A closer look at the EFL Championship promotion race for American players

The 2023-24 EFL Championship season is in its final three weeks and there are still plenty of clubs still in the mix for promotion to the English Premier League.

Haji Wright, Josh Sargent, Duane Holmes, and Ethan Horvath are all still fighting for a spot in the promotion playoffs by May 4th’s season finale. Injured striker Daryl Dike is out for the remainder of the season, but West Bromwich Albion is also in the mix to propel itself back into the top-tier of English Football.

With the final three weeks of the league schedule upon us, here is a closer look at the promotion race:

Josh Sargent, Norwich City

Josh Sargent has certainly helped Norwich City get back into the promotion race this season.

Sargent’s 15 goals this campaign leads the Canaries squad, with 12 of those tallies coming in 2024. The U.S. men’s national team forward has already earned one taste of life in the English Premier League and will be fighting to help David Wagner’s men get over the hump this spring.

Sixth-place Norwich are clinging to the final playoff spot by five points over Coventry City, but the Sky Blues do have a match in hand.

Two of Norwich’s final four matches are against teams in the top half of the table, starting with Saturday’s trip to Preston North End. 12th place Bristol City, 15th place Swansea City, and 23rd place Birmingham City are also on the schedule.

Currently: 6th Place – 68 points

Haji Wright, Coventry City

Haji Wright’s sensational first season in England could very well be capped off with promotion to the English Premier League.

Wright has enjoyed a smooth transition to the EFL Championship, leading Mark Robins’ squad with 15 goals this season. The 26-year-old has also helped the Sky Blues to next weekend’s FA Cup semifinal showdown with Manchester United.

Despite suffering recent defeats to Cardiff City and Southampton, Coventry City has a pretty favorable schedule in its final five matches. A trip to relegation threatened Birmingham City comes on Saturday while future fixtures against Blackburn Rovers and QPR are also winnable matches.

An April 30 clash with second-place Ipswich Town is the toughest match Coventry City has left on its schedule. Wright’s services will certainly be needed to the final whistle this season.

Currently: 7th Place – 63 points.

Duane Holmes, Preston North End

Not many expected Preston North End to be in the playoff picture this season, but Ryan Lowe’s men are in the thick of it this spring.

Duane Holmes has been a crucial contributor for Preston this season, scoring four goals and adding five assists in 30 appearances. The veteran midfielder has shown off his versatility by also featuring as a wing back in the Preston squad this season.

Preston North End is on the outside looking in and also has one of the toughest schedules down the stretch. Despite having one match in hand over some others, four of Preston’s last five matches are against teams ahead of them in the standings.

Holmes’ leadership will surely be needed if Preston wants to defy the odds and crack the top-six.

Currently: 8th Place – 63 points.

Ethan Horvath, Cardiff City

Cardiff City needs to win out to truly have a chance for the promotion playoffs, but crazier things have happened.

Ethan Horvath joined the Bluebirds in January and has jumped right into the squad. The veteran shot-stopper has helped Cardiff City to a current 11th place spot in the table, sitting nine points out of Norwich City.

Victories over Millwall, Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Rotherham United are needed to boost Cardiff City into the playoffs, as well as several results by teams in front of them.

After helped Nottingham Forest and Luton Town earn promotion, Horvath’s quest for a third-straight promotion remains alive.

Currently: 11th Place – 59 Points.