West Ham were promoted to the Premier League a year ago through the play-offs

A place in the Premier League might just be the most coveted prize in English football; there’s the £120million windfall and of course the chance to see your team face off against some of the biggest names in world football. However, should fans of Championship sides be so eager to see their team make it to the supposed ‘promised land’?

There’s no denying the superior quality of football on display and the chance to feature on the odd Super Sunday is far more preferable than staying up past midnight to catch the Football League Show, yet there are plenty of downsides to a season in the Premier League.

Watching your beloved team take a shellacking once a month against the Premier League’s elite is certainly not how most football fans want to spend their Saturday’s. Take Derby County; a team that snatched promotion in the 2007 play-off final only to spend the next season losing all but 9 of their 38 games and suffering relegation in March. For Derby fans, their last spell in the top flight is ironically both a season to forget and one that will haunt them for years to come.

Consolidation has become the goal for most teams who find themselves promoted. Beyond securing mathematical safety as soon as possible what else is there to play for in the top flight? The top six is invariably made up of the same teams every year, leaving a mid-top half finish and the hope of winning a cup the new definition of success for those aspiring to the Premier League.

Next Monday it’ll be either Crystal Palace or Watford heading for the top table of English football. However, fans of both clubs may find life outside the Championship isn’t as wonderful as Sky Sports would have you believe, especially when you take into account just how gripping England’s second tier can be.

Yes a midweek trip away to Barnsley may not be to everyone’s tastes, but what makes the Championship so entertaining is the fact that it is one of the most unpredictable leagues in Europe; 3-0 defeats to a team without a win in months come just as easily as shock victories over the team sitting proudly at the top of the table.

You need look no further than this past season for proof of just how open the Championship can be. Only seven points separated the mid-table teams from either a place in the play-offs or the final relegation spot, and when you factor in all of the last day drama surrounding the battles for automatic promotion, play-off spots and survival, it really is hard not to get excited about what next season will bring.

Of course that unwavering belief that all football fans share is what fuels the desire to see their team play in the Premier League. Despite the overwhelming odds and the financial gulfs we all like to believe that once our club makes it out of the second tier, one day they can go on to break that glass ceiling and compete for a place in Europe with the grand old men of English football.

But knowing that this accomplishment is probably beyond the vast majority of Football League clubs, it may just be that the hunt for the Premier League is now actually more entertaining than playing in it.

Oscar Wilde probably wasn’t referring to the race for the Premier League when he wrote that ‘there are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it’, but nevertheless it is a quote worth considering if you’re desperate to see your team make it to the top flight. That place in the ‘promised land’ might not be as promising as it sounds.

CRYSTAL PALACE v BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 19:45, Selhurst Park

Palace boss Ian Holloway has form at this time of the season having guided Blackpool to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2010, and he will be hoping to draw on that experience to repeat the feat with Palace.

The Eagles secured their place in the play-offs by beating Peterborough United 3-2 last weekend – a result which sent Posh down – which was their first win in six games, so Holloway is expected to name the same XI.

Brighton make the trip up from the south coast joint top of the Championship form table with four wins and two draws from their last six matches. Like Palace Gus Poyet’s men warmed up with a win which sent their opponents down – in their case Wolves.

Poyet will be hopeful that Will Buckley, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, is fit to start and he also has Wayne Bridge and Inigo Calderon back in his squad.

What to watch out for: Both league games ended 3-0 to the home side and the corresponding fixture saw a brace for Glenn Murray who spent three and a half years at Brighton before signing for Palace.

Probable line-ups:

Palace: Speroni; Ward, Delaney, Gabbidon, Moxey; Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Garvan; Zaha, Bolasie, Murray

Brighton: Kuszczak; David, Upson, Greer, Painter; Bridcutt, Crofts, Vicente; Buckley, LuaLua, Ulloa

Recent Form: Palace – DLDDDW; Brighton – DWDWWW

Prediction: 1-1

Nigel Pearson's Leicester go into tonight's first leg as favourites

LEICESTER CITY v WATFORD 19:45, King Power Stadium

On paper Watford look the clear favourites to reach the Wembley final but the manner of their capitulation against Leeds, when a victory would have seen them claim automatic promotion, may well weigh heavy on the team.

