The Championship is back after the international break and the three teams fighting it out for two automatic promotion spots at the top of the league have just eight games to go in the season. In the driving seat at the moment are Norwich, while Sheffield United hold onto the second spot and Leeds are currently the team on the outside looking in, and currently missing out. There is a long way to go though, and winning games and getting points on the board is the name of the game, something that all three clubs will be looking to achieve this weekend.

Both Leeds and Sheffield United kick off at 3pm, with Norwich playing in this game later at 5:30pm, so by the time they take to the field they will know what they are playing for. Will Sheffield United have closed the gap to just one point, or will the gap still be four, giving Norwich a golden opportunity to create a seven point gap at the top, and really stamp their authority on the promotion race. It is all exciting, and there is still everything to play for.

Norwich travel to Middlesbrough, and this is a hugely important game for them too, and one they would love to take something from. The Championship playoff race is just as tight as the automatic promotion race, and as far as the playoffs go, we have seven teams battling it out for two spots, separated  by just four points.

The club at the top of that mini league, and holding onto 5th position right now is Middlesbrough. However, they have really let themselves down over the last few games, and got dragged into this race when they should actually have been well clear of it. That is because they have not won in their last four games, with one draw and then three consecutive defeats before the international break. That break could have come at the right time and saved them, giving them a chance to regroup and work out where to go next, we will find that out with how they play here. It won’t be easy though, they are taking on the best, and the most in-form team in the league at the moment, and one who has everything to play for.

The Battle For The Premier League

Five points separate the top three clubs in the Championship, with two of those teams set to gain automatic promotion and one set to miss out and be in the playoffs. Behind them, West Brom are clear of the playoff battle, but too far away from the top to challenge for an automatic spot. They are in no mans land really in terms of a battle, but unless something dramatic happens they are assured of a place in the playoffs as they look to gain promotion.

Below them is where it gets really interesting, as who ever misses out from this next batch has no chance of promotion, and they will have to come and have another go next season. Middlesbrough and Aston Villa are the two teams with playoff positions to their names right now, although neither are sitting too comfortably. Middlesbrough have just a one point lead over their opponents, while  Aston Villa are only in due to having a better goal difference. They will not doubt be looking over their shoulders with worry and rightfully so.

Outside of the playoffs, Preston have performed very well in recent months to climb the table and only goal difference is keeping them out. They have performed very well to even get into the race, and momentum is certainly with them at the moment.

Both Derby and Bristol City have been around the playoff positions for a while now, but neither is showing the kind of form needed to get back in. Derby have won just one of their last five, while Bristol City have failed to register a win in the same period. If they continue to play like that, they will certainly not be making an appearance in the playoffs.

Below those two, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest round off the hopefuls and Wednesday are a very interesting team. They were in deep trouble earlier this season, and sacked their manager before appointing Steve Bruce to come in and take charge. Since he’s been running the show, things have taken a massive change for the better, and Wednesday have miraculously dragged themselves into contention for the playoffs.

They won their last two games before the international break to really pull into contention, and they must be raring to get back to playing football as they look to climb even further. Should Wednesday make the playoffs, it would have to go down as one of the most dramatic and impressive surges up the table during the second half of a season that we have ever seen.

Middlesbrough vs Norwich Betting Tips

This game is going to have huge implications on both the automatic promotion places and also the playoff positions. One thing is for certain, regardless of what happens here and in the other games this weekend, Norwich will still be top of the league after this game. A bad weekend will see them with just a one point advantage, while the best possible weekend will give them a seven point gap and that is simply huge at this stage in the season.

While I don’t think they will end up with the seven point gap they would love, I do think they are good enough to go to Middlesbrough and take advantage of this Middlesbrough team, who are worryingly failing right now. Norwich are one of the best teams in the league on their day, and recently we have seen them have their day a lot. I’m backing them to have another successful day here.

Middlesbrough are struggling to remain in the playoffs, and they have a big fight on their hands. I don’t think they will take anything from this game, and I also think that after the weekend they will be outside of the playoff positions.

I’m siding with the top of the table Canaries here, I fancy a Norwich win and a continuation of their impressive recent form.

Receive exclusive betting tips and offers directly to your inbox. Receive exclusive betting tips and offers. SIGN UP