How The Championship Relegation Battle is Shaping Up

Its that time of year again for clubs in and around the Championship drop zone to begin to panic. Every result now is season-defining, and in such a tight and tense league one game can shift the dynamic entirely. Below is the state of play heading into the all-important final three matches.

At the foot of the table, with Blackpool and Wigan all but certain to go down, a number of teams battle it out to avoid the third space in the drop zone. Reading currently sit 22nd following a poor run of form and a six-point deduction, but can take solace from back-to-back home draws against Burnley and Luton.

A point separates Reading, who recently parted ways with Paul Ince, from QPR, whose dismal run of form since Mick Beale's departure has seen them fall from the top of the table to a scrap for safety. Both Neil Critchley and Gareth Ainsworth have struggled to find a winning formula at Loftus Road, and the Hoops are in serious trouble. A point against play-off hopefuls Norwich on Wednesday has kept them ahead of Reading, who have far superior goal difference, but could Ainsworth and company come up short come the final day?

Huddersfield Town are next in line looking to avoid the drop. The Terriers looked favourites to go down not long ago, but the Neil Warnock effect is in full flow, and everyone's favourite manager has put together a truly miraculous run of results to completely open up the battle. Survival is truly in Huddersfield's hands as they face fellow strugglers Reading and Cardiff in the run-in.

Like Warnock at Huddersfield, Sabri Lamouchi has rejuvenated Cardiff City since his arrival. Coupled with the added firepower of Sory Kaba in January, Lamouchi has his side in a fantastic position to secure their status in the Championship. The Bluebirds are two points clear of Reading and have a game in hand, but anything can happen in the Championship, and any sudden results below them could prove catastrophic for Cardiff.

Rotherham United have enjoyed a very solid return to the Championship. Many tipped the Millers for relegation but a fantastic start to the season under Paul Warne and some positive results since his departure have nearly paid off. A three-point cushion could mean one more win may be enough for Matt Taylor's team to keep their place, but relegation isn't completely off the cards just yet.