Football / Reaction / League One Title Race

League One Title Race

Brighton have led League One since late September but who will be champions come the end of the season?

Huddersfield's Robbie Williams

Brighton & Hove Albion are sitting pretty at the top of League One as we approach Christmas, with a three point gap to second-placed Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield and Charlton a further point back.

While Leeds blew a seven point advantage after 19 games last season to finish second, the record of leaders at this stage is fairly strong with 10 of the past 18 champions having been either top or level on points with the leader. The last 18 winners have all been in the top four at this stage with 16 having been in the top two, and furthermore no side has finished in the top four in this time having been outside the top half at this stage.

With 16 of the past 18 winners also having been no more than six points off the lead the title looks set to be decided by one of the current top four, despite Southampton still being second favourites.

Charlton have still got to travel to five of the other six teams in the top seven and after winning just one of their last three matches, all of which have been at home and against teams currently in the bottom four, they look unlikely to challenge too seriously.

Huddersfield have struggled for consistency as they’ve been beaten seven times already and must still travel to three of the other four teams currently in the top five. They do, however, have two games in hand on Sheffield Wednesday, as do all the other teams in the top eight. The Owls have lost eight of their 21 games and still have to travel to five of the current top eight, so despite a promised influx of cash from new owner Milan Mandaric they will surely suffer too many defeats this term.

Brighton have already visited the other top-four teams and only need to travel to four of the current top 10. The Seagulls have suffered a recent dip in form and are winless in four games, although three of those were on the road and overall they look well placed to push on and remain at the top of the table till May.

Recommendation: Brighton to win League One at 3.5, Stan James

 
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