Leicester secure 2023/24 Championship title with victory over Preston
- Leicester overcome late season wobble to claim 2023/24 Championship title
- 3-0 win at Preston on Monday night means Foxes cannot be caught at the top of the table
- Leeds or Ipswich will secure second automatic promotion spot next weekend
Leicester City sealed the 2023/24 Championship title by easing past Preston North End 3-0 on Monday night.
The Foxes endured a late season drop in form which seemed to open the door to their rivals for automatic promotion.
However, they bounced back with victories over West Bromwich Albion and Southampton and had confirmed their promotion back to the Premier League after Leeds United were thrashed 4-0 by Queens Park Rangers on Friday night.
Leicester strolled to victory at Deepdale on Monday, going into half-time 1-0 up after Jamie Vardy struck in the 36th minute. The England international struck again before Kasey McAteer ended Preston's slim hopes of a comeback.
Enzo Maresca was appointed manager at the start of the season as the Foxes attempted to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. They quickly emerged as the title favourites and had won 21 of 26 matches by New Year's Day.
A run of only four wins from nine games from early February to late March dented their title hopes as the likes of Ipswich Town and Leeds surged into the picture, but Leicester now cannot be caught with only one game left to play.
The second automatic place is still up for grabs. Ipswich have a game in hand on Leeds, with both sides sat on 90 points. That fixture which arrives on Tuesday when they visit Coventry City before taking on Huddersfield on the final day, when Leeds will clash with Southampton.
Southampton will finish fourth and qualify for the play-offs alongside one of Ipswich or Leeds, with Norwich City and West Brom currently in fifth and sixth.
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