The Championship has proven to be one of the toughest divisions to get out of, with the ever-increasing level of competition across the board creating a league in which anyone can beat anyone on their day. A number of clubs who have dropped down from the Premier League can vouch for how difficult it is to bounce back, and while finishing in the top two is the ultimate goal, reaching the play-offs presents a great opportunity for one of the four teams to secure promotion in arguably the best possible way – at a fully packed Wembley stadium in an euphoria atmosphere like no other.
This season's play-offs promise to be the most enthralling and dramatic in recent history, with four strong teams set to battle for the substantial riches that are on offer in the Premier League. Leeds United are still in the hunt to gate-crash the party at the last minute, despite enjoying a lengthy spell in the top six which lasted twenty-five matches, but their late dip in form looks set to prove hugely costly as Garry Monk's team are playing catch-up at the worst possible time. Their loss will leave the quartet of Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading and Fulham to fight it out for a place in the top flight, and while Bookmaker Ratings will find it difficult to pick a winner from four teams who have more than earned their right at a shot at Premier League football next season.
Huddersfield have surpassed many people's expectations by mounting a strong promotion challenge, and while the Terriers will have to settle with a play-off spot after Brighton and Newcastle mathematically secured a top two finish, David Wagner's side deserve huge credit for pushing them all the way. The former Borussia Dortmund coach, who worked alongside Jurgen Klopp, has made a big difference at the John Smith's Stadium since arriving at the club in November 2015, with his ability to transform Huddersfield into a team capable of promotion in his first full season in charge proving why the 45-year-old is held in high regard. Huddersfield may not have the biggest budget in the Championship, but Wagner has utilised his knowledge of German football to make some shrewd signings, most notably Elias Kachunga, Chris Lowe and Christopher Schindler who have been integral to their success this season. The loan signing of Aaron Mooy from Manchester City has also proved to be a masterstroke, with the 26-year-old midfielder thoroughly deserving his nomination for the PFA Championship Player of the Year after a superb season.
Huddersfield have certainly caught the eye with their free-flowing, high pressing game, but while they are likely to be installed as the favourites with the bookmakers listed on Bookmaker Ratings, Wagner's men are unlikely to have things their own way with three other strong teams in the play-off mix. Jaap Stam is another manager who is on the cusp of leading his team to the play-offs in his first full season in charge, with Reading making a strong case to return to the Premier League after a 4-year absence. The Royals have certainly been one of the most entertaining teams in the Championship this season, but their ability to go from the sublime to the ridiculous could prove their downfall. Their excellent home form is not matched by a poor away record in which Reading have suffered heavy defeats at Brentford (4-1) and Fulham (5-0), along with the most recent collapse at Norwich (7-1) which took many by surprise. Conceding over 60 goals may give Stam cause for concern, and while he may believe that his team can outscore anyone in the division, his defence do not resemble the strength, leadership and all-round qualities that he displayed during his playing days.
Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham may go into the play-offs as the in-form teams, with both putting together a superb run of results at exactly the right time. The former are looking to go one further after losing in the play-off final against Hull at Wembley last season, with Carlos Carvalhal working miracles once again at Hillsborough. Five straight wins has seen the Owls storm back into the play-off picture after a rocky period left them looking nervously over their shoulders, and, like Fulham, appear to have capitalised on Leeds' late collapse. Having one of the best defensive records in the Championship is one reason why Sheffield Wednesday will feature in the play-offs once again, and if Carvalhal can continue to get the best out of Fernando Forestieri and Barry Bannan, then they could be the team to watch.
The same could be said for Fulham who look a completely different team under Slavisa Jokanovic. His remarkable turnaround of a club who have flattered to deceive and struggled in the Championship in recent years into one that looks more than capable of returning to the Premier League has led to strong interest in his services, but his decision to sign a new two-year contract is a sign of his commitment to the Cottagers. Four straight wins has put Fulham in a great position to pip Leeds to a play-off spot, with impressive victories at Norwich and Huddersfield proving that they should be taken seriously. Being the highest goalscorers in the Championship with 82 goals clearly shows where their strengths lies, and if Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen can extend their fine run of form, then Fulham could continue to ride their crest of a wave all the way towards the Premier League.
