8. Millwall – 54 points
Matt Gault, @MattGault11
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
Typically, the race for the top six is fiercely congested. While Millwall are only two points behind Preston, they are ahead of Cardiff City only on goal difference and just one point better off than Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City.
Prior to lockdown, Rowett admitted it will likely take 72 points to secure a top-six berth. If that prediction turns out to be true, Millwall will need to take 18 points from a possible 27 when the season resumes.
Reaching that figure will be a big ask. Millwall managed it in 2018, but it was only enough to finish eighth.
What was Millwall’s biggest strength prior to lockdown and their most troubling weakness?
While Rowett has sought to implement a more attack-minded approach since taking the reins in October, Millwall still shine more at the other end of the pitch.
Only Leeds United, Fulham and Forest can better their 12 clean sheets, while the Lions have managed to keep their goals conceded per game at a respectable 1.1, ranking them sixth in the division.
Of course, it would be reductive to concentrate merely on their defensive solidity. In their most recent game, they demonstrated considerable counter-attacking prowess en route to a convincing 3-0 win over Forest, with top scorer Matt Smith netting a 13-minute hat-trick.
If the 31-year-old quickly rediscovers that form, Millwall will stand a fighting chance.
But while the form of Smith and Jed Wallace has been encouraging, Millwall simply have not shown enough firepower to dominate games.
In fact, only four teams have scored fewer goals than them this term, all four of whom are 19th or lower.
How do you rate their run-in and do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
The most encouraging aspect of Millwall’s run-in is not having to play any of the teams currently above them in the table.
The final four fixtures are comprised of away games against Hull City and Queens Park Rangers, and Blackburn and Huddersfield Town at home.
Taking advantage of it, especially the five remaining home fixtures, will be key to Millwall’s chances of the play-offs.
Which player – or players – will be key?
As previously mentioned, the attacking talents of Smith and Wallace are crucial. Between them, they have scored 21 and assisted a further 13 for an astonishing 77% of Millwall’s 44 goals.
Some of the goalscoring burden must be shouldered by Tom Bradshaw, who has netted eight times but not since New Year’s Day.
At the other end, Shaun Hutchinson will continue to be a key figure at the heart of Rowett’s defence, while the manager will be hoping for a series of commanding performances from midfield pairing Jayson Molumby and Ryan Woods, both of whom impressed in the games leading up to lockdown.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where exactly Millwall will finish, what would be your forecast?
Will Millwall squeeze in? Only time will tell, but with a favourable run-in, they will certainly be hoping to build some momentum once they return to action on Saturday.
However, the Lions have been unable to win more than two games on the spin this season, so a late-season jump up the standings seems unlikely.
Rowett has led teams into the play-offs on three occasions (twice with Burton Albion and once at Derby) so Millwall will certainly draw on his considerable experience in this department but I fear they may just miss out – seventh.
9. Cardiff City – 54 points
Glen Williams, Wales Online, @GlenWilliams12
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
There appears to be a split right down the middle. Some are extremely hopeful, others far less convinced.
The trouble is, at the start of the campaign, the Bluebirds were tipped to bounce straight back up, even in the automatic places. But has felt like an almighty battle to just get to within two points of the play-offs, in truth.
But they certainly have the squad and the depth, which will be vital given the added substitutions allowed, to break into that top six, but face a big challenge against Leeds United first up, which will be a crucial yardstick, you feel.
What was Cardiff City's biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
Their biggest strength was being very difficult to beat.
As you'd expect from a Cardiff side, they are very stern, defensively, and good at both ends of the pitch at the set piece.
Their biggest weakness was starting slowly. So often they put themselves behind the eight ball early on and have to claw their way back, which is why they have ended up with so many draws this season, no team has had more.
So they need to fly out of the traps in each of these last nine matches, how they start games will be very important.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
The first match against table-topping Leeds United is huge.
If they win that, it's a potential springboard to a top-six spot, because the confidence they will get from that will be immeasurable.
Also, the small matter of a Severnside derby strikes me as a big fixture, too, both that game and the Leeds game have the potential to boost or flatten City's hopes.
Win both and they are on the right track, lose both and it will be desperately tough to recover from.
Which player will be key?
Lee Tomlin has been the best player for Cardiff City this season by a country mile.
