Ally McCoist has claimed that the Championship promotion battle is now “wide open” following the weekend results of Leeds United, Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town.
With Daniel Farke’s side surrendering points against Huddersfield and Leicester losing to Queens Park Rangers, while Ipswich and Southampton won, the race for the top spot remains tight.
McCoist highlighted his initial belief that Ipswich would fall apart before their recent run of form, while praising Southampton and admitting Leicester had been dragged back into the fray.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [4 March, 06:55], McCoist said: “To be honest, I thought Ipswich had hit the buffers a little bit, but boy have they returned.
“I saw Southampton play at Liverpool; they banged the ball around and were entertaining to watch. Then there’s Leeds, which clearly drew at the weekend, and Huddersfield.
“It’s extremely difficult right now.” It appeared that Leicester were home and away, but it is suddenly wide open.”
Will Leeds United secure promotion from the Championship?
With the competition for automatic promotion slots, and perhaps even the title, heating up as the season nears its end, any of the top four teams can still mount a late charge.
The speed they’ve made at the top has been historic, but with only two spots to be shared by the four teams, at least two of Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds, and Southampton will have to compete in the playoffs.
Former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom recently backed Leicester in their promotion push, but conceded Ipswich would be a contender given their perceived overachievement.
Daniel Farke has Leeds United flying in the Championship.
Leeds began the season as one of the favourites, along with Southampton and Leicester, but if any of those teams fall into the playoffs, there is no guarantee they will return to the Premier League this season.
