Fortunately, the Lilywhites are pushing for the top six, rather than fighting for their lives to finish outside the bottom three, as the excitement builds for the ‘business end’ of the season.
Ryan Lowe’s side are well in with a shout to secure their first play-off campaign in the second tier since 2009, when they were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Sheffield United following Greg Halford’s finish at Bramall Lane.
North End, who were level on points with rivals Millwall prior to their defeat at The Den at the weekend, are now eighth in the table, just three points off the Lions in fifth, and a point adrift of Blackburn Rovers, who they have yet to play.
With only four clubs able to scrap it out for the opportunity to play at Wembley at the end of term, and only one able to prevail at the national stadium, popular bookmakers Sky Bet have released their odds for the side most likely to join Burnley, and the other top two finisher, in the Premier League.
Who will you be backing?
1. LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 29: Lewis Grabban of Nottingham Forest lifts the trophy following the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium on May 29, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 29: Lewis Grabban of Nottingham Forest lifts the trophy following the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium on May 29, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) Photo: Christopher Lee
2. Middlesbrough 7/4
Remaining fixtures: Hull (h), Luton Town (a), Rotherham United (a), Coventry City (h). Photo: Stu Forster
3. Luton Town 9/4
Remaining fixtures: Reading (a), Middlesbrough (h), Blackburn Rovers (a), Hull City (h). Photo: Cameron Smith
4. Millwall 11/2
Remaining fixtures: Birmingham (h), Wigan Athletic (a), Blackpool (a), Blackburn Rovers (h). Photo: Justin Setterfield