We thought his season was over when he sustained a nasty knee injury pre-lockdown, forcing him to miss the final four fixtures.
But he is now back and raring to go, which is a huge, huge bonus for the Bluebirds.
He is joint top scorer and has the most assists, both seven, for the club and his contribution in the final third is unrivalled in this squad.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where exactly Cardiff City will finish, what would be your forecast?
That is incredibly tough.
The thing is, the league table doesn't lie. And I don't think you would find many Bluebirds who would quibble with a league position of ninth at the moment.
The truth is, this is a sprint finish. Anything can happen; injuries, suspensions, last-minute winners, the fifth substitute scoring an own goal. It's a minefield.
But, if I were to be nailed down to a position, I think Cardiff City's fixture list is very, very difficult and they will have to play far better than what they have done.
I have a feeling it might be a bridge too far, perhaps even as agonisingly close as seventh.
10. Blackburn Rovers – 53 points
Jaquob Crooke, Lancs Live, @JaquobC
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
Critics condemned Blackburn Rovers to mid-table mediocrity when Bradley Dack was stretchered off with an ACL injury over the festive period, and yet Tony Mowbray's side have proven that there is more to them than just their slick-haired talisman.
Mowbray has made no secret of his play-off ambitions and the consensus amongst the squad is that a top-six finish is well within their reach. Despite sitting just three points adrift of the play-off places, Rovers are deemed outsiders and it's the underdog tag that will suit Mowbray's squad.
A 5-0 drubbing of Sheffield Wednesday in January - just a week after the Owls had defeated league leaders Leeds United - was evidence of Rovers at their ruthless best and if they're firing on all cylinders heading into the final nine fixtures, they will be confident of securing a play-off spot come the end of the season.
What was Blackburn's biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
Ignoring the 3-0 defeat to Derby prior to lockdown, Rovers' defence has been the springboard for success so far this season.
On-loan goalkeeper Christian Walton has kept 12 clean sheets - three in the last six matches - and has blossomed following a nervy start to the season.
Injuries had made Mowbray's life difficult in terms of defensive selection but since the turn of the year he has found consistency in a regular back four, with Darragh Lenihan and Tosin Adarabioyo forming an impenetrable partnership at the heart of the defence while the accompanying full-backs of Ryan Nyambe and Amari'i Bell grow from strength-to-strength.
Rovers' biggest issue lies in their lack of width. Stewart Downing, Joe Rankin-Costello and Harry Chapman are Mowbray's only recognised wide midfielders and the manager has utilised Sam Gallagher in the right-wing position, which has drawn its fair share of criticism.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
I don't think they could have asked for a bigger fixture to make a return to action with as they host Bristol City. Lose, and Rovers face playing catch-up for the remainder of the campaign. Win and they'll be three points closer to the top six with a psychological advantage over at least one of their rivals.
Home games against Leeds United and West Brom will severely test Mowbray's squad, although Rovers have fared well against tougher opposition. It's weaker opposition that have posed the most frustrating challenge. Against Wigan Athletic and Barnsley, Rovers will rely on the creative talent of Lewis Holtby to carve opportunities against opposition that are likely to sit deeper and nullify the pace of Adam Armstrong in attack.
Which player - or players - will be key?
Armstrong has carried the weight of Rovers' goal scoring supply in light of Dack's absence and was in menacing form before the lockdown. The former Newcastle United striker can beat defenders, get in behind with his pace and stores the odd spectacular strike in his locker.
The effect of Lenihan's two-game suspension for the Swansea and Derby fixtures were visible for all to see. Five goals conceded in two games and Rovers lacked the discipline and organisation that he brings to the team. Adarabioyo, for all his plaudits, looked lost without the Republic of Ireland international by his side.
Lewis Travis - a product of the Rovers academy - has been consistently one of the club's best performers and his energy in midfield will be vital to the success of Mowbray's team.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where Blackburn will finish, what would be your forecast?
My heart would love me to say Rovers will sneak a sixth-place finish, but if I was to be realistic I would argue that they will finish around eighth.
I think fixtures against play-off rivals such as Bristol City, Cardiff and Millwall could all end in draws, and that's where points will be dropped.
