Sunderland and Sheffield United are scheduled to face off on May 24th in a crucial match that will determine the final team promoted to the Premier League for the upcoming season. While both clubs are vying to join Leeds United and Burnley in the top flight, their journeys to the Championship playoff final have followed distinct paths.
Sheffield United was most recently in the Premier League in the season prior to this one, facing relegation. In contrast, Sunderland is looking to return to the Premier League after being relegated in 2017, a setback that saw them drop as low as League One. However, since returning to the Championship, they have shown renewed vigour, particularly with promising young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
Despite concluding the regular Championship season with somewhat inconsistent form, Sunderland secured their place in the final through a dramatic extra-time winning goal from center back Dan Ballard in their semi-final. Sheffield United, on the other hand, emphatically booked their spot by scoring six goals over their two-legged tie against Bristol City. Sheffield United`s squad features a seasoned core of players who have experienced Premier League football, complemented by the knowledge of experienced figures like Chris Wilder. This blend of experience could present a tough challenge for the youthful Sunderland side. Nevertheless, when teams reach Wembley, the intensity of the occasion means any outcome is possible, with the coveted prize of Premier League football within touching distance.
History was already written in the EFL this season before the playoffs. Leeds United claimed the Championship title, finishing ahead of Burnley purely on goal difference. What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that both clubs accumulated exactly 100 points, marking the first time two teams in the same division have reached this points tally simultaneously. Furthermore, including Birmingham City`s record-breaking 111-point season in League One – a world record for points in a season – this campaign featured the most teams ever (three) achieving 100 points concurrently across the EFL divisions.
EFL Season Summary and Playoff Details
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 0, Coventry City 1 (Sunderland advances 3-2 after extra time)
- Saturday, May 24: Sheffield United vs. Sunderland, 10 a.m. ET
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 1, Leyton Orient 1 (Leyton Orient advances after penalties)
- Thursday, May 15: Charlton Athletic 1, Wycombe Wanderers 0
- Sunday, May 25: Charlton vs. Leyton Orient, 8 a.m. ET
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
- Sunday, May 11: Notts County 0, AFC Wimbledon 1
- 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