Middlesbrough moved to within a point of the Championship summit with a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.
Gaston Ramirez scored twice after Grant Leadbitter's penalty to send Aitor Karanka's side to within touching distance of leaders Burnley, who were held to a 0-0 home draw by Cardiff City.
Brighton are just two points off the top thanks to their 2-1 win away to Birmingham City, but Hull City's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a damaging blow as they lost 4-0 to play-off hopefuls Derby County.
At the other end of the table, Bolton Wanderers' 3-1 loss away to Brentford means they will be relegated if they lose to Derby at the weekend.
Charlton Athletic's goalless draw with Ipswich Town means they are likely to join them in League One next season.
Elsewhere, Leeds United were held 1-1 at Elland Road by QPR, Fulham beat Preston 2-1 and Bristol City drew 1-1 with Rotherham United to leave both looking nervously over their shoulders at the bottom three.
