EFL and National League: the ups, downs and what can happen next

Automatic promotion As we have known for a while, Burnley will be back in the Premier League next season. A win on Saturday at home to relegation-threatened QPR would guarantee the title. They are likely to be joined in the top flight by Sheffield United, who are seven points clear of third with a game in hand and need three points from four matches to guarantee promotion. The Blades will effectively be up if Luton and Middlesbrough draw at Kenilworth Road on Monday given the goal difference but the earliest they can officially secure second spot is Wednesday.

Playoffs Luton and Middlesbrough are almost certain to finish third and fourth, although the order could change. It leaves two spots up for grabs. Three points separate fifth and 11th, a sign of how tight it is. Blackburn and West Brom have played one game fewer than their rivals, giving them a theoretical advantage over Millwall, Coventry, Sunderland, Norwich and Preston.

Relegation It is bad news for the historic county of Lancashire, with Wigan and Blackpool occupying the bottom two spots, seven and six points adrift of safety respectively, with three games to go. Wigan must win at home to Millwall on Saturday to have any chance of surviving. Blackpool play at Birmingham on Saturday and also could be relegated. The third spot for the drop into League One will go to one of five teams: Reading, Cardiff, QPR, Huddersfield or Rotherham.

Automatic promotion It is a four-way fight, with Plymouth and Ipswich the ones to catch. Sheffield Wednesday sit two points below Argyle and one short of the Tractor Boys, having played a game more. Barnsley have a slight chance but overhauling their six-point deficit on Ipswich looks a tough ask with four games to go.

Playoffs Barns