The race for promotion from the Championship this season has been epic. Yes, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are garnering all the headlines for their three-way battle for the Premier League title, but in the second tier, the race has been just as impressive. Leeds United, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton have all been fighting tooth and nail for the top two automatic promotion places and with just five games remaining this term, it still remains unknown as to which two teams will secure their spot in the top flight.
Former Elland Road loanee Jermaine Pennant recently stated that he felt all three relegated teams from last term would secure promotion. But Ipswich are still there fighting away, and their stunning 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton at Portman Road left them in pole position for automatic promotion. However, they followed that up with a defeat against local rivals Norwich City dropping them to second, while Leeds' defeat at Coventry has them in third.
Leicester City are once again top of the pile and with a game in hand on their rivals, they are now the heavy favourites for the title. And with Southampton having two games in hand on the top three, they too could throw their name into the hat in the promotion race. But as it stands, it will be two of the top three that secure promotion, and here are their toughest games between now and the end of the season.