As the 2024/25 Sky Bet EFL Championship season enters its final stretch, the battle for promotion and the fight to escape relegation are rapidly intensifying.
There are only a few matches remaining, and each game carries significant weight in determining the fate of the clubs involved. As such, fans are anticipating some dramatic matchups to come and are keeping a close eye on the Championship relegation odds.
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The Promotion Race Heats Up
The clubs sitting atop the Championship league table, vying for promotion and cup glory, are currently in a tight race for victory.
Leeds United currently (as of April 15, 2025) lead the Championship table with 88 points from 42 matches – boasting a strong goal difference of 53. Matching the 88 points is Burnley, but with a goal difference of 44, and Sheffield United follow closely behind the promotion positions at 85 points, respectively – although Sheffield United carry a two-point deduction due to defaulting on payments to other clubs during the 2022/23 season.
Leeds United’s upcoming fixtures against Oxford United (18 April) and Stoke City (21 April) over the Easter weekend are crucial. Snatching the full three points in these matches could solidify their position at the top, especially if Burnley falter in their games against Watford – although Burnley vs Sheffield United on April 21 could be a crucial game for deciding the promotion teams.
Play-Off Contenders
Beyond the three clubs fighting for the two promotion spots, the race for play-off spots is also fiercely competitive. Sunderland, Bristol City, and Coventry City are all vying for the four play-off positions underneath Sheffield United.
The upcoming clash between Bristol City and Sunderland on Good Friday is particularly pivotal, potentially reshaping the play-off landscape.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
Way down at the other end of the table, the fight to avoid relegation is equally intense.
Plymouth Argyle sits at the bottom, and Luton Town matches their points – currently three points from safety – while Cardiff City also remains in the bottom three. Derby County, Hull City, Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Oxford United are all clubs within six points of the drop zone, so the risk is very present.
Key fixtures, such as Derby County vs Luton Town and Cardiff City vs Oxford United, could be decisive moments that solidify the fat of the soon-to-be relegated clubs. Should Sunderland claim victory, they’ll be even closer to stealing one of the top two spots for automatic promotion. Should Bristol City snatch the win, this could cement their position in the play-off spots.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season set to conclude on Saturday, 3 May, 2025, and the play-offs scheduled shortly thereafter, the coming weeks promise a whole heap of high-stakes football.
Clubs will be aiming to secure their own objectives. For some, this means making it into the automatic promotion spots or reaching play-off position. For others, it simply means holding onto Championship status and escaping the relegation zone.
As the season reaches its climax, fans can expect thrilling encounters and dramatic twists, as well as surprises to the Championship betting, epitomising the unpredictable nature of the Championship that we’ve seen through the years.
