The battle for the last EPL place begins

Bournemouth and Watford have both deservedly booked their places in the English Premier League next season. There is still another spot up for grabs and four teams will battle it out over the coming weeks in the Championship play-offs to claim it. Here's how they're shaping up.

The four contenders to join Watford and Bournemouth in the top flight next season. (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Norwich City

Final position: 3rd

Norwich came from a long way back to give itself a realistic shot of returning to the Premier League, but may be frustrated it didn't gain automatic promotion. It now faces a two-legged tie against East Anglia rival Ipswich Town.

The Canaries should be favourites to progress to the play-off final, but will need to use all their experience to overcome a determined opponent in what will be two matches played in a heated derby atmosphere.

Strength: The squad's top-level experience and a clinical attack that includes star striker Cameron Jerome.

Weakness: Dropping points at vital stages of the season begs the question whether it can handle the pressure of the big occasion.

Prediction: Play-off finalist

Middlesbrough

Final position: 4th

Middlesbrough is another side that will be desperately disappointed it did not gain automatic promotion. Riding high for much of the season, it struggled for consistency in the all-important run-in and must now go through the uncertainty of the play-offs.

It meets surprise packet Brentford first up and while on paper Aitor Karanka's side should have little trouble progressing, if it continues to misfire in front of goal, Boro may find itself out in the first round.

Strength: A masterfully organised defensive unit which conceded the fewest goals in the Championship this season.

Weakness: An inability to find the back of the net, despite having one of the league's finest attackers in Patrick Bamford, Boro ended up with the worst attack in the top six.

Prediction: Play-off winner

Brentford

Final position: 5th

Brentford only sealed its place in the play-offs on the final day of the league campaign after Derby's unexpected home loss to Reading. 

The Bees have been one of the more entertaining sides in the competition and will likely employ a similarly free-flowing attacking mindset at this stage. At the first hurdle it faces Middlesbrough, the toughest team to break down in the league. It will have to shore up at the back though as it can ill afford to concede at home in the first leg.

Strengths: A creative attack that excites and creates chances with Spanish star Jota at the heart of it, as he proved against Wigan on the final day.

Weakness: Keeping opponents out has been the issue for Brentford all season and it finished up with the worst defence in the top six.

Predcition: Semi-final defeat

Ipswich Town

Final position: 6th

Ipswich had stayed in the hunt for a promotion place all season through hard work, consistency and at times sheer bloody-mindedness. While it faces a tough task against Norwich first up, this determined squad will relish the chance of a two-legged derby play-off.

Results towards the end of the campaign weren't the most impressive and while it isn't the most eye-catching going forward, the front men typically take the few chances created and in one-off ties this will be a major advantage.

Strength: A solid and experienced group that gives little away on the field and works right to the very end.

Weakness: A lack of variety in attack could be problematic if it needs to turn a result around.

Prediction: Semi-final defeat