Championship play-off permutations: Leeds, Villa & who could finish in top 6

With the league phase of the 2018-19 season approaching a conclusion, we take a look at the possible final outcomes

The composition of 2019 Championship play-offs is almost set as England's second-tier heads into the final gameweek of the season.

Leeds United, West Brom and Aston Villa have already secured their places in the mini-tournament, with three teams - Derby County, Middlesbrough and Bristol City - still fighting it out for the final slot.

Final league position is a crucial aspect of the play-offs as it is used to decide which teams play each other in the semi-finals and a lot could potentially change in the last gameweek.

The team which finishes third plays the team which finishes sixth in one semi-final and fourth-place is paired with fifth place in the other semi-final.

Here is how the table looks going into gameweek 46, plus the relevant fixtures:

At the top, as you can see, Norwich City and Sheffield United are already assured of promotion to the Premier League as they are both guaranteed a top-two finish, but the Blades could potentially leapfrog the Canaries to clinch the title. In order for that to happen, Sheffield United need to beat Stoke City away from home and Norwich must lost to Aston Villa away.

In the play-off spots, Leeds United hold the advantage over West Brom in third, but the Baggies can overtake Marcelo Bielsa's men if results go their way. While three points separate the sides, West Brom's superior goal difference means that if they beat Derby and Leeds lose to Ipswich Town, they will clinch third place - and, therefore, the right to play the team which finishes sixth.

Aston Villa won't be shifting from their place in fifth, regardless of results, because the Birmingham outfit are five points ahead of Derby and four point behind West Brom. That means they will definitely play the team that finishes fourth - which, as noted, will be either West Brom or Leeds.

In contrast, the battle for sixth place is much more volatile, with Derby, Middlesbrough and Bristol City all in with a chance.

Derby are in pole position, but they have a tough opponent in the form of West Brom, even if they are at home. If Derby win the match it is straightforward: they will secure the final play-off spot. However, if they draw or lose and Middlesbrough beat Rotherham, Boro will progress. Only a win will suffice for Middlesbrough.

Further down, Bristol City have a slim chance of reaching the play-offs. They are two points behind sixth-placed Derby so, ideally they need to win away to Hull City and hope that the Rams lose to West Brom. Of course, in order for it to happen they will also need Middlesbrough to draw or lose. They could potentially reach the play-offs if Derby and West Brom draw, but they will need to beat Rotherham by a margin of eight goals, which is highly unlikely.

To summarise, the positions which can be altered on the final day of the season are third, fourth and sixth.