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Championship permutations: How final day can shape play-offs… and how Leeds can play Villa
CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS - how can Aston Villa, Leeds and the like affect the play-off positions on the final day?
The Championship season comes to a close today with all 24 teams in action from 12.30pm.
Although the automatic promotion places and relegation slots have been decided, there is plenty to play for from positions three to six.
Leeds, West Brom and Aston Villa have secured their spots in the play-offs, although the positions of the former two may swap.
Derby currently occupy the final berth but Middlesbrough are on their coattails, with Bristol City also in the hunt, needing results to go their way.
Leeds will secure third and face one of Derby, Middlesbrough or Bristol if they avoid defeat at relegated Ipswich.
If they lose, however, and West Brom win away to Derby, Leeds will face Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals.
That is because Villa are guaranteed to finish in fifth regardless of today’s result at home to Norwich.
Derby face a tough test retaining their position, with an aforementioned welcoming of West Brom their final hurdle.
The Rams must match or better the results of Boro and The Robins in order to clinch a spot in the play-offs.
A superior goal difference likely means both Middlesborough and Bristol will have to win to stand any chance of reaching the top-six.
Norwich and Sheffield United celebrated promotion to the Premier League last weekend but the title is still up for grabs.
If the Canaries’ tough trip to Aston Villa ends in a loss then Sheffield United will become champions if they win at Stoke.
Championship fixtures affecting play-offs
Derby vs West Brom
Ipswich vs Leeds
Rotherham vs Middlesbrough
Hull vs Bristol City
Aston Villa vs Norwich