Arguably, this season has seen perhaps not the greatest quality of football, but certainly the most competitive in a number of years. Even though it looks like the first 5 places of the table are sewn up by; Stoke, West Brom, Bristol City, Hull and Watford, nobody can predict in which order they will end up. However, 6th place is still very much up for grabs, with as many as seven teams still holding aspirations of throwing their name into the lottery of the Play-Offs.
Crystal Palace currently lie in 6th under the guidance of Neil Warnock. The former Sheffield United manager has transformed Palace within the space of half a season from a mid-table side into that of a contender for the Play-Offs. It's hardly surprising, as Warnock reached the Premier League with the Blades just two years ago, and will no doubt be confident of achieving the same feat with the Londoners this time around. Plenty of other clubs will try to deny them of that, with another "been there, done that and got the t-shirt manager" in the shape of Mick McCarthy hoping to steer his Wolves side to Wembley. 
McCarthy hauled Sunderland to the Premiership and has quietly placed Wanderers into a strong position with games in hand. It is argued and often said by managers that they'd rather have points on the board, but Wolves have two games in hand on Palace and are only three points behind. Despite missing their most talented player, Michael Kightly, for the majority of the season Wolves have dug out results when it mattered. 
Ipswich Town fans must be pulling out their hair, they are surely the "if only" team this season. The style of football Jim Magilton has got The Tractor Boys playing this term is fast, flowing and easy on the eye. Their home form is amongst the best in the country having only lost once at Portman Road. Yet their dreadful away performances have unquestionably halted their progress. They have only managed three victories on their travels. If only Magilton had the nous to set his team up for an away game, they would surely be contenders, not for the Play-Offs, but for automatic promotion. Still, they have four games to go and are in the hunt for the much-coveted 6th spot. 
Alan Pardew has all but admitted defeat in the race for the Play-Offs after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Southampton. The Addicks are four points behind Crystal Palace with three games remaining. Although Charlton were amongst the favourites for promotion this season, followers of the London club shouldn't be too down-hearted as this season has been one of change and has seen new, young players with bright futures emerging. It's not over yet though, as we've seen this year anything can happen in this league.
Here's an interesting one. Cardiff City- F.A Cup finalists- with 60 points and a game in hand. The Welsh club are hitting form at exactly the right time and their cup run has given them the momentum to mount a serious challenge. Usually, a prolonged run in a cup competition has a detrimental effect on the club's league form, but it seems as though Cardiff have been spurred on. Credit to Dave Jones, another manager that has seen success in guiding Wolves to the "promised land" in years gone by. This may be the surprise package as Cardiff currently occupy 10th place.Crack Down
So what will it come down to? Most say it's down to the players, and to an extent I agree. They're the ones playing all the football after all. At this stage of the season, it's not just about ability and style. As much as anything else; it's mental strength. If a squad can remain focussed, undeterred by the form of clubs around them, they have a better chance then most. Out of the five clubs mentioned, four have managers that have experience of gaining promotion to the top flight. Jim Magilton, in his first full season as a manager has surpassed all expectations. It is the job of the manager to keep his players calm. It is his job to make the right decisions at the right times. Who will win the race for 6th place? Or, perhaps a more apt question is, who will crack first?
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