Norwich are the first team out of the top three to play this weekend, and as they are already at the top, they have the chance to extend their lead even further. They go into the games this weekend with a two point advantage over Leeds and a four point advantage over Sheffield United, a win here could take those leads to five and seven respectively.

The Canaries are in pole position for an automatic promotion spot and a chance to go back into the Premier League, and with just 11 games to go, their chances look good. They have been playing very well recently, with five wins from their last six games and only a loss against Preston prevented them from winning all six. This is promotion form, there is no doubt about that, and if they win five of their next six then it is highly likely that they will go up.

This game represents a good chance for them to get off to a winning start, and they will really fancy their chances against Swansea. This is a first season back in the Championship for Swansea since relegation from the Premier League, and to be honest, they have failed to perform on a consistent basis, which is why they are down in mid table.

I don’t think there are too many questions to be answered by Swansea in terms of the quality of their squad, but they have to ask themselves how they can be more consistent in the future. The summer will be all about that for them, they need to add players to the squad and play in a way that brings them success on most weekends, not just every so often. That of course isn’t easy, but after a season to adapt and work things out, they should be more confident of doing that next season. If they manage it, there is no reason to think they won’t be pushing for the playoffs this time next year.

The Championship Automatic Promotion Race

Three teams are left in the battle for two automatic promotion places to the Premier League. Norwich, Leeds and Sheffield United have been the front runners for most of this season, if not all, and those three clubs are still in contention with just 11 games to go in the season. There is little to split the teams, but it is Norwich who are currently sat at the top of the league table right now, so they are in the driving seat.

One thing that Norwich are showing right now is promotion form, they have won five of their last six games and on top of that they are also playing well. Leeds have won just three of their last six, which has to be a worry for them although there is no doubting that they were simply fantastic in their win over West Brom at Elland Road last Friday. I don’t quite think it is time to panic yet for Leeds fans, as we have seen that on their day they are as good as anyone in this league, although three wins from six games is not promotion form.

Lastly, Sheffield United, and they are the club that are currently on the outside looking in, with four points between them and top club Norwich, and two between them and Leeds. One thing in their favour though is that they are unbeaten in their last six games, with four win and two draws during that period. Picking up points on a regular basis is vital, and those two draws could come back and really help United in the future, and could be the difference between automatic promotion and the playoffs.

On their day, all three are very good teams and I think something that has made this title chase even better this season is the fact that all three clubs play good, attacking football and they are fun to watch. Obviously we are seeing a lot of these three on TV at the moment, and they are providing us with good games, and they are scoring goals.

Something to think about and something that could decide where the two promotion places go is experience, although none of the three teams involved have an abundance of experience either in the top flight, or by getting promotion before. This is a new challenge for many of the players and staff involved here, and handling the pressure of that will be key to how they perform.

With so much on the line, as we approach the final few games of the season, it may be a case of who handles the pressure best gets promoted, rather than the better team out of the three. The prize on offer is as good as it gets in English football, and all the players will know that, and what it means to there fans. I think it is expected that nerves will appear, but who can keep a lid on theirs and perform to a high standard despite them?

Norwich vs Swansea Betting Tips

The inconsistency shown by Swansea this season has made them a hard team to get right. However, one thing is for sure with them, they have little to play for really and that means their game will be lacking in intensity compared to how Norwich are going to play. The Canaries, are of course fighting for their lives right now, with every point being key to their promotion chances. The pressure is on here, but the reward on offer is a five point lead at the top, which then flips the pressure onto Leeds and Sheffield United, who play on Saturday afternoon. Leeds especially have a tricky away tie, and the more pressure that Norwich can pile on them, the better.

I think that is exactly what Norwich will do, because I have them down to win this game against Swansea. These two teams are separated in terms of both quality and what they are playing for, and both give Norwich the advantage.

This game means a huge amount to them, while it doesn’t to Swansea, and I am backing a comfortable win for The Canaries as they continue their push to gain automatic promotion, and possibly go up as champions if they keep playing how they are doing right now.

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