Two points separate the top four sides in the Championship going into this weekend’s action, with leaders Southampton in danger of falling out of the automatic promotion spots for the first time this season.
Nigel Adkins’ men wasted no time in acclimatising to life back in the second tier, surprising those who bet on the Championship to quickly build up a healthy lead over the rest. Southampton were faultless at home during the opening months of the season and picked up regular points on the road.
However, since defeat against Bristol City at the end of November, they have won just two of seven Championship games, losing their last two. Defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday could see Southampton slip three places to fourth – an unthinkable prospect not so long ago.
West Ham United are the side best placed to dislodge Saints – only goal difference separates the two sides at the top. West Ham visit Portsmouth on Saturday, a week on from their disappointing cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The FA Cup exit could prove to be a blessing for West Ham in the promotion race with those who watch football live at Upton Park much preferring a promotion charge to a cup run.
Cardiff City sit in third just two points behind Southampton, after just one Championship defeat in 13 games. They may not have the stars of previous years but have a great team spirit under Malky Mackay and are serious contenders for promotion. Cardiff take on relegation-threatened Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend.
Level on points with Cardiff are Middlesbrough, who entertain Burnley on Saturday. They have lost just once at the Riverside Stadium and have one of the best away records in the league. There is a six-point gap between Boro and Reading behind them in fifth.
The top four sides are pulling away – it is up to the rest to catch them.
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