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Just like last season in the Championship there is an incredible scrap developing between four huge teams for the two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.
MORE — Watch the Premier League on NBC Sports
Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley have pulled away from Sunderland in recent weeks but the aforementioned trio are within a few points of the other at the top and as always there are so many twists and turns in England's second-tier with at least 10 teams in the hunt for the playoffs.
Remember: only the top two teams will be promoted to the Premier League automatically, with teams finishing third to sixth playing in the playoffs which culminates in the "richest game in sports" in the final at Wembley, and one team grabbing the third and final promotion spot.
Below is the latest update on the Premier League promotion situation, with focus on the automatic and playoff hunts.
Last season in Premier League: 2022-23
Daniel Farke's side were the team to miss out on promotion last season after being in the top four basically all season long. They're extremely strong and have lost just four times this season, with USMNT attacker Brenden Aaronson, plus Manor Solomon, Joel Piroe and Dan James a brilliant front four in the second-tier. Leeds deserve praise for sticking with Farke after losing in the playoff final last season and that continuity has led to a very solid, impressive season so far. Leeds have one win from their last four as they've let Sheffield United and Burnley back in with a chance of winning the second-tier title.
Last season in Premier League: 2023-24
Chris Wilder has done an excellent job turning things around at Sheffield United, as that process started last season as they were clearly relegated from the Premier League some time before the end of the season. The Blades have a clear playing style and identity under Wilder and Kieffer Moore up top is important to that with Gustavo Hamer and Callum O'Hare full of energy breaking from midfield. Some big January additions in Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon has kicked them on and they've won three of their last four to put the pressure on Leeds.
Last season in Premier League: 2023-24
Scott Parker has built a defensive juggernaut as the Clarets have conceded just 11 goals (yes, nine) in their 38 games so far this season. Parker is excellent at organizing a team defensively and the Clarets are looking good for an immediate return to the Premier League. After losing manager Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich in the summer, Burnley have responded well and goalkeeper James Trafford is having a fine season.
Last season in Premier League: 2016-17
The Black Cats are the surprise-package in the hunt for automatic promotion and Bellingham is leading the charge. Jobe Bellingham, Jude's younger brother, that is. The 19-year-old midfielder has been a revelation and Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris was relatively unknown when he arrived from Lorient in the summer. He's not now. Sunderland are quick on the counter with loan signing Wilson Isidor a real find up top. Another loan signing in Chris Mepham has added experience to a very young side and although Sunderland aren't expected to finish in the top two, perhaps that is why they are so dangerous? They have fallen off in recent weeks as automatic promotion seems to be just beyond them now.
Last season in Premier League: 2000-01
Frank Lampard has done a magnificent job at Coventry, as they've won 13 of his 21 games in charge and lost just five teams. The Sky Blues were one of the teams expected to be in the playoffs this season and after a poor start to the season they've now charged up the table and are the in-form team. If they get there, you will not want to play against Coventry City in the playoffs.
Last season in Premier League: 2020-21
The Baggies coped fairly well with losing head coach Carlos Corberan to Valencia midway through the season, as former coach Tony Mowbray is their new boss and they are well-organized. West Brom have drawn 18 of their 38 games so far and with USMNT striker Daryl Dike returning, plus Josh Maja up top and loan signing Adam Armstrong banging goals in, they are winning tight games. The Baggies made it to the playoffs last season and have plenty of that squad still together to help them do it again.
Last season in Premier League: Never (last in England's top-flight in 1979-80)
Liam Manning is a fine young coach and the Robins have a brilliant home record, as they've only lost three times all season at Ashton Gate and two of those were narrow defeats to Burnley and Sunderland. Anis Mehmeti and Scott Twine are two forwards to keep a close eye on. Bristol City are probably the biggest club in England who have yet to be in the Premier League.
Last season in Premier League: 2016-17
Michael Carrick's side are clearly very talented and he's done a very consistent job over the last few years as Middlesbrough are always around the playoff places. Emmanuel Latte Lath was their main man up top but he has left for Atlanta United in January. Boro had a wobble early in the year but have recovered well and are back in the playoff hunt with three wins in their last four.
