The intense journey towards promotion to the Premier League is underway with the commencement of the EFL Championship playoffs. These matches determine which team will join Leeds United and Burnley in England`s top flight next season. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are the four clubs competing for a place in the prestigious promotion playoff final at Wembley Stadium.
This season has already seen historic achievements, with both Leeds United and Burnley remarkably accumulating 100 points each, securing automatic promotion. This marks the first time two clubs in the same English division have reached this points tally simultaneously. The competitive nature of the league sets the stage for thrilling playoff encounters.
The EFL playoffs are known for their demanding nature, with multiple teams battling for limited promotion spots in each division. In the Championship, Coventry City has demonstrated strong form leading into the playoffs. They face a challenge against Sunderland, a youthful side that has shown some inconsistency recently. Sheffield United is also aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League via the playoff route. Bristol City secured their playoff berth dramatically in their final league match.
Sunderland`s Promotion Hopes
Sunderland`s recent history, documented through media, includes their journey back to the Championship after relegation. Having dropped to League One, the Black Cats have climbed back and are now competing for Premier League status once more. With promising young players, the team has faced some late-season challenges, but a solid performance in the away leg could position them well for the return fixture at the Stadium of Light and a potential final appearance.
Excitement in League One
The race for promotion from League One to the Championship through the playoffs promises significant drama. Several teams have ended the season in excellent form, setting up highly competitive semi-final ties. Leyton Orient will look to the form of their American forward, Charlie Kelman, as they push for a spot in the Championship.
Below are the teams promoted and relegated across the EFL divisions, along with 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
- Semi-final 1st Leg: Bristol City vs Sheffield United
- Semi-final 1st Leg: Coventry City vs Sunderland
- Semi-final 2nd Leg: Sheffield United vs Bristol City
- Semi-final 2nd Leg: Sunderland vs Coventry City
- 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
- Semi-final 1st Leg: Leyton Orient vs Stockport County
- Semi-final 1st Leg: Wycombe Wanderers vs Wycombe Wanderers
- Semi-final 2nd Leg: Stockport County vs Leyton Orient
- Semi-final 2nd Leg: Charlton Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers
- 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
- Semi-final 1st Leg: Chesterfield vs Walsall
- Semi-final 1st Leg: Notts County vs AFC Wimbledon
- Semi-final 2nd Leg: Walsall vs Chesterfield
- Semi-final 2nd Leg: AFC Wimbledon vs Notts County
- League Two Playoff Final
Relegated to the National League
- Carlisle United
- Morecambe
Benedict Kingsley