Championship Round 24 Preview: Leicester City Ending Title Race Early? Leeds United's Dominance Emerges

The 24th round of the Championship, marking the beginning of the second half of the season, will continue on the evening of December 26. Leicester City, currently leading the table, has established a six-point gap over second-placed Ipswich Town. This round’s results could potentially determine the fate of the title race. Meanwhile, relegated Leeds United have shown a resurgence reminiscent of their Championship-winning form three years ago, aiming for direct promotion back to the Premier League.

Ipswich Town vs. Leicester City – Title Race Decided This Round?

The top-of-the-table clash in the Championship is drawing more attention than some Premier League matches. Newly promoted Ipswich Town, aiming to maintain their position for a consecutive promotion, face a formidable Leicester City. Ipswich’s recent 0-4 defeat to Leeds United has seen them fall six points behind Leicester, making the pursuit of the Championship title less feasible for them.

Leeds United have proven to be a tough opponent for Ipswich, having handed them their only consecutive defeats this season. In their last encounter, Ipswich were already 3-0 down by halftime and, despite an aggressive substitution strategy by manager Kieran McKenna, they were unable to recover. This 0-4 loss marks McKenna's most significant defeat since taking charge.

Leicester City, on a five-match winning streak, found their rhythm after two narrow 3-2 victories. Although conceding two goals per match in these games was concerning, they restored confidence with a 3-0 win against bottom-side Rotherham United. Leicester’s previous encounter with Ipswich, nine years ago, ended in a 3-0 victory, a season that saw them promoted to the Premier League. Interestingly, Ipswich’s promotion coincided with Leicester's relegation back to the Championship.

Despite Leicester’s stable performance, the festive period and the intense atmosphere at Portman Road could work in Ipswich’s favor, potentially leading to a surprising 1-0 victory for the hosts.

Preston North End vs. Leeds United – Relegated Powerhouse Finds Form

Preston North End has only secured one win in their last seven matches, suffering a consecutive defeat to Swansea City last round. Their chances of breaking into the playoff spots are diminishing, now trailing by four points with a widening gap. This decline aligns with their performance from last season, with a slight dip in points.

The main issue for Preston has been their attacking woes. Except for their victory over Huddersfield Town, they have failed to score more than one goal in their other six recent matches. Leeds United, after a slow start to the season, have found their stride and begun a points-gathering spree, similar to their form during their previous promotion campaign. This turnaround is also evident in Southampton, another relegated team, setting up a battle between three relegated teams and one promoted side at the top of the table.

Leeds' recent performance against Ipswich was a statement of intent, not only keeping a clean sheet against the league's top scorers but also netting four goals, demonstrating the dominance of their Championship-winning season. Even during their title-winning 2019-2020 season, Preston managed to take two points from Leeds, indicating that Leeds' superiority may not be as overwhelming as perceived. A 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome for this encounter.

Leicester City's Dominance

Leicester City's current form and squad depth suggest that they could maintain their lead and potentially end the title race prematurely. The Foxes have displayed resilience, recovering from minor setbacks and capitalizing on their offensive prowess. Their defensive solidity, averaging only 0.7 goals conceded per game, is a crucial factor in their success.

The leadership of manager Enzo Maresca has been instrumental in their campaign. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate the team have kept them focused and competitive. Players like Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, and Youri Tielemans have been pivotal, combining experience with skill to steer the team towards their goal.

Ipswich Town's Challenge

For Ipswich, the challenge lies in overcoming the psychological hurdle of recent defeats and finding consistency. Manager Kieran McKenna needs to rally his team, emphasizing the importance of every point in the promotion race. Players like Freddie Ladapo and Conor Chaplin must step up, ensuring that Ipswich remains competitive.

The tactical approach for Ipswich would likely involve a tight defensive setup, aiming to exploit counter-attacks. This strategy could disrupt Leicester's rhythm, especially if they can capitalize on set-pieces and quick transitions.

Leeds United's Resurgence

Leeds United’s resurgence under Daniel Farke has been remarkable. The team's rediscovered confidence and attacking flair have made them a formidable force. Players like Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison, and Kalvin Phillips have been central to this revival, showcasing their Premier League quality in the Championship.

Leeds' approach has been aggressive, focusing on high pressing and quick, incisive play. This strategy has overwhelmed opponents, allowing Leeds to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Their defensive stability has also improved, providing a solid foundation for their attacking exploits.

Preston North End's Struggles

Preston North End, on the other hand, face a difficult task in reigniting their campaign. The team’s inability to consistently find the back of the net has been their Achilles’ heel. Manager Ryan Lowe needs to find a solution to their scoring woes, perhaps by adjusting their tactical setup or giving opportunities to different players.

A more defensive approach, aiming to stifle Leeds’ attacking momentum and hitting on the counter, could be effective. Key players like Emil Riis and Alan Browne need to deliver standout performances to give Preston a fighting chance.

Conclusion

The upcoming round of Championship matches is set to be thrilling, with significant implications for the title race and promotion battles. Leicester City's potential to extend their lead and solidify their title credentials will be tested against a determined Ipswich Town. Meanwhile, Leeds United's revival will be challenged by a struggling but hopeful Preston North End.

The festive period often brings surprises, and the intensity of these fixtures promises to deliver compelling football. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Leicester can maintain their dominance or if Ipswich can pull off an upset. Similarly, Leeds’ quest for immediate promotion faces a crucial test against Preston’s resilience.

As the season progresses, the dynamics at the top of the Championship will continue to evolve, setting the stage for an exciting race to the finish.