Ian Holloway has given his thoughts on the ongoing race for automatic promotion from the Championship this season. 

West Brom and Leeds United have been the league's early pace setters, with both clubs currently occupying the division's top two places as we head towards the midway point of the campaign.

Other clubs that could well be in the mix come the end of the season include Scott Parker's exciting Fulham side and serial play-off contenders Nottingham Forest, whist the likes of Bristol City and Preston North End are likely to be there or thereabouts come May.

With Leeds and West Brom both accumulating 46 points respectively, it looks like the gap between the top two and the play-offs may be too wide to close, with third place Fulham being their closest rivals on 35 points.

FLW Journalist Chris Thorpe caught up with Holloway earlier this week to discuss the race for Premier League promotion, with the experienced 56-year-old picking out several clubs to look out for.

"They’ll take some catching (West Brom and Leeds). 

"But I honestly believe what Fulham did two or three years ago could happen again if a team brings in the right players. 

"At the moment they’re all getting hit by punches, its about who can stand up and keep hold of their best players. 

"I love the Championship, I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. 

"I’m not sure who could go up, Forest could spend the right money, Brentford could do if they keep (Ollie) Watkins and Sheffield Wednesday may get a run under Garry Monk. 

"It’s the toughest division out there, but as I said it’s all about the transfer window."

Ian Holloway was speaking at an event organised by The Sackrace, a website which features the latest news and football gossip on the managers at each of the major clubs.