Here's a mathematical look at the possibility.

Over the last 10 seasons it's taken an average of 73 points to finish in 6th position. To do that we need to average 1.82 points a game between now and the end of the season. 1.82 points a game over 46 matches would result in 84 points, which would have won automatic promotion on 2 occasions over the last decade, so to finish in the top 6 means close on automatic promotion form between now and May.

Over the last 10 seasons it's taken an average of 86 points to finish in 2nd position. To do that we need to average 2.22 points a game between now and the end of the season. 2.22 points a game over 46 matches would result in 102 points, which has only been bettered once since the turn of the millennium. Not even Crystal Palace's form in 2003/4 was as good as that (they won 51 points from their last 24 at an average of 2.13).

So, have we got any realistic chance of even reaching the playoffs? I'd say highly unlikely.