When can Dundee United win the Championship?

In the words of Dundee United’s official account on X: “Within our grasp”.

The Tangerines could officially secure their immediate return to the Premiership on Saturday.

Indeed, they could be de facto champions as early as Friday night.

As a gruelling, but ultimately impressive, campaign approaches its finale, the job is almost done.

The Championship table after 33 matches — The state of play with three games left to play. Image: SPFL

Here, Courier Sport runs through every permutation for the coming week as Raith Rovers face Inverness on Friday before United host Ayr United the following day.

If Raith Rovers lose to Inverness…

In real terms, United’s promotion would be assured before they next kick a ball.

It would leave the Rovers six points behind the Tangerines with only two games left, and a realistically insurmountable goal difference to overcome.

That currently stands at +36 in United’s favour and, by definition, would increase in the event of an Inverness victory.

Ex Dundee United hero Duncan Ferguson hails the travelling Inverness fans at Tannadice — Duncan Ferguson could effectively hand his former club the title. Image: SNS

Jim Goodwin’s men would only need a draw against Ayr to make their title win official, albeit they will be going all out for a victory in front of what promises to be a packed, expectant crowd at Tannadice.

If Raith Rovers draw with Inverness…

United would need a victory to mathematically secure the title, taking their lead to an unassailable eight points with two games left to play for each side.

Matching Raith’s result would effectively see them claim top spot, barring the farcical prospect of a 36-goal swing in the final two matches.

Raith Rovers boss Ian Murray — Ian Murray has all-but accepted that Rovers are preparing for the playoffs. Image: SNS.

A defeat for the Terrors would keep things alive, albeit Rovers would remain almighty underdogs; charged with overcoming a five-point deficit with only six points left to play for.

If Raith Rovers beat Inverness…

The only result that is likely to give United any pause for thought, albeit the Tannadice outfit have been steadfast in their stance that Rovers’ fortunes are an irrelevancy to their focus.

The Terrors would be unable to officially win the league, but a victory would all-but seal that crown due to the aforementioned chasm in goal difference.

Jim Goodwin, right, congratulates Kai Fotheringham — Goodwin, right, congratulates Kai Fotheringham following United’s win at Morton last Friday. Image: SNS

Goodwin’s side could then mathematically secure promotion by avoiding defeat at Airdrieonians on Friday, April 26.

A draw would bring the gap down to four points, while if United fluff their lines and lose to the Honest Men, then it would be back to three points; a nervy prospect.

Raith’s final two fixtures (Morton away and Arbroath at home) are far more inviting than the Tangerines’ (Airdrie away and Partick Thistle at home), so Goodwin will be keen not to offer any lifelines this weekend.