The exciting journey towards the most lucrative match in football is underway as the English Football League playoffs commence. These crucial fixtures will determine which teams earn promotion to the Premier League, joining automatically promoted sides Burnley and Leeds United. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are the four contenders battling for a place in the prestigious Championship promotion playoff final at Wembley Stadium, scheduled for May 21st. Football fans can follow all the English Football League playoff action live.
This season has been particularly notable for historical achievements. Leeds United secured the Championship title ahead of Burnley only on goal difference, but remarkably, both clubs finished with 100 points. This is an unprecedented feat, marking the first time two teams in the same English Football League division have simultaneously reached the 100-point mark. Furthermore, including Birmingham City`s record-breaking 111-point haul in their centenary season, this year saw the highest number of EFL teams ever to hit 100 points concurrently across all divisions.
The EFL playoffs are known for their intense and demanding nature, with twelve teams competing across the three divisions for just three promotion places in total. Every match holds immense significance. In the Championship, Coventry City have shown impressive form under Frank Lampard, with a remarkable run earlier in the year propelling them into contention. They face a challenging opponent in Sunderland, but the recent inconsistent performances of the young Black Cats side might give Coventry an advantage. Sheffield United, having missed out on automatic promotion, now rely on the playoffs to return to the Premier League. Should they fail, they can find encouragement in Leeds United`s experience, who won the league the season after losing the playoff final. Bristol City secured their playoff spot dramatically on the final day, staging a two-goal comeback to earn the necessary draw against Preston North End.
Sunderland`s Journey Back
Beyond Wrexham`s well-documented rise, Sunderland has its own compelling narrative, featured in a TV series detailing their journey since relegation from the Premier League in 2017. After dropping down to League One, they have bounced back and are now competing strongly in the Championship, powered by promising young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a youthful squad, they have experienced some late-season struggles. However, if they can navigate the difficult away fixture against Coventry, there`s potential for them to reach the final, supported by their passionate fanbase at the Stadium of Light.
The League One Playoff Picture
The battle for promotion to the Championship through the League One playoffs promises intense competition. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the division`s most in-form teams, while Charlton Athletic has also climbed the table. Playoff success often hinges on current form, and with three of the four participating teams demonstrating excellent performance recently, this playoff bracket is set for compelling encounters.
Leyton Orient`s hopes are bolstered by the excellent form of American forward Charlie Kelman. With 21 goals and five assists, the England-born US youth international is a pivotal player they will rely on in their bid to secure promotion and join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.
Here`s a look at the final EFL standings 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 vs. Sheffield United, 3 p.m. ET
Friday, May 9
- Coventry City vs. Sunderland, 3 p.m. ET
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