Watford keeper Jonathan Bond could return days after he was stretchered off against Leeds after sustaining a broken nose, but first choice keeper Manuel Almunia is a big doubt with a hamstring injury. Striker Troy Deeney is suspended following his red card so Matej Vydra is likely to start.

Leicester pulled of a minor miracle to claim the final play-off place on goal difference and will go into the game on a high. Ritchie De Laet (calf) and Paul Konchesky (hernia) are both back in training and could start while loan duo Michael Keane (Manchester United) and Harry Kane (Tottenham) have been cleared to play.

What to watch out for: Despite the league game a fortnight ago ending in a Watford win, a bumper home crowd in excess of 32,000 could prove crucial. An early home goal coupled with the memories of the Leeds defeat may effectively end Watford’s season tonight.

Probable line-ups:

Leicester: Schmeichel; De Laet, Morgan, Keane; Koncheski, Dyer, James, Knockaert, Schlupp; Nugent, Wood

Watford: Bond, Pudi, Cassetti, Chalobah; Ekstrand, Hogg, Anya, Abdi; Forestieri; Vydra

Recent Form: Leicester- DDWWLW; Watford – DLLWWL

Prediction: 3-1

Saunders was unable to prevent Wolves suffering back-to-back relegation

As the relegation that Wolverhampton Wanderers fans feared was confirmed thanks to another lacklustre performance from Dean Saunders’ side, at the other end of the table, Steve Bruce celebrated as he won another promotion with his Hull City team. It could have all been so different.

Bruce had been made favourite to replace Mick McCarthy at Wolves last season. He had agreed terms with the Black Country side and was preparing to accept the role, only for the club to have a last-minute change of heart. Instead, Wolves opted to appoint Terry Connor – a thoroughly experienced coach but one who had had little taste of management.

The former Birmingham City and Sunderland manager made it clear how disappointed he was by Wolves’ decision. Three months later, Hull City appointed Bruce while Wolves opted to get rid of Connor only to then replace him with Danish manager Stale Solbakken, who was sacked by his last club, 1. FC Köln, following a disastrous Bundesliga campaign which resulted in relegation.

With both sides spending similar amounts on players, the belief had been that both would compete to get out of the division. Few would have envisaged that they would achieve such a goal in such different ways. While Hull City persevered and secured second place, Wolves nosedived and found themselves relegated in second-to-last place.

The contrast is a stark one. While Hull City entrusted Bruce with the responsibility of building a promotion-winning side, Wolves went with managers who were ultimately unprepared for the task at hand. While appointing Saunders seemed like a sensible decision, the former Wales internationals only other Championship experience came with Doncaster Rovers, a side which also fell to relegation under his guidance.

Following their enthralling encounter with Cardiff City, which saw Hull cling on to second place with a 2-2 draw, Bruce now has the opportunity to build a team capable of keeping its place in the Premier League. Meanwhile for Wolves, who lost 2-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion, the recriminations will continue as they look to find a way out of League 1.

ELSEWHERE

Crystal Palace’s 3-2 win over Peterborough United secured a play-off place for the beleaguered Eagles and subsequently confirmed Posh’s relegation to League 1. Darren Ferguson’s side had battled valiantly and were 2-1 up thanks to goals from Lee Tomlin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laingm, only for Kevin Phillips and Mile Jedinak to score with just minutes remaining.

The result meant that Huddersfield Town and Barnsley maintained their Championship status with a 2-2 draw. The Tykes and Terriers ended the match in pedestrian fashion with news filtering through of Palace’s third goal, as both sides seemed happy not to challenge each other for the remaining minutes of the match.

