Assessing the Championship’s Premier League hopefuls: Watford, Bournemouth and…?

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With Watford and Bournemouth already securing its passage to the Premier League, we run our eye over the six other hopefuls vying for a spot in England’s top flight.

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It’s sure to be an action-packed final day in the Championship, with four teams still gunning for a playoff spot.

Check out all the analysis below!

MIDDLESBROUGH

Aitor Karanka’s side has already qualified for the playoffs but will be wanting to grab all three points against 20th-placed Brighton on the final day to secure third place.

Fourth-placed Norwich City play host to Fulham on Saturday in what is a very winnable game for the Canaries and could jump into third if Middlesbrough are to slip up at home.

On-loan striker Patrick Bamford will be vital for Boro in the playoff after having netted 17 goals in the Championship this season and was named Championship Player of the Year at the Football League Awards.

Middlesborough suffered a shock 4-3 loss to Fulham last time out and it remains to be seen if the loss has dented the side’s confidence heading into the playoffs.

Karanka has proven himself to be a shrewd manager and there’s no doubt Middlesbrough have the quality to get back into the Premier League.

NORWICH CITY

Outside of the already promoted top two, the Canaries are the form side leading into the playoffs having picked up 13 points in its last six games.

However, its loss to promotion rivals Middlesbrough a fortnight ago could prove to be costly with the Boro sitting just a point above them in third.

Alex Neil will be backing his side to get the three points at home to Fulham on Saturday and a slip up by Middlesbrough could see Norwich jump up into third position heading into the playoffs.

Cameron Jerome will be pivotal in the playoffs following his 18 goal season so far, while Nathan Redmond will be heavily relied upon in a creative sense.

Can they bounce back into the Premier League?

Middlesbrough are still favourites, but it would be no surprise to see bright yellow shirts of Norwich back in the top flight next season.

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