Aston Villa
Respected journalist delivers encouraging verdict on Bristol City

Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post has delivered his prediction for the Sky Bet Championship’s top-six, with it his belief that Bristol City will hang on to sixth place.
The reliable journalist from the YEP, who works closely with Leeds United, has taken to Twitter to deliver his verdict on the race for the play-offs, with it his belief that the top-five spots are already taken.
There is an almighty scramble for sixth, however, with Bristol City currently the team holding onto that spot.
Wolves, Cardiff City, Fulham, Aston Villa and Derby County currently hold the top-five spots in the Championship table, with Hay believing that group will go on to compete for promotion.
Top five I think will be Wolves, Cardiff/Fulham, Villa, Derby. Can't see that changing much. Below them, Bristol City have been there for a long time. Think they might hang on (but people who've seen plenty of Preston think they're a decent team).
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) February 27, 2018
The journalist is also predicting that Bristol City will hang on to sixth, despite Lee Johnson’s side only winning once in 2018, although a brief mention went to a consistent Preston North End side, who continue to knock on the door of the top-six.
There was no place in the top-six for Leeds, who Hay follows closely, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side currently five points adrift of the top-six heading into the final 12 fixtures of the season.
The Verdict
It is hard to argue with Hay’s prediction for the top-five, with Wolves, Cardiff, Fulham, Aston Villa and Derby all looking a good bet heading into the run-in.
However, there will be plenty of twists and turns in the race for sixth, and although Bristol City are in pole position, there is every chance they could fall away, particularly if their recent form is anything to go by.
Sheffield United, Preston and Middlesbrough are all chasing them down, whilst Brentford and Leeds remain outsiders.
Who do you think will make the top-six? Let us know your thoughts!
