Where Leicester, Leeds, Ipswich and Southampton stand

The race for the Premier League title is the most exciting in years, but the race for automatic promotion to the Championship is just as exciting.

Just two points separate Leicester, Leeds and Ipswich, with fourth-placed Southampton five more behind but still in the mix.

Here, Standard Sport assesses the clubs fighting to break into the top flight.

Leicester: 91 points, 43 played

They might be the leaders and favorites to bounce back straight from relegation last season, but they squandered a 17-point lead and are now just one point clear at the top, so the significance of tonight’s meeting with Southampton at the King Power Stadium it cannot be exaggerated. Jamie Vardy is now 37 but has scored 15 goals and been flying again this season, while Stephy Mavididi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Harry Winks have all excelled.

Leeds: 90 points, 44 played

Leeds have never been too far from the summit, but their promotion has only taken off this year. Daniel Farke’s side have started 2024 in commanding form, winning 12 and drawing one of their opening 13 Championship games of the year. Their performance in Monday night’s thrilling 4-3 win at Middlesbrough was a counter-attacking masterclass and showed winger Crysencio Summerville at his best. But they played one more game than their rivals.

Ipswich: 89 points, played 43

Failure to reach the Premier League for the first time since 2002 would be a travesty for Ipswich given the magnificent season they have enjoyed. Led by 37-year-old Kieran McKenna, they were promoted from League One last season and still have back-to-back promotions in hand. Recruiting has been a key factor in their success, signing players from England and finding a good balance between experience (Massimo Luongo and Kieffer Moore) and youth (Leif Davis and Jeremy Sarmiento).

Southampton: 84 points, played 43

All three of last season’s relegated clubs held out for promotion all the way. Russell Martin’s side made a tough start but what looked like a mid-table season soon picked up the pace. Adam Armstrong and Che Adams have 36 league goals and 16 assists between them. Flynn Downes, on loan from West Ham, shone in midfield but was injured and Saints struggled without him.