The journey towards the most financially significant match in football has commenced, with the Championship playoffs starting to determine which team will join Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League next season. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are all competing for a place at Wembley Stadium in the promotion playoff final, scheduled for Saturday, May 21. Coverage of the English Football League playoffs is available to follow the intense battle for promotion across the divisions.
This season has already been notable, with Leeds United securing the Championship title over Burnley based on goal difference. Remarkably, both clubs achieved a century of points, a first in the history of the division for two teams simultaneously. Alongside Birmingham City`s historic 100th season, setting a world record with 111 points, this marks the highest number of teams accumulating 100 points in the EFL concurrently.
The EFL playoffs represent a challenging path, with 12 teams across three divisions vying for only three promotion spots in each. Every performance is critical. In the Championship, Coventry has demonstrated strong form under Frank Lampard, with a run of eight wins in nine matches between January and March propelling them up the table. They face a tough challenge against Sunderland, but given the recent inconsistencies shown by the young Black Cats squad towards the season`s end, current form might favour Lampard`s side. Sheffield United, having fallen out of contention for the title, must navigate the playoffs to return to the Premier League. If they don`t succeed, they can find some encouragement from Leeds United`s experience, who lost the playoff final last season before winning the league this term. Meanwhile, Bristol City dramatically secured their playoff spot with a two-goal comeback draw on the final day against Preston North End.
Sunderland`s Bid for Return
Wrexham isn`t the only team with a compelling narrative in the EFL. Sunderland`s journey since their 2017 relegation from the Premier League has been chronicled in a TV special. After dropping to League One, they are now back in the Championship and showing promise with young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a youthful team, they have faced some recent difficulties, but holding their own in a demanding away game against Coventry could position them to potentially reach the final, bolstered by support at the Stadium of Light.
Excitement in League One
The competition for the final promotion spot to the Championship is heating up with the League One playoffs set. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the league`s top-performing teams recently, while Charlton has also climbed the standings. Playoff outcomes often favour the team in the best current form, and with three of the four contenders playing excellent football lately, it promises to be an exciting battle for promotion to the Championship.
Leyton Orient`s attack is spearheaded by American forward Charlie Kelman, who has been impressive with 21 goals and five assists. The England-born United States youth international will be a key player for them as they strive to join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.
Here`s a breakdown of the EFL season`s outcomes and the playoff 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 3, Bristol City 0
Tuesday, May 13
- Sunderland vs. Coventry City, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Saturday, May 24
- Championship Playoff final (Paramount+)
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 2, Stockport County 2
Sunday, May 11
- Wycombe Wanderers 0, Charlton Athletic 0
Wednesday, May 14
- Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Thursday, May 15
- Charlton Athletic vs. Wycombe Wanderers, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Sunday, May 25
- League One Playoff final (Paramount+)
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 0, Walsall 2
- Notts County 0, AFC Wimbledon 1
Friday, May 16
- Walsall vs. Chesterfield, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Saturday, May 17
- AFC Wimbledon vs. Notts County, 7:30 a.m. (Paramount+)
Monday, May 26
- League Two Playoff final (Paramount+)
Relegated to the National League
- Carlisle United
- Morecambe
Dominic Ashworth