Last season in Premier League: 2011-12
Rovers are punching well above their weight and have hit a huge slump after John Eustace left as coach to take over at Derby County. Rovers have lost four of their last five games. They have run out of steam in recent weeks and it looks like their hopes of a playoff spot are fading fast.
Last season in Premier League: 2021-22
Young coach Tom Cleverley has done a really good job given all of the usual squad changes you'd expect with the ownership model of the Pozzo family and the Hornets a bit of a surprise package to be in this position. Giorgi Chakvetadze is a real talent in midfield and despite a wobble over the festive period and start of 2025, the Hornets are hanging in there.
Last season in Premier League: Never (last top-flight season 1989-90)
The Lions have won three of their last five and have gone from relegation candidates to playoff hopefuls. Alex Neil has yet again done a fine job at a Championship team as he also worked wonders at Norwich City and Preston North End. Millwall are tough to play against and have lost just three times in their last 11 games.
Last season in Premier League: 1999-2000
Danny Rohl has done an incredible job at Wednesday, arriving during last season and keeping them up and now they've been in the playoff hunt for most of this season playing aggressive, exciting football. Outspoken chairman Dejphon Chansiri is an issue off the pitch, with funds also a problem, as they weren't able to build on unexpectedly being in the playoff picture. Rohl has been linked with his former club Southampton this summer as the Owls clearly have a very talented young manager in charge.
Last season in Premier League: 2021-22
The Canaries are scrapping away but it's been the case of one step forward and one back all season long. After they lost in embarrassing fashion in the playoff semifinals to Leeds last season, David Wagner left and straight-talking Dane Johannes Hoff Thorup is now in charge. Borja Sainz is a real talent but Norwich need to keep him on the pitch, while USMNT striker Josh Sargent being out injured hit them hard but he's back fit and scoring goals. The Canaries could make a late, late push for the top six.
Continue reading...
MORE — Watch the Premier League on NBC Sports
Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley have pulled away from Sunderland in recent weeks but the aforementioned trio are within a few points of the other at the top and as always there are so many twists and turns in England's second-tier with at least 10 teams in the hunt for the playoffs.
Remember: only the top two teams will be promoted to the Premier League automatically, with teams finishing third to sixth playing in the playoffs which culminates in the "richest game in sports" in the final at Wembley, and one team grabbing the third and final promotion spot.
Below is the latest update on the Premier League promotion situation, with focus on the automatic and playoff hunts.
Premier League promotion focus 2024-25 season — Contenders for automatic spots
1st: Leeds United — 80 points, +51 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2022-23
Daniel Farke's side were the team to miss out on promotion last season after being in the top four basically all season long. They're extremely strong and have lost just four times this season, with USMNT attacker Brenden Aaronson, plus Manor Solomon, Joel Piroe and Dan James a brilliant front four in the second-tier. Leeds deserve praise for sticking with Farke after losing in the playoff final last season and that continuity has led to a very solid, impressive season so far. Leeds have one win from their last four as they've let Sheffield United and Burnley back in with a chance of winning the second-tier title.
2nd: Sheffield United — 80 points, +25 goal difference
*deducted two points due to defaulting on payments to other clubs during 2022-23 season
Last season in Premier League: 2023-24
Chris Wilder has done an excellent job turning things around at Sheffield United, as that process started last season as they were clearly relegated from the Premier League some time before the end of the season. The Blades have a clear playing style and identity under Wilder and Kieffer Moore up top is important to that with Gustavo Hamer and Callum O'Hare full of energy breaking from midfield. Some big January additions in Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon has kicked them on and they've won three of their last four to put the pressure on Leeds.
3rd: Burnley — 78 points, +41 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2023-24
Scott Parker has built a defensive juggernaut as the Clarets have conceded just 11 goals (yes, nine) in their 38 games so far this season. Parker is excellent at organizing a team defensively and the Clarets are looking good for an immediate return to the Premier League. After losing manager Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich in the summer, Burnley have responded well and goalkeeper James Trafford is having a fine season.