Watford’s intention to secure second place took a hit when goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was ruled out just minutes prior to their game with Leeds United. Substitute Jonathan Bond started the match but was also subject to an injury, one which saw the game delayed by 16 minutes with Bond having to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Leeds subsequently took the lead, Watford then equalised only for Ross McCormack’s attempted chip of young substitute goalkeeper Jack Bonham to result in the 18-year-old dropping the ball into the net to give Leeds the win and leave Gianfranco Zola’s side in the play-offs.

Leicester City beat fierce rivals Nottingham Forest 3-2 to leapfrog their rivals and Bolton Wanderers into sixth place. An exciting game at the City Ground finished with Leicester City securing a last-minute win thanks to winger Anthony Knockaert, while Bolton Wanderers came from behind to draw 2-2 with Blackpool – results which saw Leicester take sixth place and Bolton drop into seventh.

Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Middlesbrough saw the Owls climb to 18^th place, just a point behind opponents Middlesbrough. Boro’s form has been atrocious since Christmas – a point at which the Riverside club could have reached second in the league. A succession of defeats ultimately saw them finish in 16^th place.

Millwall avoided the relegation scrap despite a 1-0 defeat at Derby County. The Lions would have been at risk had Huddersfield and Peterborough won their respective games but, with results going their way, they can look forward to another season of Championship football. Meanwhile for Derby, the result gives the Rams some hope of building a promotion push next season having finished the campaign in 10^th, just seven points off the play-offs.

In the three games between sides that were unaffected by the relegation fears or promotion hopes, Charlton Athletic collected the most impressive result with a 4-1 defeat of Bristol City at The Valley. Yann Kermorgant scored a double to give the Addicks a win which left them just three points off of the play-off chasers. Meanwhile, Burnley secured a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town thanks to goals from Martin Paterson and Junior Stanislas, while Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers played out a 1-1 draw with goals from Ravel Morrison and Jordan Rhodes.

Steve Bruce's side remain second but have struggled to claim the runners-up spot

The last round of Championship fixtures is upon us and with just three teams already having their fate decided, there is all to play at both ends of the table. Hull are just a point ahead of Watford in the race for automatic promotion and both have home games – the former against champions Cardiff and the latter facing Leeds.

The scrap for play-off places sees Palace host Peterborough who need a win to secure survival, Bolton play already safe Blackpool, and the two East Midlands sides, Forest and Leicester, face off knowing only a win will do for either to have a chance of a top six finish. At the other end, Wolves need to beat Brighton and hope results for Barnsley, Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall go their way.

BIRMINGHAM v BLACKBURN 12.45, St Andrew’s (Saturday)

A season of unrest on and off the pitch for Birmingham seems to be ending with some positive momentum which Lee Clark will be looking for his side to carry in to next season. They have lost just two of their last 10.

Last weekend’s draw against Palace all but ensured Blackburn will be playing Championship football next season. The close season will be crucial for Rovers, with managerial and boardroom decisions pending; top scorer Jordan Rhodes will be a target for Premier League clubs.

What the match could mean: Technically Blackburn could still go down with a heavy defeat and teams below them winning. They need a point to be sure of safety while Blues could finish as high as ninth.

Possible line-ups:

Birmingham – Butland, Caddis, Davies, Robinson, Hancox, Mullins, Redmond, Elliott, Morrison, Ferguson, Zigic

Blackburn – Sandomierski, Kane, Dann, Hanley, Williamson, Dunn, Morris, Lowe, Stewart, King, Rhodes

Recent form: Birmingham – LDDWWL; Blackburn – LDDLWD

Prediction: 2-1

BOLTON v BLACKPOOL 12.45, Reebok Stadium

A hard fought point at Cardiff demonstrated Bolton’s resolve and kept them in the top six on goal difference. They go into their final game knowing a win would seal a remarkable turnaround under Dougie Freedman; a return to the top flight at the first time of writing remains on the cards.

A 2-1 win over Derby ensured Blackpool are safe and Paul Ince will consider it job done for the season. As he plans for next season, it may have to be without his son, Tom, whose eyecatching form is likely to end in a summer move to the Premier League.

