Sky Sports pundit makes damning West Brom claim as Championship play-off rivals earn high praise

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Coventry City strengthened their grip on a play-off place with a 2-0 win against Tony Mowbray’s West Brom on Saturday afternoon.

Jack Rudoni and Matt Grimes struck either side of half-time to ensure victory for the Sky Blues, which was made more secure when Callum Styles collected a second yellow card on 51 minutes.

As shown above by NTT20, the Baggies are now six points back on Coventry and seven points back on Bristol City, with just three games left to play. It would take a minor miracle for them to remain a part of the play-off picture.

Middlesbrough’s late win against Plymouth Argyle leaves them in the race. But it now appears as though it will be three teams into two in terms of the Championship top six berths as the play-off picture takes shape.

• READ MORE: Championship play-off dates, fixtures, and teams in Premier League promotion mix

Lee Hendrie’s verdict on West Brom’s play-off chances amid praise for Middlesbrough, Bristol City, and Coventry City

The financial reward of promotion is massive, which is what many are continuing to eye as we approach the final run-in. There were still a number of play-off contenders left in the race ahead of Easter Weekend.

Frank Lampard’s side faced West Brom in a pivotal showdown for numerous teams in the mix. But there are sure to be more twists and turns to come, especially for teams in the hunt. However, Lee Hendrie was part of the Sky Sports Soccer Special panel and outlined his worry for West Brom.

Speaking to Julian Warren post-match, he said: “I thought it was really cagey, if I’m honest, Jules — at the start. I mean, Cov getting that first goal and probably against the run of play, really.

“I thought West Brom started the game a lot better. They started the game on the front foot. They hit the top of the crossbar. 

“And then, you know they [Coventry] are dangerous going forward with the likes of Haji Wright and Ellis Simms.

“The second yellow card from Callum Styles really clarified the game, to be honest.”

Warren asked: “What chance do you give them?”

“I just think there are better teams there, I do. I think there’s more equipped teams — Bristol City we’ve seen today, Coventry, and Boro — that can get that late win.

“I just think they’ve got a little bit more than West Bromwich Albion, unfortunately.”

• READ MORE: Five of the best Championship play-off finals include Reading nightmare and a Charlie Adam screamer

Opta’s play-off prediction after matchday 43 in the Championship

The race for the Championship play-offs is always a fantastic affair of twists and turns, as teams engage in a fierce battle until the final day for a coveted top-six spot. But this year looks as though it could be close to being wrapped up as ever with three games to go.

Per Opta Analyst, their predictions suggest that the likely outcome is for the top six to remain as it is now, but Middlesbrough have by far the best chance from here under Michael Carrick’s tutelage.

The Baggies have some talented attacking players but seem to lack the firepower currently to trouble the teams just above them under Tony Mowbray, who are finding ways to win consistently by hook or by crook at the moment.