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11. Swansea City – 53 points
Ian Mitchelmore, Wales Online, @IanMitchelmore
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
Before the restart, Swansea find themselves just three points adrift of the top six. And the vast majority of the Jack Army would have taken being in that position at the beginning of the campaign, despite the club's remarkable start to the campaign, which it's safe to say was completely unexpected.
It's going to be a very tough ask, and I don't think any fan is fully confident that Steve Cooper's men will secure a play-off place. But while they're in the running, you can never rule it out. A good result here and there along with a slip-up or two could dramatically change things.
What was Swansea's biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
Swansea have massively improved defensively compared to their first season back in the second tier. They have been far stronger at keeping out set-pieces, and with the likes of Joe Rodon and Ben Cabango now fully fit, they'll hope to continue their positive record in that department.
As for a weakness, they shipped too many late goals prior to lockdown, most notably against Hull, Fulham and Blackburn in February.
It could well be down to a lack of experience, so game management could be key in ensuring they get more points from matches in the run-in.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
On paper, they have a favourable start, with strugglers Middlesbrough and Luton being the first two opponents. But things quickly turn more difficult with tests against Millwall, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday.
Swansea then face promotion hopefuls Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City before ending the campaign at Reading, so it's clear to see that they'll need to cause an upset or two if they are to finish in the top six.
Which player – or players - will be key?
Andre Ayew is going to be vitally important. He is the club's top scorer this term and brings some much needed experience to what is a very youthful squad.
Rhian Brewster is set to lead the line for the Swans' remaining matches, so his goals will be crucial too. He has already netted four times in 11 appearances since joining on loan from Liverpool, so he can be confident of adding to his tally over the remaining weeks.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where Swansea will finish, what would be your forecast?
I went with 10th at the beginning of the campaign, so I'll have to stick to that, despite the fact the optimist in me says they'll now finish a few spots higher!
With only Mike van der Hoorn injured at present, the Swans can be far more confident of doing the business. But realistically, it looks to be a battle between around six or seven sides for the final play-off berth. It's a very tall order.
12. Derby County – 51 points
Steve Nicholson, Derbyshire Live, @SNicholsonDT
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
The Championship was an unpredictable division before lockdown and it promises to be more unpredictable, more crazy when it restarts given that we are about to enter unchartered waters with matches being played behind closed doors.
How will players/teams handle the strange circumstances? Nobody knows the answer, and that is why there is all to play for.
Derby are five points away from a play-off place with 27 points up for grabs. A fast restart, wins in their first two games for example, would change the picture just as a slow start would also.
The odds are against Derby finishing in the top six, but I have covered enough Championship football down the years to know not to rule anything out. It is going to be a surreal but fascinating nine-game sprint.
What was Derby County's biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
Their form. They had lost only three of 14 league games stretching back to Boxing Day and beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 and Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in the two games before lockdown.
They were also scoring plenty of goals - 28 in those 14 matches - and skipper Wayne Rooney was having a big impact on the team while a number of young players had started to blossom.
At times they looked vulnerable defensively as only three clean sheets in the last 20 league games suggests.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
They have four games at home and five away, although I don't see that being a factor given that all matches will be behind closed doors. They do have to play five of the top six teams - Leeds, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Preston North End - and so they can have a huge bearing on the promotion/play-off races.
Their run-in looks tough, but it will be tough for their opponents also if Derby can show the form they did before the Championship campaign was suspended.
Which player - or players - will be key?
Rooney has made a huge impact since arriving and his influence and ability has played a significant part in the improvement in Derby's form and points' return since the turn of the year. He can run a game, as he showed in the 4-0 demolition of Stoke City at the end of January and will be a key figure in the remaining nine league games.
The youngsters around him - Max Bird, Jason Knight and Louie Sibley - have benefitted from Rooney's presence and it will be interesting to see if they pick up where they left off before the season was halted.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where Derby County will finish, what would be your forecast?
I believe they will close the gap and I wouldn't totally rule out a push for a play-off spot, but there are five teams between them and the top six which means not only will Derby have to win games, others will have to falter.
I'll split the difference and go for a ninth-place finish which after all the changes on the pitch this season, and turmoil off the pitch, would probably be about right.
