The battle for the Championship title has been one of the most competitive seasons in recent years. Demoted clubs Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton have made use of their large wage budgets and quality players to sit comfortably in the upper reaches of the table.
Conversely, newly promoted Ipswich Town have shocked many through their sensational run. Kieran McKenna’s side were promoted from League One last season but are now competing with powerhouses that were in a European semi-final only two years ago.
As the season comes to an end and each team have must-win games, it is crucial to look at the form and performances of each team, and most importantly who will win the Championship.
Leeds United
After poor form in December, winning just three games from seven, many wrote Leeds off in their bid for the title. What would follow is a brilliant run of 12 victories from 13. This form has catapulted the Yorkshire-based side into first position. A key victory for the Whites was against Leicester, where the side was dominated for much of the game but took their chances when it counted to gain all three points.
The emphasis on the youth at Leeds is seen by key players Ethan Ampadu and Crysencio Summerville. Both players are under 23 and have played prominent roles for Daniel Farke. A further revelation for the Yorkshire side has been Archie Gray. At just 17-years-old, the youngster looks very promising and played a decisive role in the victory over the Foxes as he scored the winning goal. Now just eight games remain, can Leeds continue their impressive form and withstand rivals Leicester and Ipswich to win the Championship?
AMAZING SCENES AT LEEDS. Elland Road erupts after Archie Gray scores 83' winner for 2nd-place Leeds against 1st-place Leicester. Goal was 1st-ever for 17yo, whose father, grandfather & great uncle all played for Leeds. Imagine not loving football. 😍pic.twitter.com/y8oLhIDTun
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 23, 2024
Leicester City
The leaders for much of the 2023/24 campaign have recently seen a drop in form at just the wrong time. The Foxes have lost a 10-point lead at the top following defeats to Leeds, Middlesbrough, and QPR ; Enzo Maresca’s dominant style has been figured out by his competition. Regardless of the recent dip, Leicester have been brilliant this season. Stand-out performers include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jannik Vestergaard, and Abdul Fatawu.
The quality of the system used and the players within it have created a formidable side that has led much of the season. With the season end coming closer, Maresca’s side will look to emulate their unstoppable start to the season.
Ipswich Town
The big surprise of this season is newly promoted Ipswich. With a squad much less expensive compared to the competition, they have performed exceedingly well. A brilliant job by Kieran McKenna saw his side battle it out at the top for much of the season.
Leif Davis has also impressed through his displays this campaign, picking up 14 assists from full-back and being an integral part of the defence. The Tractor Boys’ consistency will need to continue if they want to gain promotion.
Southampton
Currently nine points off the leaders, Southampton have also seen a slump in results. Despite this, they are still in contention for the title as they have two games in hand. If they win both they could become just three points adrift. Furthermore, the Saints still have to play Leeds and Leicester in hugely decisive games to the outcome of the Championship this season.
Key players this season include Kyle Walker-Peters and Adam Armstrong, who have put their Premier League experience to good use. Therefore, Southampton still have a chance at glory if they pick up form.
Writer’s View
Overall, all teams included still have a chance at winning the league, but the form from Leeds and Ipswich make it hard to believe they won’t be the two gaining automatic promotion. Leicester’s drop-off and financial issues behind the scenes will hurt their end of the season. As for Southampton, they have dropped too far away and have the toughest run of games to the end of the season. Therefore, Leeds look most likely to become champions.