next season after they lifted the Championship trophy last weekend, whilst Sean O’Driscoll’s Bristol City will certainly be playing in League One next season after their relegation was confirmed two weeks ago.
Hull City, who are currently second in the league, can end a three-year exile from the Premier League if they match Watford’s result this afternoon.
Steve Bruce’s side host champions Cardiff City at the KC Stadium whilst Watford need to beat Leeds United at Vicarage Road and hope Cardiff get at least a point to secure their first appearance in the Premier League since 2007.
Meanwhile Crystal Palace, who have not won any of their last nine matches, can secure a play-off place if they beat relegation battlers Peterborough United. A draw will be enough for Ian Holloway’s side if Nottingham Forest fail to beat rivals Leicester City by more than six goals.
Another side who can confirm a place in the end of season play-off’s today if they beat Blackpool at the Reebok Stadium and Forest do not win by four goals. They can keep their hopes alive for an instant return to the top tier of English football if they draw and Forest’s match at the City Ground also finishes level.
Billy Davies’ side need to beat Leicester today and hope that either Palace or Bolton lose to ensure that they end in the play-offs.
However, Leicester City still have a chance of finishing the season in the top six. But, their hopes of a dream to Wembley rely totally on the results of other sides.
Nigel Pearson’s side have to beat Forest, at a ground where they have not won in the league since 1972, and hope that Bolton fail to win.
Meanwhile at the bottom of the table six teams are fighting to avoid relegation. Wolverhampton Wanderers who currently occupy one of the two remaining relegation places will be down unless they fail to beat play-off side Brighton at the Amex Stadium and Peterborough and Barnsley lose. Dean Saunders’ side also need to recuperate a four goal swing over the Posh to ensure they avoid back-to-back relegations.
Barnsley will drop into League One if they fail to beat Huddersfield. They will also be relegated should they draw at the John Smith’s Stadium and Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday avoid defeat in their respective games.
A win for David Flitcroft’s side will see them survive.
The Tykes’ opponents Huddersfield Town need just a point to ensure they are playing in the npower Championship next season. Millwall, who reached the semi-final of this season’s FA Cup, also need a point to avoid the drop.
Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough will be relegated if they lose and either Barnsley or Wolves win with a four goal swing. Should Wolves or Barnsley win a draw would not be good enough to save the Posh if Sheffield Wednesday avoid defeat by more goals.
A win for the 2011 League One play-off winners will be enough to remain in the second tier.
To secure Championship football for the second successive season at Hillsborough, a win for Wednesday will secure their safety against a Middlesbrough side that have nothing to play for.
Words: Adam Grice
Photo: Sky Sports
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