News Mania / Agnibeena Ghosh/ 29th April 2024
The 2023/24 EFL Championship season is entering its decisive phase, with teams vying for promotion to the prestigious Premier League. While Leicester City has already secured their spot in England’s top flight for the upcoming season, the race for the second automatic promotion place and the composition of the playoffs remain undecided.
Leeds United and Ipswich Town are currently embroiled in a fierce competition for the top two spots, with Southampton now eliminated from contention. These three teams have secured at least a playoff berth as of April 27, intensifying the struggle for the fifth and sixth positions.
In total, three teams will earn promotion to the Premier League in 2024, replacing three relegated sides from the top flight. The allure of competing in England’s premier division, both in terms of prestige and financial rewards, makes the Championship promotion battle one of the most captivating in European football.
As the championship race unfolds, The Sporting News provides the latest updates on promotion contenders and the scheduling of the 2024 playoffs.
Leicester City made history by becoming the first team to secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2023/24 season. Their elevation was assured following Leeds United’s unexpected 4-0 defeat to QPR on April 26. Leeds currently occupy the second position in the table and have secured a playoff spot, alongside Ipswich Town in third and Southampton in fourth.
Ipswich Town holds a game in hand over Leeds, giving them a slight advantage in the quest for the top two spots. If Ipswich can secure a minimum of four points from their remaining two matches, they will secure promotion. The battle for the final two playoff spots is heating up, with West Brom, Norwich City, and Hull City vying for contention.
Hull City’s dramatic draw with Ipswich keeps their hopes alive for a sixth-place finish, although they must secure a victory against Plymouth Argyle and rely on West Brom’s defeat to Preston North End on the final day to clinch the playoff berth.
Leicester City’s promotion celebration came without kicking a ball, courtesy of Leeds’ surprising defeat to QPR. With two games remaining, Leicester can focus on securing the Championship title, which they will accomplish by winning both matches or if Ipswich Town fails to accumulate at least five points from their remaining three fixtures.
The climax of the Championship season is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, when all 24 teams will play simultaneously. Subsequently, the teams finishing third to sixth will participate in the promotion playoffs. This knockout-style tournament comprises two-legged semifinals and a final to determine the final Premier League entrant for the upcoming season.
In the semifinals, the team finishing third will face the sixth-placed team, while the fourth-placed team will take on the fifth-placed team. The first legs of the semifinals are slated for May 12 and May 13, followed by the return fixtures on May 16 and May 17.
The eagerly anticipated Championship playoff final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 26, culminating in an exhilarating showdown to determine the ultimate promotion victor.
