Ally McCoist believes the Championship promotion battle has become “wide open” following a weekend of surprising results involving Leeds United, Southampton, Leicester, and Ipswich.
After unexpected outcomes, with Daniel Farke’s team losing points to Huddersfield and Leicester facing defeat against Queens Park Rangers, while Ipswich and Southampton secured wins, the top of the table remains closely contested.
Originally doubting Ipswich’s staying power before their recent surge, McCoist has now commended their performance. He also praised Southampton’s play style and noted that Leicester is now firmly back in the mix for promotion.
During a talkSPORT broadcast on March 4th, McCoist expressed his revised opinions: “Initially, I believed Ipswich was starting to fade, but they’ve made a strong comeback. Southampton’s performance against Liverpool caught my eye for their fluid play. Leeds managed a draw against Huddersfield, adding to the unpredictability. Leicester seemed set, but now it’s anyone’s game.”
The competition for the two automatic promotion spots—and possibly the Championship title—is intensifying as the season nears its end, leaving the outcome uncertain for Leeds, Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester.
Despite setting a historic pace, the reality that only two out of the four teams can secure automatic promotion means the others may face the challenge of playoff matches.
Paul Heckingbottom, a former Leeds manager, has voiced support for his old team and Leicester as primary contenders for promotion, while acknowledging Ipswich’s strong position despite expectations.
As Leeds, alongside Southampton and Leicester, began the season as promotion favorites, the potential of playoff participation underscores the unpredictable nature of securing a Premier League return.
