Ipswich, Millwall and Middlesbrough fight for second spot on final day 2026

Ipswich Town currently sit second, but Millwall and Middlesbrough remain in contention for automatic promotion on the final day of the Championship season.

Three teams still chasing promotion With the Championship season coming to a close, three teams are locked in a tight battle for the second automatic promotion spot alongside champions Coventry City. Ipswich Town currently occupy second place ahead of Saturday’s final matchday, while Millwall sit third and Middlesbrough fourth. Ipswich, known as the Tractor Boys, are aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League after finishing second two years ago. Millwall could secure top-flight football for the first time since 1990, and Middlesbrough are chasing an end to their nine-year absence from the top tier. ## Ipswich under pressure at home Ipswich head into their final home game against QPR knowing victory would secure promotion, a familiar scenario that has unfolded twice this season. The Tractor Boys have faced significant pressure this time around, as expectations have soared following a multi-million-pound squad investment compared to their previous promotion-winning side. Their campaign has featured moments of brilliance but has also been inconsistent, lacking the bold, attacking style that defined their rise two years ago. Despite a grueling schedule—including five away games in their last seven—manager Kieran McKenna’s side remains in a prime position to finish second. ## Millwall’s manager ready to fight Neil Harris’s departure posed a challenge for Millwall, but Alex Neil has since steered the club into a play-off spot, drawing on his experience of securing three promotions across Scotland and England. The Lions arrive at The Den for their final game against Oxford with a strong away record and the best defensive stats in the league. Neil insists his focus is solely on securing a win, refusing to be distracted by other results. He acknowledges the remarkable season but stresses the importance of adding silverware to their efforts, with automatic promotion still within reach. ## Middlesbrough’s fragile hopes depend on others Middlesbrough’s automatic promotion hopes hinge on a victory at Wrexham, though even that may not be enough to secure second place. Their recent slump—just four points from a possible 21 between March 11 and April 19—dropped them to fourth, but two late wins suggest they may be rediscovering their earlier form. A dominant 5-1 win over Watford has revived optimism, though manager Kim Hellberg admits the season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Teesside fans hold out hope, knowing their side is feared in the play-offs should automatic promotion slip away. ## Fans voice divided opinions on promotion fate Ipswich supporters are divided, with some confident victory over QPR will seal their spot while others fear a collapse. Daniel, an Ipswich fan, believes QPR are in poor form and predicts his team will finish second, despite praising Millwall and Middlesbrough’s strong campaigns. Millwall fans like Andrew doubt QPR will favor their rivals, while Middlesbrough supporters like Paul regret dropped points against weaker sides that cost them an automatic spot. Another Ipswich fan, James, expresses unease about a potential loss, while Middlesbrough’s Andy admits their recent poor run may have squandered second place. ## Managers urge focus amid high emotions Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has urged fans to embrace the moment, whatever the outcome, encouraging them to support the team wholeheartedly. He emphasized the emotional rollercoaster of football, urging supporters to channel their feelings into cheering or even screaming at the radio if needed. Alex Neil of Millwall echoed this sentiment, refusing to monitor other results and stressing his team’s focus on winning their final game. Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, though acknowledging a 74% Opta prediction of automatic promotion, cautioned against complacency, highlighting how last-minute twists can change everything.