Easter weekend marks a crucial point in the English Football League Championship season. With only four games remaining, much is still at stake. Promotion spots are still open, playoff positions are not yet decided, and several teams are fighting to stay in the league and avoid relegation to League One. In fact, about 17 of the 24 teams in the league are involved in these critical battles.

Friday, April 18th, kicks off a round of important matches. A key game is the Midlands derby between Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion, which could significantly impact the playoff race. Luton Town, trying to avoid consecutive relegations, faces Derby County away. On Monday, Luton hosts Bristol City, another team aiming for the top six. Can Millwall break into the playoff spots? Is a great escape possible for Plymouth Argyle? Here’s what to watch for in the Championship`s Easter weekend double match schedule on Friday and Monday:

1. Is Automatic Promotion Already Decided?

It seems unlikely Leeds could lose their lead now. Throughout the season, Daniel Farke`s team has played the most impressive football in the league. They are the top scorers by a significant margin and have a strong defense, rivaled only by Burnley’s and their goalkeeper`s outstanding performances. In a league known for its competitiveness, Leeds` expected goal difference per game is remarkably high, close to Barcelona`s dominance in La Liga. Coventry, the next best team in this statistic, is far behind.

Leeds is a strong team that appears ready for the Premier League. However, similar things were said last year and in the 2018-19 season, only for their campaigns to falter towards the end. They are currently five points clear with four games left, but it`s still Leeds. Farke is working to keep the team focused. He stated before Friday’s game against Oxford that maintaining emotional balance is key to success in this league, avoiding burnout and conserving energy for when it truly matters.

By the time Leeds plays, they will know if Burnley has overtaken them and, importantly, if Sheffield United has closed the gap, which is currently a concern for Chris Wilder`s team. Sheffield United has lost their last three games and are five points behind the top two, effectively six due to a significant goal difference. They must win against Cardiff on Friday and then win their remaining matches.

Wilder said that pressure is a privilege, dismissing it as an excuse and emphasizing the need to embrace it. They will need to perform under pressure. Even then, it might not be enough. Leeds has managed to win their last two games, and Burnley remains unbeaten in the league since early November. Neither team looks likely to slip up. However, Sheffield United has a chance when they play Burnley at Turf Moor on Easter Monday. A win there would put them firmly back in contention.

The Race for Promotion

Team P GD Pts
1 Leeds United 42 53 88
2 Burnley 42 44 88
3 Sheffield United 42 24 83
4 Sunderland 42 19 76
5 Bristol City 42 9 64
6 Coventry City 42 5 63
7 West Bromwich Albion 42 12 60
8 Middlesbrough 42 10 60
9 Millwall 42 0 60
10 Blackburn Rovers 42 0 56

2. Playoff Form is Key

A major concern for Sheffield United is their form heading into the playoffs if they can`t turn things around. Momentum is crucial at this stage of the season, and Sheffield United currently lacks it. Sunderland`s form has dipped slightly since February, but they seem secure in fourth place. Below them, the competition for the remaining two playoff spots is tight.

Bristol City currently holds one of these spots but faces a potentially difficult game against Luton on Monday, as Luton fights to avoid relegation. After that, will Leeds and Preston have much to play for when they play Bristol City? Since the start of the year, Bristol City has been one of the Championship`s most in-form teams, performing well against teams they are likely to face in the playoffs. Beating Sunderland on Friday could be a strong statement before the playoffs next month.

Coventry appeared to be peaking at the right time after the international break, and their strong expected goal difference suggests they should be taken seriously if they reach the playoffs. However, they have only gained four points in their last four games. Frank Lampard`s West Bromwich Albion could close the gap if they beat Coventry.

Middlesbrough is another team capable of inconsistent runs. A 2-0 win against Blackburn earlier in the month moved them up to fifth, but losses to Leeds and Millwall have dropped them to eighth. Millwall`s win puts them firmly in the playoff mix as they travel to Blackburn. A win for Millwall against Blackburn could effectively eliminate Blackburn from playoff contention. Millwall then has home games against Norwich and Swansea, neither of whom have much to play for, suggesting a potential path to the top six for Millwall.

3. Intense Relegation Battle

With four games remaining, the bottom of the Championship table is incredibly tight. Three teams will be relegated, and only Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers are likely safe due to a slightly better goal difference. The loser of the game between Preston and QPR on Friday will be nervously checking other scores afterward.

QPR`s manager, Marti Cifuentes, stated that while 50 points usually guarantees safety, it`s not mathematically certain yet, and it’s important to try to win the remaining four games.

The Bottom of the Championship

Team P GD Pts
15 Queens Park Rangers 42 -6 50
16 Preston North End 42 -8 49
17 Oxford United 42 -17 48
18 Stoke City 42 -11 47
19 Portsmouth 42 -16 46
20 Hull City 42 -9 45
21 Derby County 42 -10 43
22 Cardiff City 42 -21 42
23 Luton Town 42 -26 40
24 Plymouth Argyle 42 -38 40

This relegation battle is unpredictable. Last week`s game between Portsmouth and Derby demonstrated this perfectly. In the 90th minute, Portsmouth was dangerously close to the relegation zone, trailing 2-1 at home. However, Rob Atkinson scored in the 91st minute, earning them a crucial point and reducing Derby`s points total.

None of the teams in 22nd to 24th place seem completely out of contention. Luton has shown improved form with three wins, three draws, and two losses since the beginning of March. Their game against Derby is crucial as Luton tries to avoid a second consecutive relegation. Cardiff will hope Sheffield United`s struggles continue and will aim to draw Oxford United into the relegation mix. Oxford United, in their first Championship season, initially performed well under Gary Rowett in December but struggled in February and March. However, three wins in their last five games have put them closer to securing another season in the Championship.

Stoke is also gaining points at the right time, and Hull has only lost twice since March. Hull`s remaining fixtures are particularly interesting among the relegation-threatened teams. Their final two games, at home against Derby and away to Portsmouth, could be decisive this season.

Much might depend on Plymouth`s performance. When Plymouth sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year`s Eve, they looked destined for relegation, not just due to their points deficit but also their poor performances. Expected goals statistics still suggest they are the weakest team in the division. Easter games against playoff contenders Middlesbrough and Coventry could highlight their weaknesses. However, this stage of the season is often known for unexpected turnarounds.

Predictions

Top two: Leeds and Burnley
Play offs: Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City, Middlesbrough
Promoted: Coventry City
Relegation: Cardiff City, Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle