FantasySports.co.uk takes its regular look at the Championship, after another weekend’s exciting round of fixtures, as the race for the Premier League, and to avoid the drop to Division One, hots up – with all 24 teams still with plenty to play for.
SESSEGNON STARS AS COTTAGERS CRUISE
The Fulham charge shows no sign of slowing down as the battered poor Burton Albion 6-0 at Craven Cottage, with hot property Ryan Sessegnon again playing a starring role, scoring twice to take his tally to 9 on the season, and re-enforcing the notion that he is destined for greater things. Fulham were far from a one man show though, as they rained 21 shots in on the Burton goal – just over one every 4 minutes. The win takes Fulham into seventh and just a point outside the play off zone – and with very winnable games upcoming (Barnsley A, Forest H, Bolton A in their next three), it looks inevitable they will break into the top 6 – and maybe higher still.
FOREST CAGE WOLVES
It was a surprise to see runaway leaders Wolves beaten 0-2 at home by the enigmatic Nottingham Forest, who cant seem to determine whether they are play off hopefuls or just looking to avoid relegation. Nothing to be taken from them though as they fully deserved the win, leaving Wolves fans just starting to wonder whether the wobbles are starting to set in – them only having two wins in the last five, albeit only losing one. They remain a solid 9 points clear at the top and the Division in their hands – but have some now awkward looking fixtures upcoming, and a pack chasing them to keep the pressure on.
PLAY OFF PICTURE AS CLEAR AS MUD
After a few teams seemed to break away before Christmas, the play off race is uber competitive, as several mid table teams have hit a purple patch, and closed the gap on those above them, who are now looking nervously over their shoulders. Cardiff in third place have 51 points – but are only 6 points clear of Fulham, whilst sixth place Sheffield United have 4 teams all within 3 points of them. Even Ipswich, currently in 12th place in the table, will see themselves as having opportunity to still get involved. 18 games to go and half the division in with a more than realistic chance of promotion. What a league the Championship is.
BOTTOM OF TABLE AS EXCITING AS THE TOP
Again, as cut adrift a few teams seemed to be pre Christmas, they have also closed the gap and now the bottom six are separated by just three points. Sunderland picked up a crucial three points against Hull City, whilst Birmingham gained a creditable point against Preston. Barnsley’s loss at Aston Villa brought their recent good run of form to a shuddering halt – but Reading’s home loss to Brentford will leave them feeling very nervy and looking over their shoulders. Next round of fixtures see Birmingham host Sunderland and Burton host Reading. Real six pointers.
LIONS SHOW BITE AT ELLAND ROAD
Anytime you see Leeds United hosting Millwall, you wonder just what headlines you will be reading the next morning – but this game was reported on for all the right reasons, as the two teams battled out a seven goal thriller, where the 33, 564 attendance watched 45 shots at goal, saw an early sending off, a fantastic 10 man comeback but ultimately Millwall show all their tenacity to finally best the short handed Yorkshire outfit and escape back to the capital with the three points, with the winner coming in the 91st minute. The win further moves the Lions away from the drop zone, but Leeds have now suffered three losses in their last four and have lost 11 on the season. They remain in the play off hunt, but have a shocking run of fixtures upcoming. Defense and discipline must improve or the natives may well become restless…..again!
Join us next week for our next review of the Championship picture!
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