What the match could mean: Bolton need at least a point to seal a play-off place as the two teams below them face each other. Even a win may not be enough if Palace win and Forest beat Leicester by a huge margin.

Possible line-ups:

Bolton – Bogdan, Butterfield, Wheater, Knight, Alonso, Eagles, Pratley, Medo, Lee, Davies, Sordell

Blackpool – Gilks, Broadfoot, Cathcart, Crainey, MacKenzie, Sylvestre, Ferguson, Phillips, Ince, Delfouneso, Taylor-Fletcher

Recent form: Bolton – WWWLWD; Blackpool – WDWDLW

Prediction: 3-0

BRIGHTON v WOLVES 12.45, Amex Stadium

An eight game unbeaten run culminating in a feisty 2-1 win over Leeds means Brighton will be in the play-offs. Gus Poyet’s decision to spend big on fees (Leonardo Ulloa) and wages (Matthew Upson) in January has paid dividends for Tony Bloom’s club.

Wolves are staring back-to-back relegations in the face. Three points from safety, they were unable to kick-on after winning three in a row and have lost four out of five since. Dean Saunders wants to bring smiles back to Wolves’ fans; relegation will not be the tonic for that.

What the match could mean: With Brighton safely in the play-offs, all eyes will be on Wolves. They need to get three points here and hope that both Barnsley and Peterborough do not pick up any points.

Possible line-ups:

Brighton – Kuszczak, Painter, Greer, Upson, Bridge, Hammond, Bridcutt, Orlandi, David Lopez, Buckley, Ulloa

Wolves – De Vries, Ward, Johnson, Gorkss, Robinson, Davis, Henry, Hunt, Doumbia, Sigurdarson, Doyle

Recent form: Brighton – DDWDWW; Wolves – WLLWLL

Prediction: 2-1

BURNLEY v IPSWICH 12.45, Turf Moor

With 15 wins and 17 defeats, Burnley have displayed mid-table form throughout this season. They could, however, end the campaign just one point clear of the relegated sides and Sean Dyche will be aware of the need of a squad refresh going into next season.

Mick McCarthy’s record at Ipswich has been outstanding, displaying promotion form for his tenure with the Tractor Boys. Having reached the 60 point mark, Ipswich fans can go into the close season in the safe knowledge that Big Mick has big plans for the club.

What the match could mean: A rare dead rubber but a win for Burnley would see them leapfrog the visitors in the table.

Possible line-ups:

Burnley – Grant, Trippier, Mills, Shackell, Lafferty, Stanislas, Marney, McCann, Wallace, Vokes, Ings

Ipswich – Loach, Hewitt, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell, Edwards, N’Daw, Hyam, Tabb, Murphy, Nouble

Recent form: Burnley – DWLLDW; Ipswich – DWLWDW

Prediction: 2-2

CHARLTON v BRISTOL CITY 12.45, The Valley

Charlton threw away a two goal lead at Middlesbrough last weekend though they did extend their unbeaten run to seven games. Chris Powell has done an admirable building job and will be looking for his side to carry this momentum through to next season.

Relegated and winless in eight, the Robins are going out with a whimper which will be a concern to Sean O’Driscoll. City will be eager to end with a win, which would be just their fourth away victory of the season.

What the game could mean: With just pride to play for, Charlton will be looking for the points needed to finish ninth – the highest of the promoted sides. The game is likely to be Albert Adomah’s last for Bristol City.

Possible line-ups:

Charlton – Hamer, Solly, Dervite, Morrison, Wiggins, Hughes, Gower, Pritchard, Harriotts, Fuller, Kermorgant

Bristol City – Heaton, Foster, Nyatanga, Bates, Cunningham, Kelly, Elliott, Pearson, Adomah, Baldock, Davies

Recent form: Charlton – DWWDWD; Bristol City – DLLLDL

Prediction: 2-0

CRYSTAL PALACE v PETERBOROUGH 12.45, Selhurst Park

Winless in nine games yet still fifth, Palace go into their final game needing a point to limp over the play-off line. Striker Glenn Murray is going through a lean spell and Ian Holloway will be desperate for a win to provide some momentum going into the play-offs.

