The Championship season reaches its dramatic conclusion this lunchtime, with promotion and play-off spots still up for grabs on a thrilling final day. Three teams are locked in a battle for automatic promotion, while the race to secure a place in the play-offs is equally intense.
Coventry City have already secured their return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence, with Frank Lampard guiding the Sky Blues back to the top flight. The title is also theirs, so Coventry can enjoy a pressure-free finale. But for the rest, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Three clubs remain in contention to join Coventry automatically: Ipswich Town, Millwall, and Middlesbrough. Ipswich are the frontrunners, sitting one point clear of third-placed Millwall with a significant goal-difference advantage that effectively acts as an extra point. A victory over QPR will seal the Tractor Boys' promotion, marking an instant return to the Premier League and their third promotion in just four seasons—a remarkable achievement.
However, if Ipswich stumble, Millwall are ready to pounce. A win against relegated Oxford United would see the Lions promoted for the first time in their history to the Premier League. Millwall haven't been a top-flight side since the 1989/90 season, making this a potential landmark moment for the club.
Middlesbrough remain outsiders for automatic promotion, facing the toughest final-day task with a trip to Wrexham, who also need a win to keep their own hopes alive. Boro need to win and hope Ipswich lose, while Millwall also fail to win. In a more unlikely scenario, if Ipswich draw and Millwall lose, Boro could still go up with a six-goal victory at The Racecourse Ground.
Southampton are already guaranteed a play-off spot, and two of Ipswich, Millwall, or Middlesbrough will join them. There's a slim chance the Saints could finish third, but that would require both Millwall and Middlesbrough to drop points.
Wrexham currently hold sixth place, the final play-off position, ahead of a massive showdown with Middlesbrough in Wales. Even a win isn't enough to guarantee a play-off berth, as Wrexham are only ahead of Hull City on goal difference. The drama is set for an unforgettable afternoon of Championship football.