The 46th and final game of another enthralling Championship campaign is upon us, and we are still in the dark over who will join Coventry City in ascending to the Premier League.
Ipswich Town in Pole Position
Ipswich Town start the day in second place and have their destiny in their own hands. Victory against a QPR side with little but pride to play for will clinch an instant return to England's top division. However, the Championship is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving, and two sides are ready to pounce if Kieran McKenna's men fluff their lines.
Millwall and Middlesbrough Lurk
Millwall are just a point worse off than Ipswich in third. If they win their home game against already-relegated Oxford and the Tractor Boys drop points against QPR, they will become a Premier League team for the first time in their history. Then there is Middlesbrough, a point further back, who could profit if both Ipswich and Millwall fail to win, although beating play-off chasing Wrexham away from home is no foregone conclusion.
Expert Predictions
John Cross: Everything is in Ipswich's hands. They face a QPR side with little to play for at Portman Road, which looks a decent final fixture. Millwall have battled the odds all season and are playing with no pressure, which is a big advantage. Middlesbrough need a lot to go their way, plus a win at Wrexham, which looks tricky.
James Whaling: I would love to see Millwall get to the Premier League, but it is hard to see them reaching the promised land today. Ipswich could hardly have asked for a better fixture to secure their immediate return to the top flight. They face a QPR side who have thrown the towel in on this season and have lost their last three.
Ben Husband: Rather than a sprint to the line, the promotion race has become a contest of who can stumble through the rope and into the Premier League. Ipswich should already have the (P) next to their name, but after picking up just six points from a possible 15, they will have to contend with nerves on the final day. Millwall, who looked to be timing their run perfectly, have dropped points to Blackburn, West Brom, and already relegated Leicester last time out.
Dan Marsh: I am incredibly biased, but pressure can do funny things. Yes, Ipswich are favourites and so they should be. They have a squad worthy of the top two. But we have played 45 games now, and the table does not lie. Millwall have punched above their odds all season, and to be in this conversation on the final day is already a triumph for a club with our budget. Sometimes the stars just align.
Felix Keith: Ipswich did not get the job done at St Mary's on Tuesday night, but they will do at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon. QPR are no Southampton; they are mid-table and with very little to play for. Millwall will beat relegated Oxford at The Den, but will come up just short, while Middlesbrough have by far the toughest fixture against Wrexham, who need to win to secure sixth.
Daniel Orme: I think Ipswich will earn an instant promotion back to the Premier League. Kieran McKenna's side have just about been the best of the rest in the Championship this season. It is not going to be straightforward though. Ipswich have only won one of their last five games, so Portman Road will be a very nervy place indeed. Millwall will likely rack up another victory, but with Ipswich getting past QPR, it will not be enough to overhaul the Tractor Boys' far superior goal difference.
Conclusion
The final day promises to be nervy and tense, but Ipswich's favourable fixture against a QPR side with little to play for should see them over the line. Millwall and Middlesbrough will have to dust themselves down quickly for the playoffs, where a resurgent Southampton looms large.
