It's the final stretch of the Championship season - minds are focused, games feel heightened, and targets are set. The race for the top six is well and truly on. 

Whilst the Championship is unpredictable and chaotic, it does now look like two teams from a possible six will be making up the final two play-off positions. 

Norwich City are well in the hunt and hope to collect enough points to drag themselves over the finish line and set up a promotion shootout in May. Among their main competitors are Middlesbrough, Preston, Hull and Coventry. 

Here is a comprehensive guide ahead of the final eight or, for some, nine matches, including fixtures, form guides and verdicts on the sides in the race. 

The Pink Un: West Brom are looking a good bet for a play-off finish under Carlos Corberan.West Brom are looking a good bet for a play-off finish under Carlos Corberan. (Image: PA Images)

5th - West Brom - 66pts

Played: 38

Manager: Carlos Corberan

Remaining fixtures: Millwall (A), Watford (H), Stoke (A), Rotherham (H), Sunderland (H), Leicester City (A), Sheffield Wednesday (A), Preston (H)

STATS

Last five games: DWDWW

Last game: 2-0 Bristol City (H)

Top scorer: Brandon Thomas-Asante (9)

Points per game (last 10): 2.10

Average opponent position in run in: 14.75

OPTA top six finish likelihood: 96.4pc

VERDICT: Corberan has led a well-oiled machine this season, with West Brom looking a safe bet for a fifth-placed finish. They have enjoyed an exceptional home record this season, losing just three games at the Hawthorns. Third best defensive record in the league. Easiest run in on paper of the sides included.

The Pink Un: David Wagner has turned Norwich City's form around.David Wagner has turned Norwich City's form around. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

6th - Norwich City - 61pts

Played: 38

Manager: David Wagner

Remaining fixtures: Plymouth Argyle (H), Leicester (A), Ipswich (H), Sheffield Wednesday (A), Preston (A), Swansea City (H), Bristol City (H), Birmingham (A)

STATS

Last five games: DWLWW

Last game: 3-0 Stoke (A)

Top scorer: Josh Sargent (13)

Points per game (last 10): 2.00

Average opponent position in run-in: 13.13

OPTA top six finish likelihood: 47.7pc

VERDICT: Behind West Brom, Norwich have enjoyed the best form over the last 10 matches and have the momentum heading into the run-in. A four game swing from Leicester away to Preston away may well decide their fate. They will need to keep key players fit - namely Josh Sargent.

The Pink Un: Liam Rosenior is hoping to guide Hull City into the top six.Liam Rosenior is hoping to guide Hull City into the top six. (Image: Daniel Hambury/Focus Images Ltd)

7th - Hull City - 58pts

Played: 37

Manager: Liam Rosenior

Remaining fixtures: Stoke (H), Leeds (A), Cardiff (A), Middlesbrough (H), QPR (H), Watford (A), Coventry (A), Ipswich (H), Plymouth (A)

STATS

Last five games: WDDDD

Last game: 2-2 Leicester City (H)

Top scorer: Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Aaron Connolly, Ozan Tufan (8)

Points per game (last 10): 1.90

Average opponent position in run in: 11.44

OPTA top six finish likelihood: 13.5pc

VERDICT: Few could argue with the quality of Hull's performances, but a lack of killer edge has cost them in recent weeks. Plenty of quality within their squad, but they have the second hardest run in on paper - they need a run of winning form to pile the pressure on Norwich in sixth. 

The Pink Un: Mark Robins has seen this race before and will be hoping Coventry City's experience counts.Mark Robins has seen this race before and will be hoping Coventry City's experience counts. (Image: PA Images)

8th - Coventry City - 57pts

Played: 37

Manager: Mark Robins

Remaining fixtures: Huddersfield (A), Cardiff (H), Leeds (H), Southampton (A), Birmingham (A), Hull (H), Blackburn (A), Ipswich (H), QPR (H)

STATS

Last five games: WLLWW

Last game: 2-1 Watford (A)

Top scorer: Haji Wright (13)

Points per game (last 10): 1.70

Average opponent position in run in: 11.77

OPTA top six finish likelihood: 34.2pc

VERDICT: Robins and his side have an experienced edge, having timed a run into the top six last season. The number crunchers think they pose the greatest challenge to Norwich - but an FA Cup semi final against Manchester United could prove a distraction. Small squad. Game in hand against Hull will be key. 

The Pink Un: Ryan Lowe is looking to upset the odds by getting Preston North End into the top six.Ryan Lowe is looking to upset the odds by getting Preston North End into the top six. (Image: PA)

9th - Preston North End - 56pts

Played: 37

Manager: Ryan Lowe

Remaining fixtures: Rotherham (H), Birmingham (A), Watford (A), Huddersfield (H), Norwich (H), Southampton (A), QPR (A), Leicester (H), West Brom (A)

STATS

Last five games: DWDLW

Last game: 1-0 Plymouth (A)

Top scorer: Will Keane (12)

Points per game (last 10): 1.80

Average opponent position in run in: 13

OPTA top six finish likelihood: 7pc

VERDICT: They will need to take a very high points return from their first four games as well as edging a big game at Deepdale against Norwich. Last four matches prove a difficult challenge, but many already expected Lowe's men to fall away. They have a real chance and will enjoy going under the radar. 

The Pink Un: Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough are an outside bet for a top six finish.Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough are an outside bet for a top six finish. (Image: PA)

10th - Middlesbrough - 54pts

Played: 38

Manager: Michael Carrick

Remaining fixtures: Southampton (A), Sheffield Wednesday (H), Swansea (H), Hull City (A), Ipswich Town (A), Leeds United (H), Cardiff (A), Watford (H)

STATS

Last five games: LWWWD

Last game: 0-0 Blackburn Rovers (H)

Top scorer: Emmanuel Latte Lath (9)

Average opponent position in run in: 9.63

OPTA top six finish likelihood: 0.7pc

VERDICT: A burst in form has put them on the periphery of the conversation - but they will need a near spotless run in and plenty of luck to go in their direction. Perhaps they have hit form at the right time, but bigger tests against three of the top four will define their campaign. 

The Pink Un: Blackpool in 2010 were the last sixth placed side to win promotion via the play-offs.Blackpool in 2010 were the last sixth placed side to win promotion via the play-offs. (Image: PA Images)

WHAT DO THE HISTORY BOOKS SAY?

The average points haul required to finish in the top six since the 1994/95 campaign has been 73.83 points. In five of the last six seasons, 75 points would have been enough for a play-off place. 

Last season, it was considerably lower. Sunderland finished sixth with 69 points, the lowest total since Leicester City recorded one fewer in the 2012/13 campaign. Coventry's fifth-place finish with 71 points was the lowest points return in that position since the rebranding of the Championship. 

Finishing sixth hasn't been a good omen for sides who go on to compete in the play-offs. No side since Ian Holloway's Blackpool in the 2009/10 campaign has finished there and gone on to win promotion. 

With plenty of twists and turns remaining this season, each side currently in the race will be hoping to overturn that statistic.