Derby County sit in the driving seat for securing a spot in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs
Derby County sit in the driving seat for securing a spot in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs

Sky Bet Championship promotion betting: the race for the Premier League


The Sky Bet Championship promotion race is nearing its conclusion as three teams battle it out for a place in the top six and a potential chance of reaching the coveted Premier League.

It is the most exciting few weeks of the footballing calendar, as the fate of 12 teams across three divisions and their season's worth of effort could be over in the space of a week.

In the Championship, the underdogs of Preston and Millwall challenge Derby County for that final spot in the top-six.

Aston Villa and Middlesbrough have already secured their place, and will be joined by either Cardiff or Fulham, depending on who misses out on second.

Tom Carnduff looks at the remaining fixture for each side, and assesses their chances of potential promotion to the top-flight.

Derby lead the way in the first Sporting Life Accumulator of 2018
Derby County celebrate

Derby County

Current position: 6th

Played: 45

Points: 72

Goal difference: +19

Sky Bet odds on top-six finish - 1/10


Remaining fixtures:

  • Barnsley (H)

A point away at Aston Villa has put Derby County in pole position going into the final day, but a victory would have seen the play-off race over.

They welcome Barnsley to Pride Park on Sunday, which may seem straight forward on paper, but the Tykes themselves have something to play for as they aim for survival.

A win either way would affect things at either end of the table. In all honesty, Derby should be looking at this one as a victory to seal their place, although a loss with results in their favour will do.

Preston manager Alex Neil
Preston manager Alex Neil

Preston North End

Current position: 7th

Played: 45

Points: 70

Goal difference: +10

Sky Bet odds on top-six finish - 6/1


Remaining fixtures:

  • Burton (H)

The play-offs seemed all-but-over for Alex Neil's men following a run of three successive losses, but recent results have thrown them back into contention.

They are now two points off the top-six with one game remaining, but it is now out of their hands as they hope that Barnsley will help them out with a win over Derby.

Similar to Barnsley though, Burton need a win to drag themselves out of the relegation zone and will come to Deepdale knowing that victory is vital.

Preston are in good form and will need to draw upon that if they are to move up a position.

They're 6/1 to reach the play-offs, and it will be a difficult ask given the circumstances surrounding it.

Neil Harris
Neil Harris

Millwall

Current position: 8th

Played: 45

Points: 69

Goal difference: +10

Sky Bet odds on top-six finish - N/A


Remaining fixtures:

  • Aston Villa (H)

Attack, attack, attack.

That's got to be the mentality of Millwall when they host Aston Villa on the final day.

The Lions need to win, hope that Preston fail to secure victory and that Barnsley beat Derby, whilst also shifting a nine-goal swing in their favour.

The play-offs may be mathematically possible, but it will be too much of an ask for Millwall to make it.

Regardless, it's been a terrific season for Neil Harris and his men and they'll be looking to build on that next season and go one better.


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Page last updated at 0930 BST 30/04/2018

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