The penultimate weekend of the EFL Championship has been settled. With one more weekend of fixtures to be played, Here is a round-up of this weekend’s EFL Championship action and results.
Friday Night’s Action
Newcastle United kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Cardiff City. That win saw the Magpies close the gap to just one point behind leaders Brighton. They then awaited the Seagulls home fixture on Saturday against Bristol City.
Saturday Afternoon’s Action
At The Top
Brighton & Hove Albion swung the door open for title-chasing Newcastle United. Brighton lost 1-0 at home to Bristol City, a loss that could hand the title to Newcastle. Chris Hughton’s side remain at the top but only one point ahead of second-place Newcastle. On the other hand Bristol City have secured their Championship status as they are now 17th with 54 points.
Play-Off Hunt
In the West-London derby Fulham drew 1-1 with Brentford. However despite only picking up a point, Fulham remain in the play-offs in 6th. Also they remain three points above Leeds, heading into the final weekend of the season. Fulham play Sheffield Wednesday next Sunday, as they look set for the final play-off spot.
As for Leeds United they came from three goals behind to draw 3-3 with Norwich City. That point did them no favours as they remain in 7th, three points adrift of Fulham and the final play-off spot. Leeds shall host Wigan Athletic next Sunday, anything less than a win shall not beneficial.
Wigan Athletic Relegated
After a 1-0 loss away to Reading, Wigan Atheltic have been relegated back to League One after one year in the Championship. The Latics will finish second from bottom in 23rd. Additionally they shall return to the third of English football after just one season in the second-tier.
Relegation Scrap
As for the rest of the relegation battlers; Blackburn Rovers secured three huge points with a 1-0 over Aston Villa. However they are not out of trouble yet, as Rovers remain in the drop-zone in 22nd. They are level on points with Nottingham Forest. Rovers travel to Brentford next Sunday as they look to secure their Championship status.
Birmingham City also gained three huge points with a 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town. The Blues now sit in 20th, two points clear of the drop-zone with one game left to play. They travel to Bristol City next Sunday, at this point they will be hoping to collect maximum points to ensure of their safety.
Nottingham Forest endured a tough trip to the capital, as they lost 2-0 away to Queens Park Rangers. Defeat for Forest was damaging for their survival hopes because next Sunday shall be most nerve-racking for Forest fans. They host Ipswich Town at home.
Burton Albion have seemingly set themselves up for a fairly comfortable final day with a 1-1 draw against Barnsley. The Brewers sit in 18th, three points clear of the drop-zone with the final weekend looming. They host Reading next Sunday.
Rest of The Action
Sheffield Wednesday ran out 1-0 winners away to Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Elsewhere Preston North End drew 1-1 with already relegated Rotherham United. Finally, Derby County beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 at Pride Park.