4th: Sunderland — 69 points, +18 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2016-17
The Black Cats are the surprise-package in the hunt for automatic promotion and Bellingham is leading the charge. Jobe Bellingham, Jude's younger brother, that is. The 19-year-old midfielder has been a revelation and Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris was relatively unknown when he arrived from Lorient in the summer. He's not now. Sunderland are quick on the counter with loan signing Wilson Isidor a real find up top. Another loan signing in Chris Mepham has added experience to a very young side and although Sunderland aren't expected to finish in the top two, perhaps that is why they are so dangerous? They have fallen off in recent weeks as automatic promotion seems to be just beyond them now.
In the playoff hunt
5th: Coventry City — 59 points, +7 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2000-01
Frank Lampard has done a magnificent job at Coventry, as they've won 13 of his 21 games in charge and lost just five teams. The Sky Blues were one of the teams expected to be in the playoffs this season and after a poor start to the season they've now charged up the table and are the in-form team. If they get there, you will not want to play against Coventry City in the playoffs.
6th: West Bromwich Albion — 57 points, +14 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2020-21
The Baggies coped fairly well with losing head coach Carlos Corberan to Valencia midway through the season, as former coach Tony Mowbray is their new boss and they are well-organized. West Brom have drawn 18 of their 38 games so far and with USMNT striker Daryl Dike returning, plus Josh Maja up top and loan signing Adam Armstrong banging goals in, they are winning tight games. The Baggies made it to the playoffs last season and have plenty of that squad still together to help them do it again.
7th: Bristol City — 57 points, +8 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: Never (last in England's top-flight in 1979-80)
Liam Manning is a fine young coach and the Robins have a brilliant home record, as they've only lost three times all season at Ashton Gate and two of those were narrow defeats to Burnley and Sunderland. Anis Mehmeti and Scott Twine are two forwards to keep a close eye on. Bristol City are probably the biggest club in England who have yet to be in the Premier League.
8th: Middlesbrough — 54 points, +9 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2016-17
Michael Carrick's side are clearly very talented and he's done a very consistent job over the last few years as Middlesbrough are always around the playoff places. Emmanuel Latte Lath was their main man up top but he has left for Atlanta United in January. Boro had a wobble early in the year but have recovered well and are back in the playoff hunt with three wins in their last four.
9th: Blackburn Rovers — 52 points, +2 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2011-12
Rovers are punching well above their weight and have hit a huge slump after John Eustace left as coach to take over at Derby County. Rovers have lost four of their last five games. They have run out of steam in recent weeks and it looks like their hopes of a playoff spot are fading fast.
10th: Watford — 52 points, -4 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2021-22
Young coach Tom Cleverley has done a really good job given all of the usual squad changes you'd expect with the ownership model of the Pozzo family and the Hornets a bit of a surprise package to be in this position. Giorgi Chakvetadze is a real talent in midfield and despite a wobble over the festive period and start of 2025, the Hornets are hanging in there.
11th: Millwall — 51 points, -2 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: Never (last top-flight season 1989-90)
The Lions have won three of their last five and have gone from relegation candidates to playoff hopefuls. Alex Neil has yet again done a fine job at a Championship team as he also worked wonders at Norwich City and Preston North End. Millwall are tough to play against and have lost just three times in their last 11 games.
12th: Sheffield Wednesday — 51 points, -6 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 1999-2000
Danny Rohl has done an incredible job at Wednesday, arriving during last season and keeping them up and now they've been in the playoff hunt for most of this season playing aggressive, exciting football. Outspoken chairman Dejphon Chansiri is an issue off the pitch, with funds also a problem, as they weren't able to build on unexpectedly being in the playoff picture. Rohl has been linked with his former club Southampton this summer as the Owls clearly have a very talented young manager in charge.
13th: Norwich City — 49 points, +6 goal difference
Last season in Premier League: 2021-22
The Canaries are scrapping away but it's been the case of one step forward and one back all season long. After they lost in embarrassing fashion in the playoff semifinals to Leeds last season, David Wagner left and straight-talking Dane Johannes Hoff Thorup is now in charge. Borja Sainz is a real talent but Norwich need to keep him on the pitch, while USMNT striker Josh Sargent being out injured hit them hard but he's back fit and scoring goals. The Canaries could make a late, late push for the top six.
Continue reading...
