Five things in the EFL: penultimate peril and jittery jeopardy
The race for the final automatic promotion spot between Ipswich Town and Millwall is neck and neck - but it is the Tractor Boys who have edged ever so slightly ahead and hold the potentially crucial game in hand. The second spot can exchange hands once again should Millwall beat relegated and downbeat Leicester City on Friday (20:00 BST) to ensure it all goes down to the final day. Although Ipswich's far superior goal difference (+30 versus +13) means they can retake the advantage if needed with a victory over already-safe West Bromwich Albion on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST).
The Baggies are enjoying a resurgence under James Morrison and may not be an easy task but the Tractor Boys will have another chance against automatic promotion rivals Southampton on Tuesday (19:45 BST). The Saints are not out of the running to take that second spot but a 2-2 draw with Bristol City has halted a degree of momentum, added to the distraction of a FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the suspension of key midfielder Flynn Downes. Tonda Eckert's side could be six points behind by the time they face Town and their hopes will be that both Millwall and Ipswich fail to win this weekend.
It is a mentality fifth-placed Middlesbrough will also hold onto as they host freefalling Watford on Saturday (12:30 BST) in a potential bid to stay in the race after beating Sheffield Wednesday to end a six-game winless run at the Riverside. You can watch Manchester City v Southampton live on BBC One on Saturday at 17:15 BST. Backroom team doing vital job for Ipswich - Furlong Middlesbrough's goal difference likely means there is only one Championship play-off spot left to claim this season Hull City's 2-2 draw to Leicester City left them on their haunches, out of energy and running out of time to regain their place in the top six.
But could this weekend be just what they need to put the spring back in their step? Current sixth-place dwellers Wrexham lead by just a two-goal difference and do not face title-winners Coventry City until Sunday (12:00 BST) to give the Tigers the chance to bounce above them. Sergej Jakirovic's Hull, who have defied expectations this season, are slumping at the wrong time, having failed to win any of their past five matches but they face a side in increasing dire straits in Charlton Athletic.
The Addicks, winless across their past seven, are still one point away from safety but could save themselves and condemn Oxford United to relegation should they earn result against Hull on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST). Though neither the Tigers nor the Red Dragons can ignore those lurking just behind them. Where many have fell away, Derby County continue to linger around the play-offs but a four-point deficit means they will need a result against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday (15:00 BST) for the possibility of staying in contention.