(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
13th. QPR – 50 points
Karl Matchett, @karlmatchett
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
The club’s official Twitter account released the confirmed fixtures last week and the majority of replies saw fans naturally excited for the return of games...and eagerly looking up the table. Indeed, a whole host of them seem convinced that a play-off spot is within touching distance and that QPR can overhaul seven sides to snare sixth place.
With just nine games remaining that might seem like a pipe dream, but there are two reasons why at least some of those fans feel the optimism is justified: before the league’s shutdown, Rangers had the second-best form in the league, with Mark Warburton’s side unbeaten in six. Secondly, the majority of games remaining for The Rs are against bottom-half clubs.
What was QPR’s biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
As noted, QPR had confidence and form prior to the lockdown, having made up six points in the last six games played on sixth-place Preston North End.
The most troubling weakness was unquestionably their propensity to concede off set-pieces. QPR have let in a whopping 17 goals from set plays this term — only two clubs, struggling duo Wigan and Huddersfield, have conceded more — as well as a further eight from the penalty spot, the joint-highest in the division.
They only rank fifth for conceding fouls in general across the Championship, so it’s clear that dangerous set-piece opportunities are being conceded with regularity and then not defended properly at all.
Good form unfortunately won’t be relevant three months after the last game; will defending set pieces have improved in the same period?
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
To be clear, regardless of how favourable the fixtures are, QPR face an uphill battle to regain that many points and overtake that many teams.
Their final game is away to West Brom, who themselves are second, so sixth might already need to be assured before the final day if QPR genuinely want a shot at promotion.
74 and 75 points have been needed to secure sixth in the Championship over the last two campaigns—a similar number this term means Rangers need 24 points from the 27 available, an almost impossible task to suddenly find such consistency at this stage, and in these circumstances.
Simply put, even if the final points haul needed for sixth is lower, they’ll need to be near-perfect and hope for slip-ups elsewhere from rivals while also beating fellow play-off hopefuls Millwall in their last home match.
Which player – or players - will be key?
Eberechi Eze has been one of the best players in the Championship this season and will need to pick up where he left off, hauling his team to victories if they want a top-six finish.
Eze has 12 goals and eight assists in the league this term, the highest in both categories for any player still at the club this term, and his phenomenal output down the wing will need to be reproduced game after game.
At the other end of the pitch, Grant Hall is the defensive leader who needs to be right on his game to keep opponents out and QPR in with a shout of winning each game. No slip-ups from him or his back line can be accommodated at this stage.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where exactly QPR will finish, what would be your forecast?
The interrupted season perhaps occurred at the worst time for QPR, with confidence no doubt growing after hauling in the points and starting to climb the table.
No doubt they have the attacking ability in the team to see off several of their upcoming opponents, given they face five of the current bottom six, but even so there are simply too many teams above them to rise all the way into the top six themselves.
Any higher than a 10th-place finish would be a remarkable feat, and would hint at what the team might be capable of next season if they can make a good start.
14. Reading – 48 points
Jonathan Low, Berkshire Live, @jonathanl50
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
Even the most optimistic fan will admit it's a tough ask but it's certainly not completely out of the question for Reading. They need to make up eight points over the remaining nine games so you'd think they would need to win six or seven of them to be in the running.
There has certainly been an improvement under Mark Bowen and he has the luxury of a large squad to call upon for the final few weeks.
Given the poor start to the season, a top six spot would mean the season has been a huge success.
What was Reading's biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
Going forward, Reading have a good variety of options to choose from and most importantly, they are adaptable players too. In George Puscas and Lucas Joao they have two strikers with very different qualities.
And behind them, the likes of John Swift and Ovie Ejaria are arguably two of the most creative players in the league. Throw in the hugely talented teenager Michael Olise and there is an impressive array of talent in the final third.
The team's weakness is probably a lack of pace as not many players have what you would call 'genuine pace'. And defensively, they are still prone to the odd lapse which can be extremely costly. A 3-0 horror show at the end of February at home to Wigan showed the mistakes are not a thing of the past just yet.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
It's a fairly decent set of fixtures in all honesty. A long trip up to Blackburn could prove tricky for the final away day while home games against Brentford and Swansea will be tough tests.
But overall I think the fixture list is pretty kind to them.
Which player – or players - will be key?
As mentioned above the attacking players - the most important being Lucas Joao. He has been out injured since New Year's Day but is now back in the fold. He is key to how the side plays and linking the play up with the creative players.