Posh have lost just once in 12 as they look for the win that would secure survival. Having lost 13 of their first 17 games, the fact they go into the last game outside the bottom three is testimony to the work of manager Darren Ferguson and patience of owner Darragh MacAnthony.

What the game could mean: Only one possible set of results – a Palace defeat and wins for both Bolton and Forest would see Palace drop out of the top six, though Palace history shows that could be the way their supporters are tested.

For Posh, a win would secure safety and a draw or even a defeat would be enough should Barnsley not better their result and Wolves fail to win. It is the visitors, rather than hosts, who go into the game with promotion-esque form

Possible line-ups:

Palace – Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey, Jedinak, Williams, Zaha, Garvan Dobbie, Murray

Peterborough – Olejnik, Little, Zakouani, Alcock, Rowe, Pritchard, Payne, McCann, Mendez-Laing, Tomlin, Gayle

Recent form: Palace – LDLDDD; Posh – DDWDLW

Prediction: 3-3

DERBY v MILLWALL 12.45, Pride Park

Only four sides have lost less at home this season than Derby and it is this form which has kept the Rams away from a struggle at the wrong end of the table. With 42 goals scored in front of their own fans, the Derby faithful have not been short of entertainment this term.

Millwall picked up a vital point in midweek against south London rivals Palace, but it was not enough to secure safety as yet. The draw did at least halt a run of three straight defeats which had left the Lions perilously close to the drop zone.

What the game could mean: Even a draw for Millwall could send them down if Barnsley, Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday win, so Kenny Jackett will sending his side out to get all three points.

Possible line-ups:

Derby – Fielding, Bryson, Buxton, Keogh, Brayford, Roberts, Hendrick, Hughes, Ward, Martin, Sammon

Millwall – Forde, Smith, Shittu, Beevers, Lowry, Woolford, Abdou, Wright, Feeney, Easter, Keogh

Recent form: Derby – WLLDWL; Millwall – LWLLLD

Prediction: 2-0

HUDDERSFIELD v BARNSLEY 12.45, John Smith’s Stadium

Huddersfield are three points clear of the drop zone, but Mark Robins will have an eye on goal difference going into this Yorkshire derby – their minus 20 is the worst of the sides battling to stay up. James Vaughan goes into the game on the back of a hat-trick and could prove vital.

Barnsley occupy the final relegation spot despite a run of just two defeats in 11. A stunning 2-0 win over second placed Hull has given the Tykes a real lifeline going into this game though their away form, just five wins all season, will be a concern.

What the game could mean: While Huddersfield have a three point cushion, a win for Barnsley would mean the visitors leapfrog the Terriers owing to goal difference. Should that happen, Huddersfield could go down should Millwall draw with Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough winning.

A draw would keep Huddersfield up and could mean Barnsley survive should Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday lose. Barnsley could stay up even with a defeat, should Peterborough suffer at least a seven goal defeat at Palace.

Possible line-ups:

Huddersfield – Smithies, Woods, Clarke, Gerrard, Hunt, Norwood, Clayton, Gobern, Scannell, Novak, Vaughan

Barnsley – Steele, O’Brien, Cranie, Wiseman, Kennedy, Dagnall, Etuhu, Perkins, Mellis, Scotland, O’Grady

Recent form: Huddersfield – LDWLWW; Barnsley – DDLDDW

Prediction: 1-2

HULL v CARDIFF 12.45, The Circle

One point from nine mean Hull have still not secured a promotion which seemed to be in their grasp last month. Whichever side has been in second spot seems to have lost their nerve over the season, and Hull will need to find theirs if they are to avoid the play-offs.

Cardiff are home and hosed and will be looking to sign off with a win over their current nearest rivals. While they’ve lost only one in their last seven, five have ended in draws – their good fortune is the inconsistency of the chasing pack.

