Forget the football. What started as a 46-match endurance race has come down to a 90-minute trial of stout hearts and strong minds.
Nerves, and who can conquer them, will decide whether Hull or Watford snap up the final automatic promotion place and an instant £120million jackpot on Saturday.
Just below them, the scrap for the play-offs involves Crystal Palace, Bolton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester with only Brighton’s position assured.
Work to do: Hull, who lost 2-0 at Barnsley, need to beat Cardiff on Saturday to guarantee promotion
Pressure: Watford are just one point behind second-placed Hull following a win at Leicester on Friday
CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE
‘It’s a fantastic end to the season. Roll on Saturday,’ said Forest boss Billy Davies after the 1-0 win at Millwall that sets up a do-or-die East Midlands derby with Leicester.
It is hard to disagree. No fewer than 13 clubs are involved in promotion, play-off and relegation issues, although Millwall and Palace have a catch-up fixture on Tuesday that could ensure safety for one or top six for the other.
Hull seem to be suffering palpitations. Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Barnsley followed a draw against relegated Bristol City and virtually relegated Wolves. ‘We’re not mentally shot, we’ve had a bad week,’ said Hull boss Steve Bruce. ‘We need to re-group and rally.
‘We’ve let down those fans. They came for a party, but one thing we have learned this last couple of weeks is that you can’t take anything for granted.’
Hull face champions Cardiff on Saturday while Watford, a point behind, entertain mid-table Leeds.
‘We haven’t handled the situation as well as I’d like but I’m quietly confident we’ll still produce a performance next week to get over the line,’ added Bruce.
‘It’s about handling the nerves and playing how you can play. If we win, we’re up so I’d rather be in our position than Watford’s.
‘They’ve had two wonderful wins and they’ll be feeling good about themselves but you never know in the Championship.’
In the mix: Gus Poyet's Brighton are guaranteed of their play-off spot, and they could face rivals Crystal Palace
Slump: Crystal Palace's draw at Blackburn was their eighth in a row without a win
Tight: Bolton (left) and Nottingham Forest (right) both enter the final day on 67 points
The tussle for a top-six place is also a tight one. Bolton held Cardiff to a 1-1 draw and occupy the final spot with a match against Blackpool to come.
Bolton boss Dougie Freedman said: ‘If someone had said when I came in here and we were 17th in the league we would have to win the last game to get in the play-offs, we would have taken it.’
Down at the bottom, Barnsley threw themselves a lifeline with the win over Hull. Manager David Flitcroft has won nine and drawn six of his 20 League games in charge.
Job done: Cardiff lifted the Championship trophy at the weekend
Still alive: Barnsley's win against Hull gives them a chance at avoiding relegation to League One on the final day
The match came on the fifth anniversary of father John’s death and Flitcroft junior, who made a visit to the grave, revealed: ‘My dad taught me work ethic, courage, never give up and if someone wants to fight you, fight them.
‘When you have been taught by great people, you can teach people yourself. That is what I want to do. I don’t just want to improve footballers.
‘I think it is my challenge and my goal to improve people as human beings. I am close to the players and I can see in their eyes that they are giving everything.’
CHAMPIONSHIP JUGDMENT DAY
PROMOTION PUSH...
Hull play Cardiff knowing a win will send them up. A draw would mean Watford could leapfrog them by beating Leeds. If Hull lose, Watford’s goal difference means they would only need a draw.
PIVOTAL PLAY-OFFS...
Brighton are in the play-offs, though Crystal Palace could join them if they beat Millwall on Tuesday. Bolton are still in contention while Leicester play Nottingham Forest on the final day.
BATTLE TO BEAT THE DROP...
Seven clubs could still be relegated, though Blackburn are all but safe. Millwall will stay up if they win their game in hand while Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Peterborough, Barnsley and Wolves all need points and must hope other results go their way.
FIXTURES
Tuesday —Millwall v Crystal Palace (7.45).
Saturday (12.45) — Birmingham v Blackburn; Bolton v Blackpool; Brighton v Wolves; Burnley v Ipswich; Charlton v Bristol City; C Palace v Peterborough; Derby v Millwall; Huddersfield v Barnsley; Hull v Cardiff; Nottm Forest v Leicester; Sheff Wed v Middlesbrough; Watford v Leeds.