A preview of what could be a dramatic final day in the Championship
It all comes down to this
Three Championship teams remain in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Author | Thomas J
After 45 matches and many twists and turns, it all comes down to the final-day to see who can go the distance to finish as runners-up and go up along with champions Coventry City.
For Ipswich Town, who occupy second spot before the last game on Saturday, 2 May, this is familiar territory as the Tractor Boys seek an instant return to the top flight.
Third-placed Millwall could be returning to the promised land for the first time in 36 years. Middlesbrough, who are currently fourth, are looking to end a nine-year Premier League hiatus.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has found himself in this position before
On two previous occasions, his Ipswich side have approached the final Saturday at Portman Road knowing that victory would seal promotion, and the scenario is unchanged this weekend.
Once again, a rousing reception awaits the team, and there is a firm sense that Town can finish the job.
Yet this moment carries a different feel.
This is largely a new squad, assembled at significantly greater expense than the group that served McKenna so well in the past.
Throughout the campaign, the expectation has been clear: this is a side built to go up, and one that would fall short if it does not. That has brought a level of scrutiny absent from their previous push for the Premier League, something McKenna and his players have had to navigate.
Ipswich Town v QPR Preview A dramatic final day in the Championship awaits as Ipswich Town fight to return to the Premier League superlocalnews.blogspot.com/2026/05/east...
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The style of play has also evolved. There have been spells of real quality and impressive results, but also periods where Ipswich have laboured. It has not always reflected the free-flowing approach that defined them two years ago.
Even so, there has been steady progress as the season has unfolded, leaving Town in a commanding position with one match remaining.
The schedule, too, has been unforgiving. Saturday’s game will be their eighth league outing in under a month, five of which have come on the road.
Still, Ipswich remain in control of their own fate, and a successful outcome would make for a memorable Bank Holiday weekend.
Two other sides looking to make history
For Millwall, the debate for many is not if promotion will come, but when. Whether it arrives this season or the next remains to be seen.
They have a manager with a proven track record. When Neil Harris departed, there was a need to reassess, but the appointment of Alex Neil brought experience and a history of success, with three promotions across Scotland and England. He is an astute operator, capable of maximising the potential of his squad.
He has done it before and understands what is required at this level. Whether that breakthrough comes now or via the play-offs is the lingering question.
Millwall v Oxford United Preview Imagine the scenes this weekend at Millwall if they get promoted? They will need favours from elsewhere... londonsupernews.blogspot.com/2026/05/foot...
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Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are only partially in control of their own fate. They require results elsewhere to go their way if they are to claim second place.
Their current position owes much to a sharp dip in form, with just four points taken from a possible 21 between 11 March and 19 April, a run that has seen them slip to fourth.
Back-to-back wins have offered encouragement. A narrow 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday was followed by a commanding 5-1 win against Watford. The latter display, in particular, hinted at a return to the form that had many Championship observers tipping them for automatic promotion during the winter months.
