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Don Goodman's predicted Championship table: Fulham to pip Cardiff in promotion race

Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring Fulham's first goal against Millwall

With two games left, we asked Don Goodman to predict the race for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.

Wolves have already clinched promotion to the Premier League, but who will follow them?

Cardiff and Fulham face a straight shootout for the second automatic spot, although Aston Villa can mathematically catch the pair but need snookers.

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As it stands, Cardiff know two wins from their final two games will guarantee them second spot but Fulham are just a point behind and arguably have easier fixtures to negotiate.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough need just one win from their two games to assure themselves a play-off place while Derby, Millwall, Brentford, Preston, Bristol City and Sheffield United all can still grab that final spot.

Derby have a two-point cushion on their rivals but have a tricky trip to Villa to negotiate.

Remember, there are two live EFL games on Sky Sports Football this weekend: Fulham face Sunderland at Craven Cottage from 7pm on Friday night, while Middlesbrough host Millwall on Saturday from 5.15pm.

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Here's how Don predicts the top half to look after the final two games....

2nd: Fulham (91 points)

Friday 27 April: Sunderland (h)

Don says: 3-0

Sunday 6 May: Birmingham (a)

Don says: 1-2

Don's view: "It's hard to see them not winning both of their games. I think that will be enough to finish second. The Birmingham game won't be easy, which Neil Warnock has already alluded to - he thinks there could be twists and turns to come. Fulham could be going into that game knowing a win will give them automatic promotion. I would expect them to win that game."

Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring for Fulham
Image: Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring for Fulham

3rd: Cardiff (90 points)

Saturday 28 April: Hull (a)

Don says: 2-2

Sunday 6 May: Reading (h)

Don says: 2-0

Don's view: "The Hull game is a tough one - that could be their downfall. Hull City are a capable team going forward but they do give you chances. It's not an easy place to go - Hull will play with a freedom. Cardiff have looked nervy and I wonder if the situation is getting to them slightly. But, there's no one better than Warnock at rousing their players. If Cardiff go to Hull and win, then they'll be hard to stop.

"Their haul of 90 points is a remarkable record. It would equal the record in terms of points gained without going up. They would be desperately unlucky if that was to happen."

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock during the Championship match at Sheffield United
Image: Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock

4th: Aston Villa (86 points)

Saturday 28 April: Derby (h)

Don says: 1-0

Sunday 6 May: Millwall (a)

Don says: 1-1

Don's view: "If the scores go the way I predict then that final game against Millwall won't mean much. It'll be all about preparing for the play-offs."

5th: Middlesbrough (76 points)

Saturday 28 April: Millwall (h)

Don says: 2-0

Sunday 6 May: Ipswich (a)

Don says: 1-1

Don's view: "I can see Middlesbrough being too strong for Millwall but Tony Pulis is likely to rest a few players on that last day, which is why it'll be a tight game."

Tony Pulis
Image: Tony Pulis has lifted Boro into the promotion picture

6th: Derby (74 points)

Saturday 28 April: Aston Villa (a)

Don says: 1-0

Sunday 6 May: Barnsley (h)

Don says: 2-0

Don's view: "Villa need to put themselves in a position to take advantage of any slips from Cardiff or Fulham. That is why I can see them edging it against Derby. However, Barnsley may be gone by the final day and Derby will be too strong for them. On my predictions, they'll sneak into the final play-off place on goal difference!"

Cameron Jerome celebrates his equaliser at Pride Park
Image: Cameron Jerome celebrates for Derby

7th: Brentford (74 points)

Saturday 28 April: Barnsley (a)

Don says 1-2

Sunday 6 May: Hull (h)

Don says: 3-1

Don's view: "Brentford have a chance of sneaking in. They are one of my favourite teams to watch. They play fast, attacking football but there is vulnerability about them defensively. I see Brentford winning both of their last games - it remains to seen whether that's enough to make as they need Derby to slip. Judging by my numbers, they'll just miss out."

8th: Preston (71 points)

Saturday 28 April: Sheffield United (a) Don says: 1-1

Sunday 6 May: Burton (h) Don says: 2-0

9th: Bristol City (70 points)

Saturday 28 April: Nottingham Forest (a) Don says: 2-1

Sunday 6 May: Sheffield United (h) Don says 2-2

10th: Millwall (70 points)

Saturday 28 April: Middlesbrough (a) Don says 2-0

Sunday 6 May: Aston Villa (h) Don says 1-1

11th: Sheffield United (68 points)

Saturday 28 April: Preston (h) Don says: 1-1

Sunday 6 May: Bristol City (a) Don says: 2-2

Don't miss the Sky Bet Championship matches this weekend live on Sky Sports Football. Fulham face Sunderland on Friday night from 7pm, while Middlesbrough host Millwall on Saturday from 5.15pm

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