Managerless Birmingham City must face Derby County on the final day, with relegation still a faint possibility for the Blues. A win or draw would confirm their safety, but anything less would require favourable results from elsewhere to confirm survival.
Wigan's impending 12 point deduction should see the Blues over the line, even if they were to fall below both of their rivals Luton Town and Charlton Atheltic. Birmingham have been on a dismal recent run, winless in their last 13 league games, which saw the sacking of boss Pep Clotet. The men from St. Andrews have also conceded three goals in five of their last six home matches, and only kept two home clean sheets all season. They must tighten up to keep Derby's attack at bay, and ensure their survival.
Once harbouring realistic chances of a play-off spot, Derby's season has tailed off dramatically. Last season's play-off finalists were in contention shortly after the restart, with three consecutive wins. However, four straight defeats have ended their play-off hopes, and mid-table mediocrity beckons. After such promising signs this season, a highest possible finish of 10th place will rubber stamp a disappointing season.
Key Battle:
Lukas Jutkiewicz has been in fine form for the Blues this season, having scored 15 times in the league. He has also scored Birmingham's only two goals across 540 minutes of play in July.
For Derby, young star Jason Knight scored twice in Derby's last three games, taking his senior tally to six in total.
Previous Meeting:
The two sides met in an eventful game at Pride Park earlier in the season, which Derby won 3-2. An early Chris Martin goal got the Rams off to the perfect start. Derby's lead was doubled by Martyn Waghorn early in the second half, assisted by Martin. Birmingham then replied with two quick goals, coming from Gary Gardner and Ivan Sunjic. Blues top scorer Jutkiewicz missed a golden chance to from the penalty spot, which was then punished at the other end by Derby's Jamie Paterson four minutes later.
Team News:
For Birmingham, Jake Clarke-Salter continues to be sidelined, and Josh McEachran is also out with a knee problem.
Derby also have two players out through injury, with Krystian Bielik and Andre Wisdom set to miss the game with issues. Duane Holmes will face a late fitness test to determine his match fitness.
Predicted Lineups:
Birmingham (4-4-2): Camp, Pedersen, Dean, Roberts, Colin, Gardner, Bellingham, Sunjic, Crowley, Jutkiewicz, Hogan.
Derby (4-2-3-1): Roos, Forsyth, Clarke, Davies, Bogle, Bird, Rooney, Laurence, Sibley, Knight, Martin.
Managers Comments:
"It's not even entered my mind about EFL points deductions. We can't be thinking about that.
"Who wants to be involved with a team that might finish in the bottom three and then stays up?
"All we've got to be thinking about is beating Derby on Wednesday night. We have to sort it ourselves."
Derby boss Phillip Cocu was in a reflective mood after his side's latest defeat to champions Leeds United:
"We know we have a lot of work ahead of us towards next season to make sure - depending on the possibilities, of course, financially at the club - we get some new fresh blood and quality in to support the senior players, but also the youngsters."