I firmly believe that Huddersfield Town are safe and will play next season in the Championship. However, there is a ridiculously unlikely combination of events that could take place that could see them relegated.
Sitting on 51 points on the table means that Town cannot finish in the bottom two positions but it’s mathematically possible for them to finish third from bottom. But’s it’s seriously unlikely.
Here’s what would have to happen:
Town would have to lose to Millwall first and foremost. While the drama off the pitch won’t help their chances tomorrow, they are still in with a chance of getting something from the game. A point or more makes all the scenarios described below irrelevant as Town will be 100% safe.
But if Town do lose, all of the following would have to happen for Town to finish in 22nd position in the league:
- Middlesbrough would need a point or more to finish above Town.
- Birmingham would need a win (or to draw and Town lose to Millwall by five goals or more).
- Charlton would have to win.
- Least likely of all, Luton would have to win and overturn the 15 goal difference deficit they have to Town (E.g. Town lose 8-0 and Luton win 7-0.)
Even if all of the above were to happen, Town would only go down if Wigan were to be successful in their appeal against their 12 point deduction for going into administration. This doesn’t seem all that likely as it has not happened since the automatic 12 point deduction was introduced.
Should Town fans be worried?
No. It’s not just unlikely, it’s almost impossible for all of the above to take place.
Just for the results above to happen has odds of around 80/1 of happening without taking into account the goal difference swing required for Luton to overtake us. And then an unprecedented removal of Wigan’s points deduction would have to take place.
So, even though Town technically could still be relegated, I wouldn’t lose too much sleep about it.