WHO WOULD WIN PROMOTION RACE?

The Championship automatic playoff places look like it could go down to the wire with three teams closely placed at the top. Norwich City, Leeds City and Sheffield United are separated by two points on the league table in what is the tightest promotion race in years.

Norwich have been the surprise team of the season as not many predicted their rise in form at the beginning of the campaign. The Canaries have been lethal in front of goal netting a league-high 75 goals and are led by Championship top scorer Teemu Pukki. However, they have conceded more goals than their rivals due to their expansive style of play.

Leeds United led the league for long periods of the season before a poor run of results saw Norwich overtake the club on the standings. Led by the cerebral tactician Marcelo Bielsa the Whites are the most tactically diverse of the three teams. Win the form of Pablo Hernandez the club has one of the best playmakers in the league and are quite adept at shutting opposition attacks.

Sheffield United have also been a surprise package with their attacking display being one of their major strong points. Led by mercurial forward Billy Sharp who has netted 22 goals in the league the Blades have been impressive of recent winning four of their last five games in the league.

Former Manchester United star Darren Fletcher has already made his mind about who would make it in the promotion race. Speaking on a talk show last week the Scottish international backed Norwich to take the first of the two automatic positions.

The Championship is going to experience a feast of football in the next round of fixtures as Leeds City host Sheffield United at Elland Road. The game is a promotion six-pointer and Derby can take the next step to a return to the EPL with a victory against their rivals.