It might initially sound like a ridiculous question, but when you consider that 24th-placed Preston sit just 15 points behind sixth-placed Ipswich, it’s clear that every team in the Championship still has something to play for. Very few are safe from the possibility of relegation, while there are bound to be some surprise names in the play-off positions come May.

Although the race to be automatically promoted is still relatively open, in truth it’s hard to see past West Brom and Watford occupying the two berths. Bristol City fans may argue that their team are level on points with the pair, yet surely the long season will eventually take its toll on Gary Johnson’s small squad. Similarly, Stoke City have been going great guns with their collection of loan signings, yet the Potters rely too heavily on the firepower of Ricardo Fuller.

Quite simply, the teams benefiting from Premier League parachute money are at a distinct advantage, not that you could tell from Sheffield United’s performances this season! The Blades were tipped by many to win the division, but have alternated between good and bad performances in equal measures. Former manager Neil Warnock is having fun at Crystal Palace, though. Since taking over, he’s steered them from 24th to eighth, with Clinton Morrison back to his prolific best.

'The teams benefiting from Premier League parachute money are at a distinct advantage, not that you could tell from Sheffield United’s performances this season!'


They sit just behind the Jekyll-and-Hyde team that are Ipswich Town. You’d be a rich man if you’d backed the Tractor Boys to win all their home games and lose all their away fixtures this season. The contrast between their form at Portman Road (35 points accrued) and on their travels (four points) is nothing short of remarkable, but can manager Jim Magilton do anything about his travel-sick team? Or are they just not very good but have fans that create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams?

Then you’ve got the draw specialists of the Championship - step forward Ian Holloway’s Leicester with 12 notched to date. It’s no laughing matter for the Foxes, whose inability to score more than a point leaves them teetering just above the relegation zone. Wolves are another team with a penchant for finishing games level (ten draws to date) and the scoreline was no surprise when the two teams met before Christmas - a 1-1 draw.

That said, Holloway has guided QPR to promotion from League One and also taken Plymouth to within a sniff of the Championship play-offs, so he’ll certainly be looking up at Ipswich, 12 points ahead of his team, rather than Scunthorpe, Colchester and Preston below.

This trio are the only teams in the division whose sole aim is to avoid relegation; Scunny because they’re a small promoted club, the U’s because they’re a small club punching above their weight and PNE because they’ve got barely any money, a small squad and have recently changed their manager.

Who are your picks for automatic promotion? And who do you think will make the play-offs? Post your comments below.