Leeds United are still in contention for promotion from the Championship, but they will need support from elsewhere to defeat Ipswich Town and return to the Premier League.
The Whites are now second in the division, with a recent 4-0 setback to QPR denting their promotion ambitions and giving their nearest opponents an advantage.
Kieran McKenna’s squad in third, with the same number of points as Leeds but a lower goal difference.
However, the Tractor Boys have a game in hand this week. They will first go to the CBS Arena to face Coventry City on Tuesday before hosting Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Four points from those two games will seal Ipswich’s long-awaited return to the top flight, regardless of how the Whites perform against Southampton at Elland Road on the final day.
It means Leeds manager Daniel Farke will need some help from elsewhere to bring the promotion drive across the line.
Huddersfield boss discusses Ipswich clash
While the outcome of the Coventry game is uncertain, Leeds may be forced to rely on Huddersfield Town to do them a favour against Ipswich on the final day.
The Terriers are fighting to avoid relegation to the third tier, with the trap door now firmly open for the Yorkshire club.
A win, defeats for rivals, and a 15-goal swing are what Huddersfield requires to survive, which is becoming increasingly implausible.
Despite the impending relegation, Terriers manager Andre Breitenreiter has urged his squad to persevere when they meet Ipswich on Saturday.
“We have to be professional for the last game and maybe decide the promotion battle,” the head coach told the press following Huddersfield’s draw with Birmingham.
“It’s our responsibility to do our jobs. We want to finish the season on a positive note after discussing individuals and the future.
“The entire analysis will take place following the season. It will be difficult to win with 15 goals next weekend. But we were not relegated today.
It’s battling rhetoric that might set the Terriers up for an upset that would benefit Leeds on the season’s last day.
The importance of Leeds United vs. Southampton
With Leeds reliant on other games, the squad must do their best to enter the last match with a clear mind.
The Whites host Southampton in a game that might be crucial for more than simply automatic promotion.
Leeds, at the at least, will want to win the game to guarantee they have done everything possible to finish second after the final whistle.
If Ipswich do their job, a win over the Saints might provide a significant psychological advantage heading into a potential Championship play-off final meeting.
There will be plenty of twists and turns in this promotion race, but Leeds will want to emerge victorious.
