22/1 and looking good

worth a tenner

The results that would put Swansea City in the play-offs ahead of Derby County, Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday


Just as you thought the play-offs were finally beyond Swansea City , an interesting set of results has dragged Graham Potter's side right back into contention.

The Swans beat relegated Ipswich Town 1-0 at Portman Road to secure their first away Championship victory since the opening day of 2019.

And that triumph, along with results elsewhere, has blown the race for a spot in the final top six wide open.

Here's a closer look at how the play-off picture now looks, as well as what the Swans would need to finish in sixth place.

The results that made things interesting

Wayne Routledge's fourth goal of the campaign proved enough for the Swans to leave Suffolk with all three points on Easter Monday.

But away from Portman Road, there were some results that could go a long way to shaping the top half of the table.

Wayne Routledge of Swansea City celebrates his goal with Oli McBurnie
Sheffield Wednesday kept their faint hopes of reaching the play-offs alive with an impressive 2-0 win over Bristol City at Hillsborough, a result that heavily dented the Robins' chances of extending their campaign.

Middlesbrough dropped out of the top six after being thumped 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

And the big winners of the day as far as sixth spot is concerned were Derby County who secured a dramatic 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers thanks to two injury time goals from Wales international Harry Wilson at Pride Park, a result that saw them leapfrog Boro into the final play-off berth.

So how does the table now look?

Swansea - who have three games left to play - are up to 10th place with 62 points, five behind Derby who are currently sixth.

The Rams have the same number of points (67) as seventh-placed Middlesbrough, although they have a game in hand over Tony Pulis' side as well as a better goal difference.

Bristol City dropped to eighth spot after their loss to Sheffield Wednesday, although Lee Johnson's men have 66 points, three more than the Owls while also boasting a game in hand over Steve Bruce's troops and Boro.


What are the remaining fixtures?

Derby County - Bristol City (A), Swansea City (A), West Brom (H)

Bristol City - Derby (H), Millwall (A), Hull (A)

Middlesbrough - Reading (H), Rotherham (A)

Sheffield Wednesday - Preston (A), Queens Park Rangers (H)

Swansea City - Hull City (H), Derby (H), Blackburn (A)


So what needs to happen for the Swans to reach the play-offs?

Derby are in the box seat and go into the run-in knowing that they will be in the semi-finals of the play-offs if they win all three of their remaining games.

But given that all three of the sides they face - including play-off challengers Swansea and Bristol City - between now and the end of the regular season are currently in the top 10, that's far easier said than done.

On paper, Middlesbrough have the easiest run-in, although they only have two matches left to play.

However, Bristol City are also in the position of knowing that - as Derby are among their remaining opponents - if they win all three of their final games, they will take sixth place.

Derby County manager Frank Lampard
As for Sheffield Wednesday, they simply have to win their last two games and hope for something of a minor miracle in terms of other results going their way, although they are mathematically still in the running.

Realistically, Swansea are going to need to claim all nine of the remaining points on offer between now and the end of the campaign to stand any chance.

However, there is a hideously complex scenario in which they could gain just six more points this term and still reach the top six. The following outcomes would all have to happen:

Swansea claim two wins, one of which would need to come against Derby.
Sheffield Wednesday fail to win both of their remaining games.
Bristol City claim no more than two points in their remaining games and Swansea overturn a goal difference of four between themselves and the Robins.
Middlesbrough claim no more than one point in their remaining games and Swansea overturn a goal difference of three between themselves and Boro.
Derby claim no more than one point in their remaining games and Swansea overturn a goal difference of eight between themselves and the Rams.
As Derby and Bristol City face each other at Ashton Gate this weekend, only a draw in that fixture could ensure the above scenario could still happen.

A home win could still mathematically see Swansea reach the play-offs if they claimed seven points rather than six.

But a Derby victory would definitely mean Swansea need to win all three of their games to keep their faint hopes alive.

But to re-iterate, it's highly likely that Swansea need all nine points from their last three games, and even then that may not be enough.


What do the bookies say?

(Odds to secure a top six finish - courtesy of Sky Bet, correct at time of publishing)

Derby County - 1/1

Bristol City - 2/1

Middlesbrough - 11/4

Swansea City - 22/1


Graham Potter at Portman Road
What has Graham Potter said?

"It's a big outside possibility I suppose but it's quite simple for us, we have to keep winning our games," said the Swansea manager.

"The fact we're going into the last week of games and there's still a possibility, no matter how slight it is, it says a lot about the group.

"We've had to keep going and we've had to come from some set-backs.

"We're in good form at home and we'll have to try and win our next two matches at home and then we'll see.

"I've said all along, we want to try and finish the season strong, and 71 points might not be enough anyway.

"It's out of our hands, but for us, we're a young team and a young group that need every opportunity to gain experience, get better and to learn. So we'll look at it that way and focus on the next match and try to get the win."

No chance. Jog on mush !

So let's suppose you somehow made the playoffs and won, the yanks would bank the money and you'd be the laughing stock of the football world, lucky to get double figures in points, then the yankee doodles get the para money.

I actually hope it happens.

While I appreciate the time and effort you have put into what I am sure is a good post for those interested, have'nt you posted it onto the wrong football forum. Not sure what this really has to with Cardiff, particularly as we are in different leagues this season. Would probably be more relevant next season when in all probability both teams will be in the same league. Unfortunately, that will not be the Premier League. Unlikely that we will survive in the PL this season, and to be honest, even more unlikely that the Swans will be in the PL next season.

The most amusing thing is he hasn’t been very proud on here for a good few months, a chink of light and up he pops.....bless him. I agree the yanks would have a field day if they went up....one minute they want there club back, then they manage to win an away game and woohoo they want the PL all of sudden and no one mentions the hedge fund. Saddest glory hunting turncoat fans I’ve ever seen.

Pathetic isnt he
He actually thinks they'll reach the playoffs

If you bet a tenner, you will lose a tenner

Desperate dose of attention seeking. No-one left in Swansea to talk to.

Don’t lay ya tedium on us mate..

Id be embarrassed if we even accepted a play off place on 71 points.

I am convinced that YOU should put your caravan on it..

If you bet a tenner, you will lose a tenner

Gonna bet on that?