Oxford United breathed plenty of life into their Championship survival hopes when they recorded a trio of league victories during late February and early March.
However, since then, their form has deteriorated significantly, with Matt Bloomfield's men now seemingly on the periphery of dropping back down into the third-tier.
Since beating West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers six or seven weeks ago, the U's have endured significant difficulties in turning decent performances into profitable results.
Back-to-back 1-0 defeats against play-off chasing Derby County and Wrexham means Oxford are now five points adrift of safety with just two league games remaining to salvage their Championship status for at least another 12 months.
First up is a colossal clash with already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday this coming Saturday ahead of a potentially gargantuan showdown with Premier League hopefuls Millwall on the final day.
We take a look at what the U's must do over the final stretches of the campaign if they are to have any hope of avoiding the trap door, and discover how their fate could even be sealed ahead of this weekend's penultimate round of fixtures.
How can Oxford United secure Championship survival this season?
Simply put, Oxford United now have to record victories in their final two remaining league fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall.
Anything less than a full six points would mean they will be plying their trade back in League One in 2026/27.
And, even with a full return of six points, that in itself would unlikely be enough to keep them afloat in the Championship.
With Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion pulling themselves clear of the mire in recent weeks and Leicester City's fate now confirmed, the final spot on the relegation zone will be taken up by one of Oxford, Blackburn Rovers or Charlton Athletic.
Six points for Bloomfield's men would put them on 50 points, the same total as Charlton - in 20th - are currently on and one more than Blackburn's current tally of 49.
So a single point for Charlton from their remaining three fixtures would secure their safety, whilst two points or more for Rovers would also see them beat the drop, even if Oxford were to prevail in each of their final two fixtures.
Oxford United relegation permutations
Oxford United have to win their final two league fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall and hope that either Charlton Athletic are beaten in all three of their remaining fixtures or that Blackburn Rovers don't pick up more than one point in their final two games.
Oxford United will be relegated on Wednesday evening if Charlton pick up a point or more against Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers beat Sheffield United.
