The 170m game

It’s the big one. Middlesbrough face Brighton on the final day of the Championship season for a place in the Premier League – and unrivalled riches.

The victor will rub shoulders with the likes of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City next term but the “biggest ever financial prize in football” is also at stake, say financial analysts.

Promotion to the Premier League for either club will see an uplift in revenue of at least £170m, according to Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, and at least £290m if they survive their first season.

The experts also predict an increase in revenue for 2016/17 could propel Middlesbrough or Brighton into the world’s top 30 revenue-generating clubs.

It doesn’t get much closer than two glory-chasing sides level on points going into the final afternoon but who will prevail in front of the Sky Sports cameras? From the form book to the expert view, here’s all you need to know… ..

What’s the deal?

It’s pretty simple. Three points would secure promotion to the top flight alongside Burnley and the winner could still seal the title.

If the Clarets lose to already-relegated Charlton at The Valley, a winner at the Riverside would see that side promoted as champions with 91 points to Burnley’s 90. If Sean Dyche’s men win in south London, though, they will take home the silverware. 

A draw would be enough for Middlesbrough as they have a superior goal difference.

Bu it isn’t all doom and gloom for the losing side. They would face sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs – with home advantage in the second leg – and could still earn promotion to the Premier League.

Who’s in form?

Both sides are in decent form, but missed out on the chance to take maximum points last weekend. Middlesbrough drew with Birmingham on Friday, while James Wilson’s late strike earned Brighton a point against play-off contenders Derby on Monday.

But they are both still on unbeaten runs. Boro have not lost in nine but have drawn the last three – including a 1-1 result against Burnley. 

The Seagulls made history at the start of the season when they went on a run of 21 games without loss – but were stopped in their tracks with a 3-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough just before Christmas. 

Since a 4-1 loss to Cardiff at the end of February, …

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