This week's Championship permutations: Sheffield United could clinch promotion

A typically unpredictable and enthralling Championship season is now just weeks away from its conclusion, but there is still plenty to be sorted out in the second tier.

Burnley are already guaranteed to be playing Premier League football next season, but the second automatic promotion place, in addition to the playoff order and all three relegation spots, are yet to be confirmed.

A three-game midweek schedule this week helps those with games in hand to catch up with the teams around them, and it could prove to be an important few days at the top of the table in particular.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the Championship permutations from Tuesday to Thursday.

THIS WEEK'S CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS

Already promoted: Burnley

Guaranteed at least playoffs: Sheffield United, Luton Town, Middlesbrough

Already relegated: None

WHAT COULD HAPPEN THIS WEEK?

Burnley could win the title

Sheffield United could be promoted

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Blackburn vs. Burnley (Tuesday, 8pm)

BURNLEY

Burnley have already missed a couple of chances to wrap up the Championship title, but if the supporters could pick one ground other than Turf Moor at which to finally secure top spot then it would be Ewood Park, home of their greatest rivals.

Vincent Kompany's already-promoted Clarets make the short trip to Blackburn Rovers for the East Lancashire derby in the only Championship game on Tuesday knowing that a win will take them into an unassailable lead ahead of second-placed Sheffield United, who play West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.

However, Burnley are now winless in their last three games, while Blackburn will not only be desperate to prevent their biggest rivals winning the title on their own patch - they also need a win to rescue their own playoff hopes, having slid out of the top six following a six-game winless run in the league.

Should Burnley fail to win, then they could still be crowned champions on Wednesday night if Sheffield United fail to better their result when they take on West Brom.

As a side note, Burnley also need a win to stand any chance of becoming only the fourth team to rack up more than 100 Championship points in a season.

PROMOTION RACE

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Sheffield United vs. West Bromwich Albion (Wednesday, 8pm)

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Having seen their FA Cup dreams ended by the might of Manchester City at Wembley at the weekend, Sheffield United switch their focus back to clinching automatic promotion - something they can achieve on Wednesday night.

The equation is simple for Paul Heckingbottom's men: victory will ensure that they are playing Premier League football next season, while anything less would delay their promotion party.

Luton Town's victory over Middlesbrough on Monday night means that the Hatters are now the only team that can catch the Blades in second.