Ipswich cling to Championship lead ahead of final weekend 2026

Championship promotion and relegation races remain open with just two games left in the 2026 EFL season.

Championship promotion tussle intensifies The battle for the second automatic Championship promotion spot has narrowed to four teams: Ipswich Town, Millwall, Southampton and Middlesbrough. Kieran McKenna's Ipswich currently lead the chase after overtaking Alex Neil's Millwall this week. The Tractor Boys hold a slender advantage with a superior goal difference of +30 compared to Millwall's +13. Ipswich can reclaim the top spot with a win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, while Millwall can retake the lead if they defeat Leicester City on Friday. ## Southampton face uphill climb for second spot Southampton remain in contention for the second automatic promotion position despite a recent 2-2 draw with Bristol City. The Saints have seen momentum stall due to an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the suspension of key midfielder Flynn Downes. Southampton could trail by six points before facing Ipswich on Tuesday, leaving them reliant on rivals dropping points. Middlesbrough, currently fifth, host Watford on Saturday in a bid to stay in the race after ending a six-game winless run with a victory over Sheffield Wednesday. ## Hull target play-off return in tight Championship race Hull City sit sixth, level on points with Wrexham but separated by goal difference. Sergej Jakirovic's side have failed to win any of their past five matches but face Charlton Athletic on Saturday. A win for Hull could put them above Wrexham, who do not play until Sunday against Coventry City. Derby County remain in play-off contention but trail by four points and need a result against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. Norwich City, under Philippe Clement, sit six points adrift and must rely on others dropping points even with a potential win over Swansea. ## League One play-off hopefuls Luton and Plymouth push forward Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle are both chasing a top-six finish to secure a play-off spot in League One. Luton face Barnsley on Saturday with a chance to leapfrog Stevenage or Stockport County, while Plymouth aim to close the gap with favorable fixtures against Port Vale and Northampton Town. Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley has dismissed the idea of giving up, stating: 'This can't be the climax and then the rest tails off. No, until it is mathematically impossible for us to get in there that'll be our focus rather than reflecting on what could have been.' ## Exeter and Burton duel for League One survival Six teams in League One are separated by just six points in the relegation battle, with Exeter City currently in 21st place. The Grecians travel to Burton Albion on Saturday, where a win would extend their three-match unbeaten run. A draw could secure safety for Burton, while Exeter would need results elsewhere to go their way if they lose. AFC Wimbledon, winless in their past nine games, face Wigan Athletic in another key six-pointer. Blackpool, who have won four of their past five matches, can secure League One status with a win over Leyton Orient. ## League Two relegation scrap reaches climax The League Two relegation battle is tighter than ever, with just two points separating the bottom four teams. If Crawley and Newport win their matches against Accrington Stanley and Oldham Athletic respectively, a loss for either Barrow or Harrogate would relegate them to non-league. Harrogate travel to Walsall on Saturday, while Barrow face Cambridge United, a team still fighting for automatic promotion. The tension is palpable as clubs fight to secure their future in the EFL. ## Grimsby and Swindon clash for League Two play-off spot Grimsby Town and Swindon Town face each other on Saturday in a winner-takes-all clash for a League Two play-off spot. The Mariners, managed by David Artell, seek to extend their season despite former boss Ian Holloway's contentious departure. Artell acknowledged Holloway's experience: 'I appreciate he's a bit of villain around these parts but he is obviously vastly experienced, he knows how to set up a team and get the best out of the players, that's why he's lasted so long.' Swindon hold their fate in their own hands with opportunities against Chesterfield later in the week if they dispatch Grimsby. ## Live EFL action across the weekend Fans can follow all the late-season drama with live coverage of Leicester City versus Millwall on Friday at 20:00 BST, and a packed Saturday schedule including Championship, League One, and League Two fixtures. The penultimate weekend promises high stakes as clubs fight for promotion, survival, and play-off places ahead of the season finale. Every result will shape the final standings and determine who progresses to the next round of knockout football.