No easy games in The Championship

The other day, TalkSport ranked Championship teams on how hard their remaining fixtures were. The ranking was based on the average points per game of the teams combined.

Surprisingly, our beloved Bolton Wanderers were deemed to have the easiest run-in at the end of the season on paper.

Bolton’s remaining opponents have a combined average of 1.16 points per game, whilst Birmingham City supposedly have the hardest set of fixtures, with an average of 1.58 points per game.

What does that mean? Sweet FA.

Given the unpredictable nature of The Championship, you can’t rely on averages to decide a clubs fate. Any team can win a game in this league, that’s why this league is so great.

If everything played out like it was on paper, Wanderers would probably be rock bottom right now. Doesn’t matter how easy a run of games seems, it’s never that simple. Especially in The Championship.

Who would have said Bolton would take points from the top sides like Fulham, Aston Villa, Cardiff City and Bristol City? Probably no-one.

Are Birmingham definitely going down because they’ve got the hardest set of fixtures? No.

Are Wanderers automatically safe because they’ve got the easiest? No.

The only thing that matters is Bolton continuing to pick up points.

The good thing is the fact that safety is in Wanderers’ hands. A couple more wins and survival should be secured. There are eight games to go.

A Championship season isn’t determined by averages or odds. Look where we were in September compared to now.

There’s no time for complacency, something Phil Parkinson and the players will be well aware of.

Like the third Chuckle Brother used to say: ‘No slacking.’