One Defeat Could Rule Play-Offs Out - Facts

By Scott Cooper
March 7 2005

CRYSTAL PALACE have done it, likewise Nottingham Forest and Bolton. There is a long list of sides who have scraped into the final play-off spot in the Championship (formerly Division One), but if Wolves are to do the same, they can't afford to lose once.

Saturday's 4-1 win over Crewe has given fans and manager Glenn Hoddle new optimism that a Play-Off place can be achieved. Wolves have ten games remaining and sit on 46 points, but one defeat could end any Play-Off hopes.

Why?

If Wolves were to win all ten remaining games they would have a total of 76 points. 76 points should see Wolves into the play-offs - but even then it might come down to goal difference.

Over the last ten seasons, the average points total for sixth place has been 74 points. So should Wolves lose one of their remaining ten games, they would not reach the average points tally needed. (one defeat and nine wins would leave Wolves on 73 points).

However of course 74pts is just the average - and there are exceptions.

When?

In the last ten years, the lowest points total for 6th place has been 71 points, achieved by both Crystal Palace and Leicester City in 96/97 and 95/96 respectively.

The highest points total for 6th place was 76 points (the maximum points Wolves can achieve this season) with Bolton securing the record twice in consecutive seasons.

What it means?

It basically means that Wolves can't afford to lose one of their remaining ten games. Instead Wolves must win all of their remaining games. 9 wins and 1 draw could still see Wolves miss out, so the chances of the Play-Offs for this season is looking in major doubt.

The Records -

03/04 - Crystal Palace - 73pts
02/03 - Nottingham - 74pts
01/02 - Norwich - 75pts
00/01 - West Brom - 74pts
99/00 - Bolton - 76pts
98/99 - Bolton - 76pts
97/98 - Sheffield U - 74pts
96/97 - Crystal Palace - 71pts
95/96 - Leicester City - 71pts
94/95 - Barnsley - 72pts