Championship

Hull City on the Brink: 20th Place, 45 Points—Can They Hold On, or Will the Drop Loom?

April 16, 2025 RAYMOND 0

With only two games left against Derby County and Portsmouth, Hull City seems poised to secure their Championship status for next season—assuming they can win both matches. However, the road to survival is never simple, and many Tigers fans are eager for the team to seal their fate before the final weeks of the season.

Hull’s next challenge comes over the Easter weekend, with a trip to Swansea, who still have outside hopes of reaching the top six, followed by a home match against Preston North End, a side that has struggled on the road. While Hull has often shown the quality needed to avoid relegation, recent form—just one win in their last five—has raised some concerns.

Despite this, Hull’s solid defensive record and superior goal difference give them a crucial advantage over the teams around them, making it likely they’ll gather enough points to stay clear of danger before the season’s end.

Portsmouth’s Battle for Survival: Can They Hold On as the Drop Zone Closes In?

April 16, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Portsmouth’s late equalizer against Derby County on Saturday has put them in a relatively safe position with just four games left to play. With a strong record at Fratton Park, where they’ve lost only five of 21 home games, and upcoming away trips to teams with little to play for, Portsmouth are well-placed to secure enough points to avoid a tense final-day relegation battle. Despite being the only team in this mini-league without a win in their last three matches, they remain favorites to stay clear of the drop zone.

Race to the Finish: How Portsmouth, Oxford United, Hull City & Stoke City’s Final 4 Battles Could Decide Championship Fate

April 16, 2025 RAYMOND 0

As the season draws to a close, Oxford United and Stoke City are among the teams looking to escape the looming threat of relegation. Oxford, currently 17th with 48 points, has gained crucial momentum with three wins in their last five matches, putting them six points clear of the bottom three. Their upcoming Easter fixtures give them a chance to secure survival, with a pivotal clash against Cardiff City on Easter Monday. A win in that match could put them nine points ahead of Cardiff, virtually guaranteeing their safety.

Stoke City, sitting just one place below Oxford in 18th with 47 points, breathed a sigh of relief after a late win over Cardiff. With a five-point gap above the relegation zone, they now face a challenging set of fixtures, including tough away games against Leeds United and Sheffield United. The team will need to pick up points from their upcoming matches, with their best-case scenario being that teams currently in the bottom three fail to make up ground, allowing Stoke to breathe easier as they head into their final stretch.

Can Regis Le Bris Crack the Code? Bristol City Boss Faces Tactical Test Against Liam Manning in High-Stakes Sunderland Rematch

April 16, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Sunderland head to Ashton Gate with their play-off spot secured, but questions still linger over their attacking form. Despite dominating possession in the reverse fixture against Bristol City, Regis Le Bris’ side struggled to break through until a last-gasp equaliser from Patrick Roberts salvaged a point. Now, with just two goals in their last five games and a continued lack of cutting edge in the final third, Le Bris faces mounting pressure to find a tactical solution—especially against a Robins side still fighting tooth and nail for a top-six finish.

Sheffield Wednesday Plot Sensational Transfer Raid — Leeds Wonderkid Among Five Shock Signings in the Works

April 15, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Despite ongoing turmoil behind the scenes, Sheffield Wednesday are laying the groundwork for a brighter future by trialing five emerging talents from across the EFL. As financial uncertainty continues under owner Dejphon Chansiri — who recently confirmed there have been no formal takeover offers — the club is shifting focus to youth development. With manager Danny Rohl attracting interest from top clubs, the potential addition of promising players like Leeds United’s 17-year-old Owen Grainger and others from Burnley, Preston, and Leicester signals a strategic pivot. In a season filled with off-field challenges, this youth-driven initiative offers a rare glimmer of long-term hope.

‘Outstanding’ – Mark Robins Breaks Silence on Surprise Stoke City Hero After Cardiff Clash”

April 15, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Stoke City striker Sam Gallagher received high praise from manager Mark Robins after coming on as a substitute in their crucial 1-0 victory over Cardiff City. With the team fighting to avoid relegation, Gallagher’s impact was key in helping the Potters secure three important points. Robins, speaking after the match, acknowledged the tense atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium and praised Gallagher for his efforts, noting that the tactical substitution was aimed at applying pressure in the second half.

Gallagher, who joined Stoke last summer, has been a valuable addition to the squad, offering depth and experience in attack. Despite dealing with injuries earlier in the season, he has contributed three goals in 19 appearances so far. With just four games left, Gallagher will play a vital role in Stoke’s efforts to maintain their Championship status, and Robins will need to decide whether to start him in the upcoming fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.

Mark Robins’ Bold Half-Time Move Sparks Speculation as Stoke City Enter Season’s Crucial Final Stretch

April 14, 2025 RAYMOND 0

In a tense encounter at Cardiff, Mark Robins made a decisive half-time substitution, swapping Ali Al-Hamadi for Sam Gallagher to ensure Stoke City maintained a full squad on the pitch. Al-Hamadi, who had returned to the starting line-up after a two-week recovery from a hip injury, was involved in creating an early chance for Lewis Baker. However, his yellow card for a foul in first-half stoppage time, following an earlier warning, led Robins to act swiftly.

Robins explained after the match that the decision was a tactical one, aimed at keeping Stoke’s momentum intact without risking another booking. “Ali had run about, but I just felt he was a little bit hot-headed,” Robins said. “I couldn’t risk them throwing themselves to the ground and the referee… it was all on edge.” The move proved crucial, as Gallagher came on and helped Stoke secure a vital 1-0 victory, stretching their lead over Cardiff to five points with just four games remaining in the Championship season.