We enter the penultimate week of the regular Football League season and plenty of questions could be answered this weekend. There are still automatic promotion places and play-off positions up for grabs across the Championship, League One and League One.
Whilst it may seem pretty straightforward, we thought we would do the math for you ahead of this weekend, to let you know exactly what your team needs to either confirm or increase their chances of success.
Sky Bet Championship – Automatic Promotion
This is a fairly easy one to begin one! As we all know, two out of Burnley, Middlesbrough and Brighton & Hove Albion will end the season in 1st and 2nd place in the Championship table. Each have at least confirmed a play-off place, although Sean Dyche, Aitor Karanka and Chris Hughton have their sights on much higher aspirations.
It is likely everything will be concluded on the final day but it now could be over this weekend. Middlesbrough moved back to the top of the table after drawing at Birmingham on Friday. Brighton and Burnley both play on Bank Holiday Monday at home to Derby County and Queens Park Rangers respectively. The goal difference is exceptionally tight between the three teams as well, but the automatic promotion picture will be a little bit clearer come Monday night. Remember, Middlesbrough entertain Brighton on the final day. Burnley know that if Brighton also drop points against Derby, then a home win over QPR would seal promotion.
Sky Bet Championship – Play-Offs
At least one of Burnley, Middlesbrough and Brighton will take their place in the play-offs, and will join Derby County and Hull City, who have already confirmed their ticket for the end of season lottery.
The final place will be taken up by one of Sheffield Wednesday or Cardiff City, who intriguing both meet at Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon. Realistically a point would be enough for the Owls to seal the final play-off position, whilst a Cardiff victory would take it to the final day, where only a pint would separate the two teams. Carlos Carvalhal’s men have a +11 better goal difference than the Bluebirds, but the Portuguese insists he wants his side to go in search of all three points. On the final day, Sheff Wed travel to Wolves, whilst Russell Slade and Cardiff welcome Birmingham City to South Wales.
Sky Bet Championship – Relegation
Sorry to remind supporters of Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and MK Dons, but they will all be playing League One football next season. MK Dons’ relegation was confirmed following a 4-1 home defeat to Brentford last weekend.
Barclays Premier League – Relegation
We already know that Aston Villa will be playing their football in the Championship next season, but the identity of the two other clubs which will join them has yet to be confirmed.
Realistically, we know it will be one of Norwich City, Sunderland or Newcastle United, but nothing will officially be decided this weekend.
Switch to the next page to find out about the ups and downs in League One this weekend!
