I don't usually do predictions…but what the hell. City could be as good as up by the end of the month

So, as the League One fixture list shrinks at a rapid pace, City find themselves in a very healthy position, with just 12 games remaining.

All of a sudden, it feels like we’re into the home straight and last weekend was another massive step towards promotion for the Canaries.

Second placed Leeds could only manage a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield and while Paul Lambert’s men were not at their fluent best again, it’s points that win prizes and to a get maximum return from their trip to Oldham was ‘job done’.

What was possibly more significant, however, was Colchester United’s defeat at Bristol Rovers and there is now a nine-point gap to third.

And at the end of the day, that’s the buffer zone we should all be concentrating on.  If City manage to win the title ahead of the Yorkshire giants, then all well and good.

But it’s automatic promotion which is the be all and end all and everyone of a yellow and green persuasion would settle for second every day of the week.

And, for me, this month’s set of results could make or break City’s automatic promotion dreams. 

Their clash with Yeovil at Carrow Road this weekend should result in another three points for the league leaders – without wanting to tempt fate.

But it’s their road trips in the coming weeks which could turn out to be crucial.  Away fixtures at Huddersfield and then Swindon are about as tricky as it gets in this division.

The visit to Wiltshire could turn out to be City’s toughest fixture; the Robins have been in solid form for a while now and still have an outside hope of sneaking into that top two, sitting in fifth place with a couple of games in hand.

A share of the spoils here would be acceptable – especially as I fancy Norwich to get something at Huddersfield.

Lee Clark’s side play an open, expansive brand of football and this could suit the table-toppers.  City have plenty of quality and if Messrs Hoolahan, Martin and Holt are given enough space, they could go to town at the Galpharm Stadium.

And if they can emerge from those two encounters with at least three points, then it will stand them in good stead for another big one – Leeds at home on March 27^th.

That will be a real humdinger and could go either way.  A lot can happen between now and then but I’m expecting City to pick up eight points this month.

Yeovil (h) – win.

Huddersfield (a) – win.

Swindon (a) – draw.

Leeds (h) – draw.

It’s fair to say that by the 28th, we should have a fair idea of whether City will be as good as up, or fighting hard with a host of other teams for those coveted two spots.

And if they can pick up those eight points in March, it should be the former rather than the latter.