The exciting English Football League (EFL) playoffs are in full swing, marking the path to promotion across the Championship, League One, and League Two. These fiercely contested matches determine which teams will earn a place in a higher division next season, culminating in thrilling finals.
The EFL playoffs are a challenging test, with teams battling intensely for limited promotion spots. In the Championship, four teams are competing: Coventry City, Sunderland, Sheffield United, and Bristol City. Coventry has shown strong form, while Sunderland, despite a young squad, aims to overcome recent difficulties. Sheffield United seeks an immediate return to the Premier League, and Bristol City secured their spot with a dramatic late effort.
Sunderland`s Journey
Sunderland, having previously fallen to League One, is now back in the Championship playoffs. With a team featuring promising young talents, they are looking to continue their ascent back towards the Premier League. Despite facing challenges towards the end of the season, they aim to navigate the tough playoff path.
League One Playoff Contention
The race for promotion from League One is highly competitive. Stockport County, Charlton Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, and Leyton Orient have qualified. With several teams in excellent form, the League One playoffs promise intense battles for a place in the Championship.
Here`s a look at the teams involved in the EFL playoffs and their schedules:
Promoted to the Premier League
- Burnley
- Leeds United
Qualified for Championship Playoffs
- Bristol City
- Sheffield United
- Coventry City
- Sunderland
Championship playoff schedule
Thursday, May 8
- Bristol City 0, Sheffield United 3
Friday, May 9
- Coventry City 1, Sunderland 2
Monday, May 12
- Sheffield United vs. Bristol City, 3 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 13
- Sunderland vs. Coventry City, 3 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 24
- Championship Playoff final
Relegated to League One
- Luton Town
- Plymouth Argyle
- Cardiff City
Promoted to the Championship
- Birmingham City
- Wrexham
Qualified for League One playoffs
- Stockport County
- Charlton Athletic
- Wycombe Wanderers
- Leyton Orient
League One playoff schedule
Saturday, May 10
- Leyton Orient vs. Stockport County, 7:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, May 11
- Wycombe Wanderers vs. Charlton Athletic, 1:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 14
- Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient, 3 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 15
- Charlton Athletic vs. Wycombe Wanderers, 3 p.m. ET
Sunday, May 25
- League One playoff final
Relegated to League Two
- Cambridge United
- Shrewsbury Town
- Bristol Rovers
- Crawley Town
Promoted to League One
- Doncaster Rovers
- Port Vale
- Bradford City
Qualified for League Two playoffs
- Walsall
- AFC Wimbledon
- Notts County
- Chesterfield
League Two playoff schedule
Sunday, May 11
- Chesterfield vs. Walsall, 8:30 a.m. ET
- Notts County vs. AFC Wimbledon, 1:30 p.m. ET
Friday, May 16
- Walsall vs. Chesterfield, 3 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 17
- AFC Wimbledon vs. Notts County, 7:30 a.m. ET
Monday, May 26
- League Two playoff final
Relegated to the National League
- Carlisle United
- Morecambe
Dominic Ashworth