Hello all, long time reader on here, but first time poster.
A slow day at work waiting for new year party so thought I'd join in the automatic promotion debate.
Based on points gained so far, current form (over last 10 games) and the continuation of current form until the end of the season, the top 6 would look like this at the end of the season.
Bournemouth 98
Brentford 98
Doncaster 92
Cov 85
MK Dons 81
Tranmere 81
(After the first 8 games I think everyone on here would have taken that !! )
So, for us to get auto promotion means we need to continue current form (2.3 points per match) and hope that Bournemouth, Brentford and Doncaster all slip up (including ideally in the games against us)
In the last 10 years 85 points would have meant automatic promotion 3 times, (and the title once), so based on current form we have a 30% chance of auto promotion.
For the gamblers out there the bookies have us ranging from 3/1 to 6/1 for promotion (either via automatic place or playoff), which represents good value. (A 30% chance is around 23/10)
However, this is all based on form over 10 games and if it was done over 5 games or 15 games things could/would look different, and obviously form over the next 20 odd games will fluctuate for most teams, so don't go betting your house on this!
So, is automatic promotion out of reach? Probably yes, but if form continues playoffs are nailed on and we'll go up that way instead
