WITH Coventry City’s promotion already secured, the other spot for automatic promotion to the top-flight in very much up in the air.
One team of which has stormed into contention for the second spot in recent, with Southampton earning 28 points in their last 10 games.
Ipswich Town’s draw with Middlesbrough on the weekend has left the promotion race wide open, with just three points separating second and fifth with nine points still to play for – but who is in the best position?
Ipswich
After struggling a touch at the start of the campaign, the Tractor Boys look in great stead for an immediate bounce back.
Kieran McKenna’s side have lost just five times since the end of October, and can go three points clear of Millwall if they win their game in hand.
However, they have earned just one point in their last two games, and their victory over Norwich City the game before had many arguing about the controversial penalty they received.
Regardless, with just two teams to play in the top half, the East Anglian side will fancy themselves to hold on to their position.
Millwall
Perhaps the most surprising side in contention is Millwall – although they are no team to underestimate any longer.
The Lions have been consistent all season long, and recent positive results against Ipswich and Middlesbrough has them dreaming of a top-flight return and Premier League debut.
They have a favourable end of season fixture list too, with Stoke in 17th being the highest placed opponent left – however, they will also be facing Leicester and Oxford United, both fighting for their tier two lives.
Millwall have fought very hard all year, and if they push hard and take maximum points, their dream may well come true.
Southampton
The Saints have seriously hit their stride under Tonda Eckert. Eckert’s side sat in the relegation when he took over, but they have since earned more points than any other side in the second tier.
Late victory in south Wales at the weekend meant that Saints extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 games.
This form leaves their goal difference looking healthy, and with Ipswich the only opponent left with something to play for, their run is certainly looking favourable, and we expect fans to be in fine voice when the host the Tractor Boys in a week’s time.
Middlesbrough
The Riverside occupants are the last side realistically in the race for the automatic spots, with one more win certainly securing a place in the play-offs.
One worrying thing for Boro is they have not won a game in seven, but their 2-2 all draw at Portman Road shows the belief is still there for a top-flight return.
Favourable home games to Sheffield Wednesday and Watford remains, leaving a trip to Wrexham on the final day of the season which could make for an incredible end to the campaign.
