A long Championship season is nearing a conclusion as clubs return from the international break hoping to make a late run up the table.
Promotion and another return to the Premier League looks almost certain for Fulham, but the fight for the play-off places is well and truly alive and looks set to go down to the wire.
We take a look at what the Championship run-in could have in store.
In the last-chance saloon
Play-off chasing Millwall and QPR can’t afford any slip-ups
Millwall’s hopes of a late surge into the play-off places could hinge on their game at Luton on Saturday.
Win, and the Lions could be one point from sixth. Lose, and they are likely to be seven points out with seven games to play, surely giving them too much to do.
Led by talisman Jed Wallace, Gary Rowett’s side have tended to rise to the big occasions and should have a raft of injured players back for the run-in.
Fans are grumbling about Rowett’s conservative football — they failed to have a single shot in the recent 0-0 draw at Blackburn — but a play-off push would energise the fanbase.
QPR’s momentum is going the other way and their play-off dream is in jeopardy after four defeats from their previous five games. Manager Mark Warbuton will be hoping for a reset after the international break, although it gets no easier with runaway Fulham the visitors tomorrow.
QPR have shipped more goals than any side in the top 15 this season, so Warburton’s priority will be tightening up the defence for the run-in.
The return of striker Lyndon Dykes from injury is a boost.
Things are looking up
Free-scoring Fulham already planning for next season
For Fulham, the question has long since turned from whether they can return to the Premier League at the first time of asking to whether they can finally halt their yo-yo cycle and stay up next term.
Marco Silva has the strongest squad in the Championship but deserves credit for building a thrilling side who have outscored nearest rivals Bournemouth by more than 30 goals, thanks in large part to Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Their main focus during the run-in will be smashing records and prepping for the top flight next season.
