The Championship is set for a thrilling final day, with promotion and play-off spots still up for grabs. Newly crowned champions Coventry City will return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence, but the question remains: who will join them?
Automatic Promotion Race
Ipswich Town are in control of the second automatic spot, aiming for an immediate return to the top flight. Millwall and Middlesbrough still harbour hopes, but the permutations are complex.
Ipswich Town
It is simple for Kieran McKenna's side: beat QPR at Portman Road, and an immediate return to the Premier League is sealed, regardless of other results. A draw complicates matters, opening the door for Millwall to snatch promotion with a victory over Oxford United. If both Ipswich and Millwall fail to win, Middlesbrough could go up, but only if they thrash Wrexham by six goals away from home. Millwall cannot secure promotion with a draw due to goal difference, while Middlesbrough must win and hope Ipswich lose and Millwall slip up.
Play-Off Battle
Southampton have already secured their play-off place, but the final spot is fiercely contested by Wrexham, Hull City, and Derby County. Goal difference is likely to be decisive.
Wrexham
A win over promotion-chasing Middlesbrough may not be enough, as Hull could overtake them if they better Wrexham's margin of victory by one against Norwich. For example, if Wrexham win 2-1 but Hull win 3-1, the teams would be level on goal difference, but Hull would clinch the play-off spot on goals scored. However, a high-scoring win for Wrexham, such as 4-3, combined with a 2-0 Hull win, would flip the scenario in Wrexham's favour on goals scored. A draw would only be sufficient if both Hull and Derby fail to win.
Hull City
Hull need to better Wrexham's result. A win would put pressure on Wrexham, but they also rely on Derby not winning. If both Wrexham and Hull win, goal difference and goals scored will decide.
Derby County
Derby can jump into the top six by bettering the results of both Wrexham and Hull. A win over Sheffield United, combined with both rivals failing to win, would suffice. Alternatively, a Derby draw and losses for Wrexham and Hull would also work.
Play-Off Seeding
Southampton could earn the third seed if Millwall lose and Middlesbrough draw. If Millwall pick up a point, the Saints would take the fourth seed, securing a home second leg in the semi-finals, provided they beat Preston away and Middlesbrough fail to win at Wrexham.
