Around the contenders

Last updated : 27 April 2010 By Forest

The Reds are guaranteed a home tie in the second leg of the play-off semi-finals and barring a big turnaround on Sunday, Cardiff City will also play away first.

Manager Dave Jones however does not believe that is much of an advantage.

"I've been in the play-offs playing at home first and playing at home last - and I've failed both ways," he said.

"The best way to prepare for the play-offs is going into it with momentum."

Leicester City's build-up is being dominated by talk of manager Nigel Pearson leaving at the end of the season, potential moves to Burnley and Celtic being mooted in the summer.

Chairman Milan Mandaric however told BBC East Midlands: "No matter where we end up I want Nigel to stay and he will stay, it's as simple as that."

The final play-off place is currently held by Blackpool, who need to match Swansea's result to ensure an unlikely top-six finish.

Boss Ian Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette: "We now have 90 minutes left against Bristol City and it will be the hardest 90 minutes of our lives … unless we go 3-0 up after 20 minutes and I can't imagine that happening.

"So we have got to deliver the goods on a bobbly old pitch."

For Swansea it looks like a case of what might have been and the Welshman could be left to rue wthat they see as not having the rub of the green, including in their game at the City Ground.

Swans star Garry Monk said: "It's one of those situations where quite a few decisions have gone against us in certain games, but had those decisions gone for us you're looking at a totally different points gathering.

"We are talking small margins in football - a decision here and a decision there that changes the complexion of the season."