Wrexham face the nerve-shredding possibility of missing out on a chance at Premier League riches on a head-to-head record. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned outfit are battling for their fourth consecutive promotion, having been a National League side just three years ago.
Final Day Drama
They face a nail-biting final day in the Championship as they attempt to cling on to sixth place, the last play-off berth. Seventh-placed Hull City are their closest challengers, with both teams locked on points and divided by just a single goal, +4 to +3 in Wrexham's favour.
Should they finish level on both points and goal difference, it would hinge on goals scored. That currently sits in Hull's favour, 68 to 67, meaning if Wrexham secure a higher-scoring victory, albeit by a margin of one goal fewer than their opponents ultimately achieve, another scenario would unfold.
Head-to-Head Decider
For instance, should Wrexham win 3-2 and Hull 2-0, it would leave both sides level on goal difference and goals scored. This would mean the head-to-head record would determine the outcome, which would benefit the Yorkshire outfit, who have completed the double over the Red Dragons.
That would prove a particularly painful manner for Wrexham to surrender their Premier League ambitions and the £100million jackpot that comes with it. But it's not simply a two-horse race between Wrexham and Hull for the final play-off spot, with Derby trailing by just one point and boasting a superior goal difference of +9.
Three-Way Battle
Should the Rams secure victory, both Wrexham and Hull would need to match that result to maintain their advantage. The final round of Championship fixtures all commence simultaneously at 12.30pm on Saturday.
Wrexham face the toughest challenge on paper as they welcome a Middlesbrough outfit that retains slim hopes of securing automatic promotion should Ipswich and Millwall falter.
Hull and Derby entertain mid-table opposition in Norwich and Sheffield United, respectively. Phil Parkinson's charges have endured a stumble recently, suffering defeats to Southampton, Birmingham and newly-crowned champions Coventry, either side of wins over Stoke and Oxford.
Director's Perspective
However, Wrexham director Shaun Harvey insists the club's campaign can be deemed successful, regardless of this weekend's outcome. Speaking at SportsPro London, Harvey said: "To use Alex Ferguson's favourite phrase, it definitely is squeaky bum time. Will we make it or won't we make it?
"Well, there's a story to be written either way. Because whatever happens, we've gone from being a non-league team to the best team in Wales by virtue of league position."
He continued: "If we do make it to the play-offs on Saturday afternoon, we have the chance of going back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotions. If we achieve that, as others have said and I agree, it would be the greatest sports story ever.
"There's no script, just a story to tell. As it happens, it's authentic and that's what makes Wrexham so relatable to many others who care to dream."
