After Leicester City’s emphatic 5-0 win over Southampton last night, it is now a straight two-horse race for that second spot between Leeds United and Ipswich Town.
The Foxes now need just one win from their final two matches with back-to-back home wins over West Brom and the Saints all but getting them over the line after a difficult run of form.
For a brief period, Southampton had looked as though they could sneak in, but are now six adrift of Leeds with two to play and a far inferior goal difference.
That means Leeds and Ipswich will now battle it out for that all important second spot. The Whites are the side currently occupying it by a point, but have played a game more.
It now looks like a race that simply cannot be called. Pundits such as Jobi McAnuff believe Leeds will do it, while Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan wants to see Ipswich get the job done.
Leeds defender Firpo now sends ‘pressure’ warning to Ipswich
After three matches without a win, Leeds picked up an all important three points on their return to action at Middlesbrough on Monday, securing a dramatic 4-3 victory.
With two assists and some huge defensive clearances, Junior Firpo had arguably his best game for Leeds and so was clearly full of confidence after the game.
That said, Leeds’ win at Boro would mean very little if it was followed up with anything less than all three points at Queens Park Rangers on Friday night.
Though Ipswich have two games in hand, a win would move Leeds four clear of the Tractor Boys ahead of them facing back-to-back away matches at Hull and Coventry City.
Speaking in an interview with iNews on Monday, Firpo acknowledged the importance of Friday’s game and believes the pressure would be huge on Ipswich if Leeds were to win.
He said: “It’s really difficult to see yourselves in third place, a few points behind the team in second. Winning on Monday puts lots of pressure on Ipswich, especially if we win on Friday.”
Leeds vs Ipswich run-ins compared
Once the whistle is blown for full-time at QPR on Friday, Leeds will have just one remaining fixture, in comparison to Ipswich still having three.
After the trip to Loftus Road, Leeds then round off the season with a home clash against Southampton. It will be interesting to see the sort of team they pick, with it now the play-offs for them.
Ipswich, meanwhile, are next in action on Saturday night at Hull City, before then playing their final away game at Coventry City on Tuesday.
Kieran McKenna’s side end the season at home to Huddersfield Town, who could either be still fighting for their lives at the bottom, or already be relegated.