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Most teams still in the race have just four matches to play, with every encounter now critical in the battle to win promotion, and the estimated £160 million ($280 million) windfall that comes with it.
Here’s a rundown of the how the race works and who is in the box seat to replace Huddersfield, Fulham and a yet-to-be-determined third team in the top flight next season.
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HOW IT WORKS
The top two finishers in the Championship achieve automatic promotion, while teams finishing third to sixth enter the promotion playoffs to compete for the third and final spot.
There are currently four teams in mathematical contention for the top two, with teams right down to 13th-placed Swansea still technically in the hunt for the top six.
THE CONTENDERS
1. Norwich City (86 points)
Remaining opponents: Sheffield Wednesday (H), Stoke City (A), Blackburn Rovers (A), Aston Villa (A)
Last in Premier League: 2013/14
Outlook: Only a disaster now would stop the Canaries from achieving automatic promotion and a return to the top flight for the first time in five years. Behind Finnish striker Teemu Pukki — the league’s top scorer with 27 goals — Daniel Farke’s exciting side has surprised many this season.
2. Leeds United (82 points)
Remaining opponents: Wigan (H), Brentford (A), Aston Villa (H), Ipswich Town (H)
Last in Premier League: 2003/04
Outlook: Leeds United — former home to Aussie greats Harry Kewlell and Mark Viduka — finished third in the Premier League at the turn of the millennium but plummeted to the depths of third-tier League One in 2007/08. An end to the nightmare is well and truly in sight, and they face bottom half teams in three of their four remaining fixtures.
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3. Sheffield United (79 points)
Remaining opponents: Nottingham Forrest (H), Hull City (A), Ipswich Town (H), Stoke City (A)
Last in Premier League: 2006/07
Outlook: Recently surrendered second spot but Chris Wilder’s side is still well and truly in the race for top two and automatic promotion. A slightly trickier run home than Leeds, but a home encounter with last-placed Ipswich certainly helps.
4. West Brom (73 points)
Remaining opponents: Hull City (H), Reading (A), Rotterham United (H), Derby County (A)
Last in Premier League: 2017/18
Outlook: Still mathematically in the hunt for automatic promotion and all but guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, it’s been a rocky ride for pre-season fancies West Brom. They dramatically sacked manager Darren Moore last month, with caretaker James Shan tasked with getting the team straight back into the top flight after being relegated last year.
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5. Aston Villa (69 points)
Remaining opponents: Bolton (A), Millwall (H), Leeds (A), Norwich (H)
Last in Premier League: 2015/16
Outlook: Another big club battling to get back to the big-time, Villa have hit their straps at the right time with a stunning run of eight straight victories. They’re charging towards the playoffs and while the run home looks daunting — facing top two Leeds and Norwich in the final two games — it could work in their favour if those teams have already sealed promotion.
6. Bristol City (65 points)
Remaining opponents: Reading (H), Sheffield Wednesday (A), Derby County (H), Millwall (A), Hull City (A)
Last in Premier League: Never
Outlook: Have the golden advantage of a game in hand over most of their rivals. With the backing of billionaire Steve Lansdown, Bristol should have plenty of cash to splash should they go up.
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7. Middlesbrough (64 points)
Remaining opponents: Stoke (H), Nottingham Forrest (A), Reading (H), Rotherham United (A)
Last in Premier League: 2016/17
Outlook: After a worrying run of form, Tony Pulis’ side has hit back with two straight victories. They don’t face a side placed higher than 11th in the run home and should finish strongly.
8. Derby County (63 points)
Remaining opponents: Derby County (A), QPR (H), Bristol City (A), Swansea (A), West Brom (H)
Last in Premier League: 2007/08
Outlook: Premier League legend Frank Lampard is looking to return to their Premier League, this time as a manager. Like Bristol, they have a game in hand over the rest of the pack and the run home looks friendly.
9. Hull City (60 points)
Remaining opponents: West Brom (A), Sheffield United (H), Swansea (A), Bristol City (H)
Last in Premier League: 2016/17
Outlook: Need plenty to go in their favour from here and their run home has them up against it — facing three top-six sides.
10. Sheffield Wednesday (59 points)
Remaining opponents: Norwich (A), Bristol City (H), Preston North End (A), QPR (H)
Last in Premier League: 1999/00
Outlook: Currently six points outside the playoff places, they need something of a miracle and will likely have to knock off league leaders Norwich away from home on Saturday to have any chance.
Still mathematically in the hunt: Nottingham Forrest (57 points), Preston North End (57 points), Swansea (56 points)
AUSTRALIANS IN THE PROMOTION HUNT
Bailey Wright (Bristol City): Looks the best shot of becoming Australia’s next Premier League player. Would be a hell of an achievement given he was playing in League One football five years ago.
Jackson Irvine (Hull City): The Socceroos midfielder would look at home in the Premier League but Hull City will need something special from here to go up.
Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa): Villa are right in the thick of things but unfortunately it appears former Socceroos skipper Jedinak is headed for the exit at Villa Park anyway.
PROMOTION PLAYOFF DATES
First legs (3rd vs 6th, 4th vs 5th): May 11
Second legs: May 14-15
Final: May 27
CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION/LEAGUE ONE PROMOTION RACE
Ipswich Town (28 points) are already locked in to be relegated to League One and Bolton (32 points) look destined to join them.
Rotherham United (40), Wigan (42), Millwall (42), Reading (44), Birmingham (46) and QPR (48) are all still fighting for safety.
Luton Town (87) look destined for promotion to the Championship, currently five points clear of Barnsley (82) who hold the second automatic spot. Former Premier League sides Sunderland (80), Portsmouth (80) and Charlton (79) are locked in for the playoffs with Doncaster (69) and Peterborough (64) likely battling for sixth spot.