WHATEVER way you look at the final two rounds of fixtures in the Championship, one thing is clear: the nerves of Middlesbrough’s fans are going to go down to the absolute wire.

Boro could reclaim top spot at Birmingham on Friday night because they play before both Burnley and Brighton do on Bank Holiday Monday. If only it was as simple as that, though, for Aitor Karanka and his players.

All three teams are enjoying some level of good form; it could be argued Middlesbrough are actually heading into the last two games with a slightly worse recent record because they have drawn the last couple.

But who will seal automatic promotion to the top-flight and avoid the play-offs next month? By carefully studying the form of the three contenders, it would seem Burnley are just about there. Then it is down to the battle for second between Middlesbrough and Brighton.

Brighton are on an excellent run. Chris Hughton’s team have won their last five and scored an impressive 16 goals during that time. The Seagulls’ only defeat since early January – covering 18 games - was at Cardiff on February 20. Not bad at all and something for Middlesbrough to be wary of.

Burnley, leading the way slightly on goal difference, are also strong, even if they are not scoring as regularly as Brighton. The Clarets haven’t lost in the league since Boxing Day, a run of 21 games, although three wins from their last seven outings is a bit of a stutter by their standards.

And then there is Middlesbrough. Having overcome their March problems, Karanka has overseen six wins and two draws since then to give them confidence. A goalless draw with Ipswich at the Riverside on Saturday, however, highlighted why they have not scored as many as their promotion rivals.

It will be just hoped on Teesside that it doesn’t boil down to goals scored (taken into account if goal difference and points are the same) because Middlesbrough are trailing Burnley by eight and Brighton by ten.

But don’t worry Middlesbrough fans, promotion is still on the cards. Just …

The Northern Echo:

BURNLEY

QPR (h)
Rangers have won just once away this year, but have drawn a lot of fixtures on their travels.
Prediction: 2-0

Charlton (a)
The Addicks are already relegated and on the final day of the season there will be more protests against the club’s owners planned at the Valley.
Prediction: 0-3

MIDDLESBROUGH

Birmingham (a)
A trip to St Andrews may not seem the ideal place to visit but City have not won any of their last five home dates. They have also won just one of last ten.
Prediction: 1-2

Brighton (h)
The Seagulls have won five of their last six away dates, so will be in fine fettle going into the fixture which is likely to determine one of the automatic promotion places. But Boro have lost twice at the Riverside all season in the league.
Prediction: 1-1

BRIGHTON

Derby (h)
The Rams have hit a bit of form again and are assured of a play-off spot, which could actually make it easier for Chris Hughton’s side particularly at a bouncing Amex Stadium.
Prediction: 3-1

Middlesbrough (a)
If they were playing anyone else on the final day you would predict an away win, but it will be a rocking Riverside and a tough ask to claim three points.
Prediction: 1-1