The play-offs. We all love to watch them, but hate to be in them.
However, it’s a cross Leeds United fans will have to bear if they want to end a 15-year wait for Premier League football.
The Whites seem resigned to taking a shot in the promotion lottery, after losing ground in the race for automatic promotion.
Sheffield United know three points at home, against rock-bottom Ipswich Town, will almost guarantee them a return to the top flight for the first time since 2007.
The Blades hold a three-point lead over the Whites and have a much superior goal difference, with only two matches left.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have given it their all this season, but look to have come up short at the final stretch.
They will have to shake off the air of disappointment which looms around Elland Road, though, as before they know it, the play-offs will be upon them.
The bookmakers are on United’s side too. Sky Bet have priced the Whites as favourites to win at Wembley at 6/4.
The division’s form side, and Sunday's opponents, Aston Villa , are many pundits' tip for promotion. Dean Smith’s side can be found at 9/4 to return to the Premier League.
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Their Midlands rivals, West Bromwich Albion , are the longest shot of the three most likely play-off contestants at 7/2, representing their indifferent form under James Shan.
For sixth place, your guess is as good as anyone’s, which is reflected in the betting prices.
Derby County, who are in the driving seat for that final lucrative spot, are 11/1 to make it back to the promise land, while Bristol City are 14/1. The Rams and the Robins meet in a crucial winner-takes-all clash this weekend at Ashton Gate.
Middlesbrough will also be hoping they can recover to sneak sixth place, although they are a colossal 20/1 to win the play-offs, should they even make it.
Sheffield United are priced at 40/1, with many assuming their automatic promotion is now just a formality, while Swansea City are also in the running at an even longer shot of 100/1.
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Championship play-offs odds 18/19:
- Leeds United – 6/4
- Aston Villa – 9/4
- West Brom – 7/2
- Derby County – 11/1
- Bristol City – 14/1
- Middlesbrough – 20/1
- Sheffield United – 40/1
- Swansea City – 100/1
