Leicester City's promotion to the Premier League has entered its final countdown!

24/04/2024

A rescheduled match in the Championship, league leaders Leicester City hosted fourth-placed Southampton at home.

This game had significant implications on the promotion race. If Leicester City dropped points, they would find themselves in a precarious position, while Southampton needed a win to stay in contention for the two automatic promotion spots.

Leicester City against Southampton 

Prior to this match, Southampton had won three out of their last four games, displaying strong momentum, while Leicester City had only managed one win in their last three matches, even losing to two relegation-threatened teams.

Despite Leicester City having the advantage in terms of strength, they were not in the best form compared to their opponents. 

Leicester City 5-0 Southampton

It appeared to be a closely contested encounter, but the outcome turned out to be unexpected as Leicester City emerged victorious with a resounding 5-0 win, completely dominating their opponents.

In the 25th minute of the first half, Fatawu received the ball in an offside position and subsequently scored with a shot. 

Fatawu scored!1-0!

Leicester City continuously launched attacks from the start and eventually broke the deadlock after several missed opportunities.

With a 1-0 lead, Leicester City's morale soared, and they largely controlled the game thereafter.

In the 61st minute, Ndidi scored with a header, extending the lead to 2-0, effectively sealing the fate of the match. 

Ndidi's header lead to 2-0!

Shortly after, Futawa scored with a long-range shot, further extending the team's advantage.

In the 79th minute, the veteran Vardy also contributed a goal, scoring from close range with a precise shot that flew into the net. 

Vardy also contributed a goal!

Despite the goalkeeper's best efforts, he was unable to save it in time.

Later, Futawa provided a precise pass in the penalty area, assisting another goal for Vardy, who completed a hat-trick, sealing the scoreline at 5-0.

Futawa completed hat trick!

In this game, Leicester City finally unleashed their true strength. Facing Southampton, who were ranked fourth in the league, they declared their dominance in the Championship with an emphatic victory.

After this match, Leicester City led the Championship standings with a 4-point advantage. With just one more win, they would secure a top-two finish and ultimately return to the Premier League.

Leicester City led the Championship standings!

Leicester City's inconsistent performances, losing to relegation-threatened teams while defeating strong opponents like Southampton, raise questions about their motivations in previous surprise defeats.

Now facing the pressure of promotion, their sudden offensive outburst demonstrates that they are unmatched in the Championship. 

Whether they want to win or not seems to be entirely up to them.

Leicester City claim a slot of Premier League!

In the final two matches, Leicester City will face Preston and Blackburn respectively. With their strength, they should secure at least one more victory with normal performances.

If all goes well, Leicester City will claim one of the automatic promotion spots, while the other spot remains uncertain.

As is well known, only the top two teams in the Championship can be directly promoted. 

Leeds United

Although Leeds United currently lead Ipswich Town by one point, their opponent has one game in hand.

If Ipswich Town can win all their remaining three matches, they will be promoted to the Premier League. 

Ipswich Town

In contrast, Leeds United will have to settle for the playoffs.

However, Ipswich Town's quest for nine points will not be easy. Their next three opponents are Hull City, Coventry City, and Huddersfield Town. 

With fewer goal differences, they will lose control if they fail to win one match.

Leeds United will enter playoffs?

As for Leeds United, they will face Queen's Park Rangers and Southampton. 

They must win both matches and then wait for Ipswich Town to make mistakes. 

Otherwise, Leeds United will enter the cruel playoffs, and whether they can be promoted remains uncertain!