The state of play in the Championship automatic and play-off races

'The Championship is probably the hardest second division in the world.'

Who said that, you ask? It was none other that Pep Guardiola, the king of winning trophies. He has coached all around the world and knows exactly how difficult it is to achieve success in football. He is also absolutely correct.

With 46 matches to play and the dreaded play-offs at the end of the season, the second tier is one of the toughest divisions to escape. Many clubs have tried, failed, and then plummeted down the ladder into mediocrity.

It is unforgiving and takes its toll on a whole squad. But the reward for promotion is enviable riches, and the play-off final, held at Wembley every campaign, is the most lucrative match in the world because it is worth £170million to the winners.

This time around, high-flying Fulham are nailed-on to escape that dogfight. They are sitting in first place, ten points ahead of second, and could even go up this weekend.

As for the rest, they are braced for a flurry of games and drama before the curtain comes down and teams are left to lick their wounds or party the night away. 

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the promotion and play-off picture as it stands... 

FULHAM 

Position: 1st 

Points: 83

Top scorer: Aleksandar Mitrovic (38)

The champagne has surely already been popped at Craven Cottage. Fulham have led the way at the top for most of the season, and will wrap up promotion soon.

They could bounce back to the big time this weekend, with two victories over Derby and Preston guaranteeing them a spot in the top two. 

Even a loss against Wayne Rooney's men may not be enough to stop the celebrations should Nottingham Forest fall at Luton. 

Marco Silva's side may have slipped up to Coventry last time out in a major