Things can change quickly in the Championship and Preston North End are the perfect example at present.
All of a sudden, the Lilywhites are back on the hunt for a play-off place. Ryan Lowe's side head to Coventry City on Friday, having picked up 14 points from the last seven games. North End's results have left them just outside of the top six.
And with 13 games to go, the race appears to be on. Preston will be looking to stay in and around it until the very final stretch. Here, we take a look at those clubs also pushing to break into the play-off places come May.
5. Preston North End - 9th
It was too early for the Lilywhites' season to feel like it was fizzling out - and PNE have done something about that. There are two massive games up next, away to Coventry and home to Hull City, but Ryan Lowe's side have given themselves a chance from nowhere. The frustration at Deepdale was high over the festive period and a dreadful run of form put Lowe under immense pressure. His latest formula, though, looks to be working and has boosted the whole mood around the club. Emil Riis - top scorer in Lowe's first season - is back on the pitch after his horrible injury and he looks better than ever. Behind him, Mads Frokjaer is exciting everyone with his performances while Liam Millar remains a spark out wide. North End's team suddenly looks to have a dangerous mix of experience and quality. Who knows what they can go on to do from here? | Getty Images
6. Sunderland - 10th
The Black Cats are on the search for a new manager. In other news, water is wet. Looking in from the outside, the Sunderland faithful were never really having Michael Beale - whose reign lasted a mere 12 games. Whoever takes over at the Stadium of Light, though, will inherit a side whose season is far from dead. There is a group of talented, young players there for someone to nurture and bring the best out of - like Tony Mowbray did. Jack Clarke is one of the stand out players in the division. You cannot rule the Black Cats out all together, but they don't half need to get their next appointment right. | Getty Images