Having George Puscas around too to potentially come on as a sub for the final 30 minutes is a real plus too - not many defenders will enjoy that.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where exactly Reading will finish, what would be your forecast?
Tenth - I think the play-offs are probably going to be out of reach but they should give it a decent go. Anything in the top half would be respectable and given the fixture list, I can see four or five wins coming and most fans would be happy with 10th I'd say.
15. Sheffield Wednesday – 48 points
Dominick Howson, Yorkshire Live, @domhowson
What’s the level of optimism at the club that the play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
Wednesday were on a woeful run of form when coronavirus struck so optimism levels are not high around Hillsborough ahead of the resumption of the Championship season.
For Wednesday, their immediate priority must be to rediscover a winning formula. They have recorded just two league victories since Christmas to slip into the bottom half of the table.
Are the play-offs a realistic goal? Probably not as Wednesday have little margin for error. Eight points separate them from sixth-placed Preston North End with nine fixtures left to play.
Their ongoing battle with the English Football League could also throw a big spanner in the works of their promotion dream. Should Wednesday be found guilty of a misconduct charge over the coming weeks, they could be hit with a significant points deduction and become embroiled in the relegation scrap.
What was Sheffield Wednesday's biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
There were few crumbs of comfort before lockdown. They were struggling to click at both ends of the pitch and the enforced break came at a good time.
A glaring weakness in their armoury was their defence. Wednesday have conceded 24 goals in 2020, with only fourth-from-bottom Hull City having let in more in the second-tier.
A lack of continuity in selection has contributed to their defensive problems. Boss Garry Monk has frequently tinkered with their formation and personnel in an attempt to turn around their fortunes.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
Very tough. Wednesday still have to play five of the top 10 in their run-in. Home dates with lowly Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough could be key if Wednesday require points to guarantee their Championship status.
Which player – or players - will be key?
Steven Fletcher has been their main man, hitting 13 goals in the best year of his club career. He gives the Owls a real focal point in attack. His experience and leadership qualities will be pivotal if Wednesday are to finish strongly.
The return of Massimo Luongo in midfield boosts Garry Monk's options. The Australian international has not featured since January due to injury and has been sorely missed in the centre.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where exactly Wednesday will finish, what would be your forecast?
Given we don't know yet the outcome of the EFL charge, it's impossible to predict with any degree of certainty.
But I fear Wednesday could end up nervously looking over their shoulders in the final weeks of the season rather than contemplating a late promotion push.
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16. Birmingham City – 47 points
Shane Ireland, Birmingham Live, @_ShaneIreland
What’s the level of optimism at the club that play-offs can be achieved and is it warranted?
It's all but off the table barring a miraculous run of form in the final nine matches. In truth it's been that way for several months now.
The focus at Blues is very much on the search for Pep Clotet's successor while getting through this mini-season without any major hiccups.
What was Birmingham’s biggest strength prior to lockdown, and most troubling weakness?
The side's biggest strength since January has been the same - the partnership upfront of Scott Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz. Hogan has scored seven goals in eight Championship games since his loan move from Aston Villa while Jutkiewicz has benefited from having such a talented and in-form player next to him.
The biggest weakness is failing to see games out. In the weeks prior to lockdown, Hogan's goals against QPR and Reading might have stood for more had Blues not surrendered leads on both occasions. Blues have been ahead in matches 22 times this season but secured only 12 wins from those positions.
How do you rate their run-in, do any fixtures stand out as being crucial?
The run-in is probably more important for Blues' opponents than themselves regarding the promotion race. Saturday's derby against West Brom is big not only because of its local significance but because Blues could deny Albion going top of the league.
Blues also play Fulham, Swansea, Preston and Derby County in the coming weeks.
Which player – or players - will be key?
Hogan is the biggest danger at the moment and if he continues in the same vein, speculation over a permanent stay at St Andrew's will continue to swirl.
Jeremie Bela's return from injury is a big boost and of course, all eyes will be on Jude Bellingham as he finishes off a stunning breakthrough season.
If we had to nail you down for a prediction as to where Birmingham will finish, what would be your forecast (and why)?
15th. The run-in isn't easy but Blues will pick up a couple of surprise results along the way.
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