Aitor Karanka

Championship: Final day permutations

Whilst a lot has already been ‘settled’ in the Championship already, the biggest is still yet to come as we enter the final day of the regulation season.

Whilst Burnley’s Bank Holiday Monday home victory over Queens Park Rangers ensured that they will participate in the Premier League next season, Saturday afternoon we’ll know who will join them in the automatic spots.

Destination Riverside Stadium. The hottest ticket in the Football League this weekend. It is essentially a cup final.

A few other matters are still to be settled this weekend in terms of league standing finishes, jumping up a couple of places potentially. We’ll have all of that covered in this article.

Automatic Promotion

As we already know, Burnley will finish in the top two, no matter what happens this weekend. Of course, Sean Dyche’s Clarets will be set on winning the title on Saturday and they can achieve that with a victory at already relegated Charlton Athletic. If the Middlesbrough against Brighton clash ends in a draw, then Burnley will also be crowned as Championship, even if they lose to the Addicks.

The footballing script-writers have been busy this season and Middlesbrough versus Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day is a mouth-watering contest. It is very much Middlesbrough in the box seat in the sense that a win or a draw would be enough for them to finish in the top two. A Boro win and Burnley defeat would see Aitor Karanka’s men go up as Champions. Only a win would seal promotion for Brighton. A win for the Seagulls and Burnley draw would see Chris Hughton’s men go up as Champions. A Brighton win and Burnley draw could still see the Amex Stadium club win the league, but only if they made up a four goal swing.

Play-Offs

One of Middlesbrough and Brighton will be contesting the end of season lottery. Stats suggest that whoever does miss out on a top two spot and ends up in third spot has the advantage in these matches. Nevertheless, both will be desperate to avoid them.

Hull City sealed their place in the top six a few weeks ago, but they can guarantee fourth spot with a victory at home to Rotherham United. Derby County could still finish fourth, but only if they win against Ipswich Town and realistically if Hull lose. They could still make 4th if Hull drew, but they’d then need to make up six goals on goal difference.

Sheffield Wednesday have finally held off Cardiff City thanks to their victory at Hillsborough last weekend. No matter what happens when the Owls go to Molineux this weekend or results elsewhere, they will end the season in the final play-off position and will face either Middlesbrough or Brighton in a two-legged semi final.

Relegation

No final day drama in the Championship this season surrounding relegation spots.

Bolton Wanderers will finish bottom of the table. They are still yet to win away from home this season, but have one last chance to put that right when they travel to Fulham.

MK Dons and Charlton Athletic are already down as well. MK Dons need to better Charlton’s result to leapfrog them into 22nd place, otherwise the Addicks finish in the highest relegation spot. Karl Robinson’s men entertain Nottingham Forest, whilst Burnley look to win the title at The Valley on Saturday afternoon.

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