What the game could mean:

Hull need a win to be certain of promotion or hope Watford do not better their result. A defeat or draw coupled with a Watford win would mean the play-offs beckon.

Possible line-ups:

Hull – Stockdale, Chester, McShane, Faye, Elmohamady, Koren, Quinn, Meyler, Brady, Boyd, Fryatt

Cardiff – Marshall, McNaughton, Turner, Connolly, Taylor, Bo-Kyung, Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Conway, Bellamy, Mason

Recent form: Hull – LWWLDL; Cardiff – DDWDDD

Prediction: 2-2

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v LEICESTER 12.45, City Ground

After a stunning resurgence following Billy Davies’ appointment, Forest have now won just once in seven outings and go into the last game, an East Midlands derby, with all to play for. A hard fought win over Millwall and a manager who has extensive play-off experience, Forest could be ready to pounce at the last.

Leicester’s form since January has been shocking given the level of investment in their squad; just one win in 12. Despite this, the Foxes also go into this game knowing a win could see them snatch a play-off place.

What this game could mean: Forest could get into the play-offs with a draw should Bolton lose. A win would see them into the play-offs should either Palace or Bolton slip up. There is a chance they could get in with a win if Bolton and Palace also win; though they would need to beat Leicester by four goals more than Bolton beat Blackpool.

For Leicester, a win here coupled with a draw or defeat for Bolton would see them into the top six.

Possible line-ups:

Forest – Darlow, Harding, Halford, Collins, Ward, Guedioura, Reid, Lansbury, Majewski, Sharpe, Cox

Leicester – Schmeichel, De Laet, Keane, Morgan, Konchesky, Dyer, King, Drinkwater, James, Wood, Nugent

Recent form: Forest – DDLLDW; Leicester – LDDWDL

Prediction: 1-2

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v MIDDLESBROUGH 12.45, Hillsborough

A nervous Hillsborough awaits as Wednesday go into this game needing a win to secure safety. Winless in four with just two goals scored, Dave Jones will be determined for his side to use home advantage against a side short on confidence and with nothing to play for.

The season has been ultimately disappointing for Tony Mowbray; much like last season a solid start and the look of a side ready to challenge for promotion eventually fizzling out. With large financial losses announced, it remains to be seen whether they can be ready for another go next season.

What the game could mean: Even a draw would put Wednesday at risk of the drop, should Peterborough and Barnsley win. A Barnsley win and Peterborough draw would send Wednesday down should they lose.

Possible line-ups:

Wednesday – Kirkland, Buxton, Llera, Gardner, Helan, McCabe, Lee, Olofinjana, Pugh, Lita, Howard

Middlesbrough – Steele, Hoyte, Williams, Bikey, Reach, Leadbitter, Haroun, Halliday, Smallwood, Emnes, McDonald

Recent form: Wednesday – WWLDDL; Middlesbrough – DLLWLD

Prediction: 2-1

WATFORD v LEEDS 12.45, Vicarage Road

After picking up just one point from three games and falling six points behind Hull, successive wins have put the Hornets in with a real shout of getting automatic promotion. Whatever the criticisms of their chosen model, promotion would be ultimate justification for Gianfranco Zola and the Pozzo family.

Six defeats in eight for Leeds and the disorganised loss at home to Brighton summed up the season for the Whites. With reds cards for violent behaviour and a gesture made to away fans, discipline must be highest on Brian McDermott’s agenda going into the close season.

What the game could mean: A simple equation for Watford – better Hull’s result and be promoted. Fail to do so and the play-offs beckon.

Possible line-ups:

Watford – Almunia, Doyley, Pudil, Ekstrand, Cassetti, Chalobah, Anya, Abdi, Hogg, Deeney, Vydra

Leeds – Kenny, Peltier, Leess, Pearce, Warnock, Byram, Tongue, Norris, Green, Morison, McCormack

Recent form: Watford – WDLLWW; Leeds – LLWWLL

Prediction: 3-0

WATFORD v LEEDS 12.45, Vicarage Road

After picking up just one point from three games and falling six points behind Hull, successive wins have put the Hornets in with a real shout of getting automatic promotion. Whatever the criticisms of their chosen model, promotion would be ultimate justification for Gianfranco Zola and the Pozzo family.

