It's been a great Championship season...some fates were unsurprising (Newcastle romping past the 100-point mark to win the league, Peterborough going straight back down, etc.) but there were a fair few surprises. Two of the biggest surprises involve play-off places
Some considered
Nottingham Forest to make the play-offs at the start of the season with Billy Davies in charge and he being a specialist with the play-offs...but nobody expected them to enjoy such a great season...going 19 matches unbeaten at one point, and until February were the only undefeated away team in England. But their home form has been solid, and they managed to finish third; where they've been since the turn of 2010. But they haven't won away from home for a long time now...that will be their main worry for the lottery coming up. But with good goalscorers such as Rob Earnshaw and Dexter Blackstock, even the on-loan playmaker Radoslaw Majewski, is the sky really the limit for the Reds?
Cardiff City, even with their financial turmoil, were expected to improve on last season's final day play-off heartache and finish in the top six...and they've accomplished that comfortably. Dave Jones has held together a good squad from the season previous, two of which include the club hero he brought back to Wales, Michael Chopra, who has been very helpful throughout the season, and the Championship's current top-scorer Peter Whittingham. They have a good strong team, formidable on their best day, and will want to be watched in the play-offs.
Leicester City lifted the League One trophy 12 months ago...who would have thought they would be in contention to complete a promotion double a year later?! They have had an outstanding campaign, led by nothing short of pure class from Nigel Pearson; the man has been a revelation since joining the club almost two years ago. Loan signing Martyn Waghorn has been become a cult hero at the club as his numerous contributions in front of goal have helped Leicester throughout the season. The Foxes have no expectations, they've proved they can perform both home an away, and must surely be considered a likely play-off finalist at very least!
But the biggest surprise has to be
Blackpool...expected to flirt with relegation at very best, Ian Holloway has done an incredible job creating beautiful football to be seen on the coast for the first time in a very long time. Their fortunes have been helped by a number of players, but none come close to the brilliant Charlie Adam who joined from Rangers last summer for a bargain £500,000. With Forest, currently unable to win away from home, the visitors on the first leg...surely, SURELY Blackpool can't be written off just yet?!
Who do you think will reach the Promised Land? Vote
You have until next Saturday to vote, which is when the first legs are played between Blackpool and Forest, and Leicester and Cardiff!