Going Up Or Going Down
With the season drawing top an exciting close, here’s a check on the latest state of play with the English senior divisions’ promotion and relegation issues.With the season drawing top an exciting close, here’s a check on the latest state of play with the English senior divisions’ promotion and relegation issues.
PREMIERSHIP
Champions: If they win their next two games (at Arsenal on 20 April and Fulham at Stamford Bridge on 23 April), Chelsea will be crowned champions for the first time since 1955
Champions League Qualifiers: Manchester United and Arsenal are vying for second place which ensures automatic qualification while Everton, Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers are also competing for third and fourth. The successful teams go in to the Qualifying rounds.
UEFA Cup Qualifiers: Fifth, sixth and possibly seventh, plus a possible place through the Fair Play League.
Relegation: Bottom three go down and it appears that only one of Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and Norwich City will survive. The latter two meet at Selhurst Park tomorrow.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Promoted: The top two go up and it seems to be a contest between Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town. Sunderland travel to Ipswich on Sunday.
Play-Offs: It looks like one of Ipswich, Wigan or Sunderland plus three out of Preston North End, Reading, Derby County, Sheffield United and West Ham United.
Relegated: Rotherham United are already down and two more will join the Millers.
LEAGUE ONE
Promotion: Luton Town clinched promotion in midweek and Hull City can claim the second promotion spot tomorrow (home to Swindon Town) if they match or better Tranmere Rovers’ result (home to Blackpool)
Play-Offs: Tranmere or Hull City plus three others out of Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Hartlepool United, AFC Bournemouth, Bristol City and Huddersfield Town. Hartlepool United welcome Sheffield Wednesday to Victoria Park tonight.
Relegated: Stockport County are down and will be joined by Peterborough United if the Posh have a worse result tomorrow (home to Walsall) than Milton Keynes Dons (away to Luton Town). Wrexham, Torquay United and Oldham Athletic join Walsall and Milton Keynes to avoid the two other places.
LEAGUE TWO
Promoted: In a close contest, the top three go up with Yeovil Town, Southend United and Scunthorpe United in position at the moment.
Play-Offs: As far down as Rochdale in tenth place are still hopeful of filling the final fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions.
Relegated: It’s the bottom two that go down and Cambridge United and Kidderminster Harriers have to make up a six and four point gap respectively on Rushden & Diamonds.
CONFERENCE
Champions: Barnet are back in the Football League after a four-year absence
Play-Offs: All down to Exeter City in tenth place in contention for four available places.
Relegated: Forest Green Rovers join already relegated Leigh RMI and Farnborough Town if Canvey Island beat Scarborough tomorrow. Forest Green don’t play again until Tuesday.
