The fiercely contested race for promotion to the Premier League is underway as the Championship playoffs begin. Broadcast on Paramount+, these matches will determine which club earns the highly coveted spot alongside promoted sides Leeds United and Burnley for next season. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are the four teams vying for the chance to reach the lucrative playoff final at Wembley Stadium, scheduled for Saturday, May 21st. The English Football League playoffs, promising a challenging climb through the divisions, are all available to watch on Paramount+.
This season has already seen history made. Leeds United clinched the Championship title ahead of Burnley on goal difference, but incredibly, both clubs finished on 100 points. This is the first time ever that two teams in the same English division have reached the 100-point mark simultaneously. Furthermore, with Birmingham City setting a new world record of 111 points in their centenary season, this year also holds the record for the most EFL teams achieving 100 points in the same campaign.
The EFL playoffs are known for their intensity, with 12 teams across three divisions competing for just three promotion places each. Every moment is crucial. In the Championship, Coventry City have shown strong form under manager Frank Lampard, whose side enjoyed an excellent run earlier in the year. They face a tough challenge against Sunderland, but the youthful Black Cats have shown some inconsistency recently, potentially giving Lampard`s team an edge based on recent performance. Sheffield United, having dropped out of the title race, must navigate the playoffs for their Premier League return. Should they not succeed, they can perhaps take heart from Leeds United`s experience, who lost the playoff final last season before winning the league this term. Bristol City secured their playoff spot dramatically on the final day, staging a two-goal comeback for a draw against Preston North End.
Sunderland`s Promotion Dream
Wrexham isn`t the only EFL club with a story gaining wider attention. Sunderland`s journey since relegation from the Premier League in 2017, documented in a TV series, has been compelling. After falling to League One, they have now returned to the Championship and are performing well, relying on exciting young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a young side, they`ve faced some difficulties recently, but if they can hold their ground in a difficult away fixture against Coventry, they have the potential to reach the final, buoyed by support back at the Stadium of Light.
The Battle in League One
The fight for the final promotion spot to the Championship is set to be fierce with the League One playoffs confirmed. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been in exceptional form, while Charlton have also made a strong push up the table. While playoff success often favours teams hitting their peak form, having three of the four contenders playing excellent football ensures a highly competitive battle for a place in the Championship.
Leyton Orient will be looking to American forward Charlie Kelman, who has been outstanding this season with 21 goals and five assists. The England-born U.S. youth international is a key player they will rely on in the upcoming promotion push, hoping to join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the second tier.
Here`s a summary of how the EFL divisions concluded and the upcoming playoff schedules for each league:
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
Benedict Kingsley