Beevers said: “We know this promotion race will probably go down to the final day.
“I hope not obviously, but there is every chance that it will do.
“We just have to focus on ourselves and look after our own games. There will be plenty more twists and turns to come I am sure.”
It’s looking like a three-horse race for two automatic promotion places between current 1,2,3 Hull, Posh and Sunderland, but in-form Portsmouth and Blackpool are ready to pounce on any slip-ups.
Hull are two three points clear of Posh with a superior goal difference of 7. Posh have a game in hand. Sunderland are two points behind Posh with a superior goal difference of 1. They have one game in hand on Posh and two games in hand on Hull.
Portsmouth are fourth, seven points behind Sunderland from the same number of matches played. Blackpool are fifth, a further point back, with an extra game in hand.
The PT has analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the top three, while also looking at the matches and players that could make the difference between Championship football and the League One play-offs.
5.
It’s tough to properly assess the difficulty of the final matches of the season as teams dip in and out of form. Two of Posh’s last four games are against a Doncaster side who have lost five and drawn two of their last seven matches so those late-season games don’t look as tricky as they did a month ago. Sunderland have to play Blackpool twice. Those two teams are enjoying a combined unbeaten run of 25 games! Striker Jerry Yates (pictured) has been in great form for Blackpool.
6.
Defensively Sunderland have been outstanding this season, especially given a host of injury problems. Full-back Luke O’Nien (pictured) was outstanding as a centre-back against Posh on Monday. The Wearsiders have conceded just 29 goals in 38 matches compared to 32 in 40 matches by Hull and 38 in 39 matches by Posh. Remarkably Sunderland have lost just five League One games this season.
7.
Injuries and suspensions could still play a crucial part as the promotion race enters its last lap. It’s vital Posh keep experienced defenders Mark Beevers and Nathan Thompson fit as well as ace midfielder Jack Taylor and top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris. Hull wouldn’t want to lose free-scoring wide player Mallik Wilks or outstanding midfielder George Honeyman, while Sunderland will be wrapping Aiden McGeady (pictured) up in cotton wool between games.
8.
Now would be a great time to hit top form and Posh have ground to make up on Hull and Sunderland in the form table based on the last eight matches. The Tigers and the Black Cats are joint top of that particular table having picked up 20 points (out of 24), while Posh won just 11 points in that time. Posh have put together lengthy successful runs this season so a current run of two wins and a draw in the last three matches offers hope. Winning the next three v Swindon, Cobblers and Gillingham is crucial though. Mallik Wilks (pictured) has been in great form for Hull all season. Photo: Worthing