Newcastle host Norwich in the Championship on Wednesday night.
Sky Sports pundit Ian Holloway believes if any team finishes above Newcastle United or Norwich City this season they will be automatically promoted.
Norwich currently lead the Championship promotion race, having overtaken surprise early pace setters Huddersfield Town on Saturday, with Newcastle four points behind the Canaries in fifth.
The two sides were among the pre-season favourites for promotion – alongside Aston Villa, who also suffered relegation at the end of the previous campaign – and meet for the first time at St. James’ Park on Wednesday.
According to Holloway at least, there will be a winner.
“These are two of the best teams in the Championship,” wrote the former Football League boss turned pundit in his Sky Sports predictions column.
“Norwich are on a roll and Newcastle can beat anyone on their day, if anyone finishes above both of them I think they’ll be automatically promoted.
“Norwich played really well on the weekend and could have won by more, while Newcastle should have put Villa to bed but missed a few chances.
“Norwich will relish the challenge now they’re top but I think Newcastle will edge it at home.
“2-1.”
Such as result could see Newcastle climb to second, although Reading, Brighton and Huddersfield would each have to drop points in order for them to do so.
Norwich’s last visit to Tyneside saw Alex Neil’s men comfortable beaten 6-2, 11 months ago.
However, the Canaries, who have won each of their five fixtures this September, exacted their revenge with a 3-2 win at Carrow Road in April.
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