A decision to remove Premier League relegation for the 2019/20 campaign would cause "big problems" for Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion's promotion hopes, according to The Athletic's Phil Hay. 

Leeds and the Baggies looked the frontrunners for promotion prior to the delay to the EFL season, which began nearly two months ago.

The Whites are one-point clear of West Brom at the top of the table, while Slaven Bilic's side have a six-point cushion over the play-offs with just nine games remaining.

If, how, and when the 2019/20 season will be concluded remains unclear and there are question marks over whether the Championship's top two will be promoted to the top flight this term.

According to BBC Sport, an increasing number of Premier League sides want the threat of relegation removed if the season is resumed and have suggested they'd be open to concluding the campaign in neutral venues if that were the case.

On Twitter, Hay has assessed what that may mean for Leeds and West Brom's hopes of promotion.

It was reported late last week that hopes of the EFL season being concluded on the pitch are fading in the minds of a growing number of club owners.

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The Verdict

It's hard to disagree with Hay on this one, if the Premier League were to remove relegation this term it could be dreadful news for Leeds and West Brom's promotion hopes.

It's important to remember that at this point, it doesn't seem this is a proposal that the league itself has considered, rather it is one that the teams are pushing for.

A 22 or 23 team Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign may provide more revenue but it would mean more games and some logistical issues to work out.

The argument against it from some of the big sides would likely be buoyed by the fact that Euro 2020 has been rescheduled for next summer.