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How Burnley could be promoted from the Championship on Monday

Preston North End v Burnley - Sky Bet Championship
Image: Burnley are looking for an immediate return to the Premier League

The race for automatic promotion from the Championship is going down to the wire, with three teams still in the race for two spots.

Burnley, Brighton and Middlesbrough are all in contention to win a spot in the Premier League next season but although one point is the difference between the three, only Burnley could be promoted before the final day.

Here's the reason why, and the other permutations for the top three...

As it stands

Team Pl Pts GD
M'boro 45 88 32
Burnley 44 87 33
Brighton 44 87 30

Who is playing?

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Middlesbrough were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Birmingham on Friday, with Brighton hosting Derby on Monday afternoon before Burnley entertain QPR on Monday evening. Both games are live on Sky Sports.

So how can Burnley be promoted before the final day?

With Middlesbrough only managing a draw on Friday, Burnley would be promoted if they beat QPR on Monday and Brighton lose or draw.

Also See:

Remaining fixtures

Burnley Middlesbrough Brighton
QPR (H) Brighton (H) Derby (H)
Charlton (A) Middlesbrough (A)

That is because Brighton and Boro are playing each other on the final day of the season at the Riverside, meaning only one of those sides would be able to reach 90 or 91 points.

A draw for the Clarets would also almost certainly be enough, but it would not guarantee a top-two finish as all three sides could still finish on 88 points and Sean Dyche's team could miss out on goal difference if they lose heavily to already-relegated Charlton on the last day.

Promotion play-off?
Promotion play-off?

What would happen if the top three finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored

A win against QPR, though, would lift Burnley to 90 points and only one of Brighton or Boro could catch them, with the other side having to face the play-offs.

But what if Brighton win?

Well, a win for Brighton would mean Burnley would have to wait until the final day to secure promotion and might even have to avoid defeat against Charlton.

If both the Clarets and the Seagulls win their games on Monday, they would be level on 90 points heading into next weekend's final round of fixtures with Boro in third place on 88 points.

But if Brighton lose to Derby and Burnley beat QPR, then the table would look like this heading into the final day - adding in the point following Middlesbrough's draw with Birmingham:

Burnley 90 points
Middlesbrough 88 points
Brighton 87 points

This would be enough for Burnley to secure promotion with an all-out battle between Brighton and Middlesbrough on the final day of the season to join them in the Premier League.

Don't miss the Championship run-in live on Sky Sports, with Brighton v Derby from 2.15pm before Burnley v QPR from 4.30pm.

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