As we enter the final stage of 2017 and the Christmas period, the Sky Bet Championship table is beginning to take shape, with it becoming clearer who will be challenging for promotion in May 2018.

So far this season, Wolves have been the Championship standout side, but just four points behind them sit Cardiff City, who under Neil Warnock have mounted a surprise assault on promotion, which doesn’t look like hitting the rocks.

Callum Ellis (@CallumJEllis) from Inside Wales Sport has looked at Wolves and Cardiff’s respective points tally, which indicates that both clubs are on course for promotion later this season.

Ellis has revealed that the last three clubs to achieve 46 points by Christmas Day have gone on to achieve promotion, with Wolves and Cardiff surpassing that with a game to spare this season.

Wolves currently have 51 points from their opening 22 fixtures following Friday night’s 1-0 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, whilst Cardiff are just four points worse off than Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, having picked up 47 points.

Cardiff’s 1-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday evening saw the pass the 46-point mark with one game still left to play before Christmas.

The Verdict

Things are looking tight in the race for the play-offs in the Championship, but significant gap is beginning to open up between Wolves and Cardiff and the rest of the division.

Both Wolves and Cardiff look like they are in control of the automatic promotion race, and if history stays true, the likelihood is that the duo will be gracing the Premier League next season.

However, with 24 fixtures of the season still remaining, there is every chance the Championship promotion race could take a fresh twist.

Wolves and Cardiff fans… Let us know your thoughts!