Middlesbrough FC will secure a glorious promotion to the Premier League on Saturday if they avoid defeat against third-placed Brighton at the Riverside.
It's a winner-takes-all shootout at the Riverside between Boro and the Seagulls, but Aitor Karanka's side know a draw will be enough to return to football's top table next season.
In front of a sell-out crowd, Aitor Karanka's side can end their seven-year stay in the Championship with a positive result - but it won't be easy against a Brighton side who could themselves clinch promotion to the top-flight for the first time.
Either side could yet win the Championship crown outright, should Burnley drop points at Charlton, and the pressure couldn't be any greater given the £170m prize on offer to the winner of Saturday's match.
After 45 games and a gruelling nine months, it all comes down to the next 90 minutes.
Here's a preview ahead of Saturday's 3pm showdown.
Likely line-ups
Team news - Boro hopeful over George Friend
Boro are hopeful that left-back George Friend will be fit and available to start Saturday’s pivotal promotion showdown.
The defender has been sidelined with a hamstring complaint since the 1-1 draw at Burnley, but has been training this week and could be in contention.
Team selector Pick your Boro XI to face Brighton
That’s the only selection issue for Aitor Karanka ahead of the game, with the rest of the first-team all ready to play.
Brighton will be without key defender Lewis Dunk (suspended) after his red card against Derby last time out.
Solly March (knee), Uwe Hunemeier (groin) and Bobby Zamora (hip) are all long-term absentees.
It's a winner-takes-all shootout at the Riverside between Boro and the Seagulls, but Aitor Karanka's side know a draw will be enough to return to football's top table next season.
In front of a sell-out crowd, Aitor Karanka's side can end their seven-year stay in the Championship with a positive result - but it won't be easy against a Brighton side who could themselves clinch promotion to the top-flight for the first time.
Either side could yet win the Championship crown outright, should Burnley drop points at Charlton, and the pressure couldn't be any greater given the £170m prize on offer to the winner of Saturday's match.
After 45 games and a gruelling nine months, it all comes down to the next 90 minutes.
Here's a preview ahead of Saturday's 3pm showdown.
Likely line-ups
Team news - Boro hopeful over George Friend
Boro are hopeful that left-back George Friend will be fit and available to start Saturday’s pivotal promotion showdown.
The defender has been sidelined with a hamstring complaint since the 1-1 draw at Burnley, but has been training this week and could be in contention.
Team selector Pick your Boro XI to face Brighton
That’s the only selection issue for Aitor Karanka ahead of the game, with the rest of the first-team all ready to play.
Brighton will be without key defender Lewis Dunk (suspended) after his red card against Derby last time out.
Solly March (knee), Uwe Hunemeier (groin) and Bobby Zamora (hip) are all long-term absentees.
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