Championship permutations: Promotion, play-off and relegation scenarios explained
WE have reached the final week of the Championship season – and it’s still all to play for.
Leicester City have already claimed promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after winning the title in the second tier.
Two more teams will join the Foxes in the top flight from the Championship next season.
But it’s not just the top of the table that is still to be decided with the relegation battle heating up.
SunSport has all you need to know about what can happen at the top and bottom of the Championship table.
Who can claim automatic promotion to the Premier League?
After Leicester secured the Championship title on Monday night with a 3-0 win away at Preston, just one more automatic promotion place remains.
If Ipswich can get four points from their remaining two matches, they will finish in the automatics behind Leicester.
Leeds must hope that the Tractor Boys lose against Coventry or Huddersfield and then match the other result, as goal difference currently favours the Whites.
Who can finish in the Championship play offs?
As previously alluded to, one of Leeds or Ipswich will finish third and have to settle for a play off place.
Southampton can’t move from their current fourth-placed position, while Norwich’s far superior goal difference to Hull City has all but secured their spot in the play-offs.
The only way the Canaries can drop out of the top-6 is if they lose heavily to Birmingham on the final, West Brom claim at least a draw, and the Tigers beat Plymouth – with a more than seven-goal swing between Norwich and Hull required.
Liam Rosenior’s side will have more hope that they can take the Baggies position in the play offs – should they win and Albion fall to defeat on final day.
Who can get relegated from the Championship?
Rotherham’s position at the foot of the table can not be changed with their status as a League One club already confirmed for next season.
Huddersfield’s relegation from the Championship is all but confirmed, with the Terriers in need of three points at Ipswich and Plymouth to lose to Hull – and they will require at least a 15 goal swing in the afore mentioned matches.
Birmingham City ideally need to beat Norwich on the final day to stand any chance of safety – and hope that Plymouth lose to Hull.
The Blues could draw and survive, but the Pilgrims would have to lose by five or more goals.
Birmingham could stay up on goal difference should they win and Blackburn Rovers suffer defeat to title winners Leicester or if Sheffield Wednesday lose away at Sunderland.
When are the Championship play offs?
Semi-final first legs
6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday, May 12
5th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday, May 12
Semi-final second legs
3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday, May 16
4th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday, May 17
Final
Sunday, May 26 (4.30pm)