Six defeats in eight for Leeds and the disorganised loss at home to Brighton summed up the season for the Whites. With reds cards for violent behaviour and a gesture made to away fans, discipline must be highest on Brian McDermott’s agenda going into the close season.

What the game could mean: A simple equation for Watford – better Hull’s result and be promoted. Fail to do so and the play-offs beckon.

Possible line-ups:

Watford – Almunia, Doyley, Pudil, Ekstrand, Cassetti, Chalobah, Anya, Abdi, Hogg, Deeney, Vydra

Leeds – Kenny, Peltier, Leess, Pearce, Warnock, Byram, Tongue, Norris, Green, Morison, McCormack

Recent form: Watford – WDLLWW; Leeds – LLWWLL

Prediction: 3-0

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v MIDDLESBROUGH 12.45, Hillsborough

A nervous Hillsborough awaits as Wednesday go into this game needing a win to secure safety. Winless in four with just two goals scored, Dave Jones will be determined for his side to use home advantage against a side short on confidence and with nothing to play for.

The season has been ultimately disappointing for Tony Mowbray; much like last season a solid start and the look of a side ready to challenge for promotion eventually fizzling out. With large financial losses announced, it remains to be seen whether they can be ready for another go next season.

What the game could mean: Even a draw would put Wednesday at risk of the drop, should Peterborough and Barnsley win. A Barnsley win and Peterborough draw would send Wednesday down should they lose.

Possible line-ups:

Wednesday – Kirkland, Buxton, Llera, Gardner, Helan, McCabe, Lee, Olofinjana, Pugh, Lita, Howard

Middlesbrough – Steele, Hoyte, Williams, Bikey, Reach, Leadbitter, Haroun, Halliday, Smallwood, Emnes, McDonald

Recent form: Wednesday – WWLDDL; Middlesbrough – DLLWLD

Prediction: 2-1

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v LEICESTER CITY 12.45, City Ground

After a stunning resurgence following Billy Davies’ appointment, Forest have now won just once in seven outings and go into the last game, an East Midlands derby, with all to play for. A hard fought win over Millwall and a manager who has extensive play-off experience, Forest could be ready to pounce at the last.

Leicester’s form since January has been shocking given the level of investment in their squad; just one win in 12. Despite this, the Foxes also go into this game knowing a win could see them snatch a play-off place.

What this game could mean: Forest could get into the play-offs with a draw should Bolton lose. A win would see them into the play-offs should either Palace or Bolton slip up. There is a chance they could get in with a win if Bolton and Palace also win; though they would need to beat Leicester by four goals more than Bolton beat Blackpool.

For Leicester, a win here coupled with a draw or defeat for Bolton would see them into the top six.

Possible line-ups:

Forest – Darlow, Harding, Halford, Collins, Ward, Guedioura, Reid, Lansbury, Majewski, Sharpe, Cox

Leicester – Schmeichel, De Laet, Keane, Morgan, Konchesky, Dyer, King, Drinkwater, James, Wood, Nugent

Recent form: Forest – DDLLDW; Leicester – LDDWDL

Prediction: 1-2

HULL v CARDIFF 12.45, The Circle

One point from nine mean Hull have still not secured a promotion which seemed to be in their grasp last month. Whichever side has been in second spot seems to have lost their nerve over the season, and Hull will need to find theirs if they are to avoid the play-offs.

Cardiff are home and hosed and will be looking to sign off with a win over their current nearest rivals. While they’ve lost only one in their last seven, five have ended in draws – their good fortune is the inconsistency of the chasing pack.

What the game could mean:

Hull need a win to be certain of promotion or hope Watford do not better their result. A defeat or draw coupled with a Watford win would mean the play-offs beckon.

