The Championship is set for a gripping end to the campaign
Sergej Jakirovic has plenty to ponder ahead of the final week(Image: Sean Troup/Shutterstock)
Hull City’s hopes of clinching a play-off place remain alive after Wrexham’s defeat at Coventry City on Sunday, as attention turns to what looks like being a fascinating final day on Saturday.
Despite losing 2-1 at Charlton Athletic, Sergej Jakirovic’s City go into their final game at home to Norwich City level on points with sixth-placed Wrexham, and a point ahead of Derby County, only outside the top six on goal difference.
Before that, there’s a crucial game in the race for the top two on Tuesday night (7:45pm) at St Mary’s Stadium, with beaten FA Cup semi-finalists Southampton hosting Ipswich Town.
While that game doesn’t directly impact City, certainly compared to events at the CBS Arena, it could have big implications for Wrexham’s opponents this weekend, Middlesbrough.
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As it stands, Boro (79) are just one point off Ipswich in second place, while the Saints are on 76, four adrift of the Tractor Boys, who are second on 80, level on points with Millwall.
Should Kieran McKenna’s side win at St Mary’s, then Boro’s hopes of finishing in the top two would be over, and Boro’s focus would turn to the play-offs.
That may well impact Kim Hellberg’s team selection at the Racecourse, with him possibly looking ahead to the first leg of their semi-final, and opting to rest key players against Phil Parkinson’s side, who start the final day in sixth.
On the other hand, should Southampton win, then there would be one point separating four teams going into what promises to be a gripping final day at the top of the Championship.