Wigan, deprived of a play-off place last season in heart-breaking circumstances – West Ham's Brian Deane snatched victory from their grasp in the dying moments of the final fixture – set off at a fast pace this term and looked destined to be crowned runaway champions.
A December blip allowed Ipswich to overtake them by recovering from the blow of Leighton Baines scoring a spectacular opening goal to record a significant Portman Road victory.
The destiny of the title may now depend on how the leaders' respective spearheads perform in the final third of the campaign. Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi currently have 13 goals apiece for Ipswich, while Nathan Ellington (17) and Jason Roberts (13) have proved themselves to be the division's most lethal partnership.
Of the chasing pack, Sunderland, for whom Stephen Elliott is leading scorer with 12, may prove to be the strongest on the run-in. They, too, have a score to settle from last season when they felt they were robbed by Crystal Palace in the play-offs and they can do themselves a big favour by overcoming Neil Warnock's Sheffield visitors at the Stadium of Light.
Wigan
Story so far: Were the only unbeaten team in the country until they lost to Plymouth on Nov 6. Then lost three in a row last month, including summit battle with Ipswich. Two wins in first 2005 fixtures have put them back on course and early FA Cup exit will allow them to concentrate on league.
Prospects: Failure to sign Robbie Blake from Burnley as support for Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts may affect chances but providing Paul Jewell keeps his regular line-up available, should be good enough to enter top flight for first time.
Forecast: Champions.
Ipswich
Story so far: Came from a goal down to topple leaders Wigan last month but since claiming top spot they have shown indifferent form, losing at Millwall and at home to West Ham. Comprehensive FA Cup elimination by Bolton demonstrated the size of the gap they must bridge to prove themselves Premiership material.
Prospects: In Joe Royle they have a manager who has found the way to the promised land with Oldham and Manchester City. He will fancy chances of a hat-trick.
Forecast: Automatic promotion as runners-up.
Sunderland
Story so far: Got off to a slow start which brought only five points from six matches but, invigorated by a Marcus Stewart hat-trick at Gillingham, they got back in contention with a run of four wins. They have been unable to find consistency and were disappointing over Christmas period.
Prospects: Manager Mick McCarthy still smarting from play-off misery last year and will be doubly determined to make amends this term.
Forecast: third place and promotion via play-offs.
Reading
Story so far: A mixed bag with creditable results being punctuated with disappointments against struggling clubs such as Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Gillingham. In Steve Coppell they have a manager with massive experience at this level and that may be crucial during a nerve-racking run-in.
Prospects: Early April looks the key with Sheffield United, Millwall and Sunderland in opposition in one week.
Forecast: Fourth but no play-off final.
West Ham
Story so far: Alan Pardew's team were beaten in the play-off-final last season and announced themselves as genuine contenders for an automatic place this year by winning at Ipswich on New Year's Day. They have since undone that good work, losing to Sheffield United and Wolves.
Prospects: Will do well to hang on to play-off place due to erratic form.
Forecast: Fifth and more play-off despair in Cardiff.
Sheffield United
Story so far: A 4-0 hammering at Wigan in September suggested that their moderate squad would not be up to the task but Neil Warnock's men came good over Christmas with Andy Gray goals in three successive matches all bringing victories. Return game with Wigan on New Year's Day brought them down to earth and home defeat by Brighton last weekend raised further doubts.
Prospects: Next two matches against Sunderland and Ipswich will be key to their hopes.
Forecast: Play-offs, but that's all.
Millwall
Story so far: Victory at Forest last weekend lifted them back into play-off position after a home defeat by basement club Rotherham. Displayed credentials with Boxing Day conquest of Ipswich.
Prospects: May be squeezed out of play-off quartet in what is expected to be the tightest of finishes.
Forecast: Seventh.
Burnley
Story so far: Games in hand mean they are potentially in play-off position and will fancy their chances of claiming that place after recent victories over Wigan and Liverpool (in the FA Cup). Recent injuries, however, have highlighted the slenderness of their squad.
Prospects: Favourable FA Cup draw against Bournemouth may sidetrack them from the task of making up ground in the Championship.
Forecast: Fade away on the run-in