Sunderland and Birmingham go into the last round of the season on Sunday knowing that for them it's a question of who takes the Championship title for 2007, but their places are already assured in the Premiership next season.

I wish the same could be said for the six teams holding fourth to ninth positions who still have to fight for a play-off place. For some of them, a defeat or a draw in that final match will bring huge disappointment.

Birmingham need to beat Preston North End at Deepdale to secure the Championship title - a result that would end Preston's season. They are one of six teams, along with West Brom, Wolves, Southampton, Stoke City and Colchester, who could end up in the play-offs if results go their way.

To win the title, Sunderland need to take three points off relegated Luton and hope that Birmingham do not beat Preston. I don't think the Black Cats fans will care that much because they are now back in the Premiership and winning the title would just be the icing on the cake for Roy Keane and Co.

Billy Davies's Derby County have already qualified for the play-offs in third place and their position is guaranteed. The Rams have had a wonderful season, but only seven points from their last six away matches has cost them dearly. They know the play-offs are a bit of a lottery but playing the second leg at home should at least give them some comfort.

West Brom currently lie fourth and a win against Barnsley will secure that position. There must be jitters amongBaggies fans because this is a team that have only managed one win at home from the last
six matches, although they have managed to pick up away victories, including last week's crucial win at Coventry. At the start of the season I thought they would be promoted, but it doesn't look that way at the moment.

Wolves play Leicester away at the Walkers Stadium where a win would secure them a play-off place. But a draw may not be enough, depending on other results. Leicester's recent record - they haven't won any of their last six home games - should give Mick McCarthy's men some confidence.

Now for the interesting bit. Southampton and Stoke have exactly the same number of points and goal difference and while the Saints host relegated Southend, Stoke are away to QPR. Both teams have what I think are winnable games and it could come down to goal difference to determine who reaches the play-offs. So the emphasis is bound to be on all-out attack.

For Preston and Colchester, a draw will not be enough. Colchester's chances are slim because of their inferior goal difference. They would need to beat Crystal Palace by at least five goals and hope that Southampton, Stoke and Preston all lose.

It's unfortunate that none of the teams vying for the play-off places are playing each other but it should be interesting all the same. There is also a possibility that all the teams involved in the play-offs could be from the Midlands, which would result in two promoted sides from that region.

The play-off route is hard but it also produces some very exciting football to wrap up the Championship season. So let's see which team will deliver the goods on Sunday.

Which four do you fancy will make it? Add your comment below or write an article giving your opinion.