Possible line-ups:

Hull – Stockdale, Chester, McShane, Faye, Elmohamady, Koren, Quinn, Meyler, Brady, Boyd, Fryatt

Cardiff – Marshall, McNaughton, Turner, Connolly, Taylor, Bo-Kyung, Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Conway, Bellamy, Mason

Recent form: Hull – LWWLDL; Cardiff – DDWDDD

Prediction: 2-2

HUDDERSFIELD v BARNSLEY 12.45, John Smith’s Stadium

Huddersfield are three points clear of the drop zone, but Mark Robins will have an eye on goal difference going into this Yorkshire derby – their minus 20 is the worst of the sides battling to stay up. James Vaughan goes into the game on the back of a hat-trick and could prove vital.

Barnsley occupy the final relegation spot despite a run of just two defeats in 11. A stunning 2-0 win over second placed Hull has given the Tykes a real lifeline going into this game though their away form, just five wins all season, will be a concern.

What the game could mean: While Huddersfield have a three point cushion, a win for Barnsley would mean the visitors leapfrog the Terriers owing to goal difference. Should that happen, Huddersfield could go down should Millwall draw with Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough winning.

A draw would keep Huddersfield up and could mean Barnsley survive should Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday lose. Barnsley could stay up even with a defeat, should Peterborough suffer at least a seven goal defeat at Palace.

Possible line-ups:

Huddersfield – Smithies, Woods, Clarke, Gerrard, Hunt, Norwood, Clayton, Gobern, Scannell, Novak, Vaughan

Barnsley – Steele, O’Brien, Cranie, Wiseman, Kennedy, Dagnall, Etuhu, Perkins, Mellis, Scotland, O’Grady

Recent form: Huddersfield – LDWLWW; Barnsley – DDLDDW

Prediction: 1-2

DERBY v MILLWALL 12.45, Pride Park

Only four sides have lost less at home this season than Derby and it is this form which has kept the Rams away from a struggle at the wrong end of the table. With 42 goals scored in front of their own fans, the Derby faithful have not been short of entertainment this term.

Millwall picked up a vital point in midweek against south London rivals Palace, but it was not enough to secure safety as yet. The draw did at least halt a run of three straight defeats which had left the Lions perilously close to the drop zone.

What the game could mean: Even a draw for Millwall could send them down if Barnsley, Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday win, so Kenny Jackett will sending his side out to get all three points.

Possible line-ups:

Derby – Fielding, Bryson, Buxton, Keogh, Brayford, Roberts, Hendrick, Hughes, Ward, Martin, Sammon

Millwall – Forde, Smith, Shittu, Beevers, Lowry, Woolford, Abdou, Wright, Feeney, Easter, Keogh

Recent form: Derby – WLLDWL; Millwall – LWLLLD

Prediction: 2-0

CRYSTAL PALACE v PETERBOROUGH 12.45, Selhurst Park

Winless in nine games yet still fifth, Palace go into their final game needing a point to limp over the play-off line. Striker Glenn Murray is going through a lean spell and Ian Holloway will be desperate for a win to provide some momentum going into the play-offs.

Posh have lost just once in 12 as they look for the win that would secure survival. Having lost 13 of their first 17 games, the fact they go into the last game outside the bottom three is testimony to the work of manager Darren Ferguson and patience of owner Darragh MacAnthony.

What the game could mean: Only one possible set of results – a Palace defeat and wins for both Bolton and Forest would see Palace drop out of the top six, though Palace history shows that could be the way their supporters are tested.

For Posh, a win would secure safety and a draw or even a defeat would be enough should Barnsley not better their result and Wolves fail to win. It is the visitors, rather than hosts, who go into the game with promotion-esque form

Possible line-ups:

Palace – Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey, Jedinak, Williams, Zaha, Garvan Dobbie, Murray

Peterborough – Olejnik, Little, Zakouani, Alcock, Rowe, Pritchard, Payne, McCann, Mendez-Laing, Tomlin, Gayle

Recent form: Palace – LDLDDD; Posh – DDWDLW

Prediction: 3-3