The quest for promotion to the English Football League`s higher divisions, often called the richest game in football, has begun. The Championship playoffs are underway, determining which team will join Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League next season. Teams like Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are all on the path towards Wembley Stadium for the promotion playoff final.
History was made as Leeds United secured the Championship title over Burnley on goal difference, with both clubs incredibly reaching 100 points. This marks the first time two teams in the same division have achieved 100 points simultaneously. Adding to this, Birmingham City`s centenary season saw them break a world record with 111 points, contributing to the most teams ever accumulating 100 points in the EFL in one season.
The EFL playoffs are a demanding challenge, with 12 teams across three divisions competing for just one promotion spot per league via this route. Every single moment on the pitch is crucial. In the Championship, Coventry has shown strong form under Frank Lampard, achieving eight wins in nine matches earlier in the year to climb the table. They face a tough test against Sunderland, but recent stumbles from the young Black Cats might favour Lampard`s side. Sheffield United, having missed out on the title race, must now navigate the playoffs for a Premier League return. If unsuccessful, they can take comfort in Leeds United`s experience – losing the playoff final last season before winning the league this season. Bristol City dramatically secured their playoff spot with a late two-goal comeback to draw against Preston North End on the final day.
Sunderland`s Journey Back?
Beyond Wrexham, Sunderland offers another compelling narrative in the EFL, documented in a TV series following their journey since relegation from the Premier League in 2017. After dropping down to League One, they are now back in the Championship and performing well, thanks in part to young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a youthful team, they have recently faced difficulties, but if they can maintain composure in a challenging away fixture against Coventry, they have a chance to reach the final, potentially boosted by the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
Excitement in League One
The battle for the final Championship spot through League One promises intense competition. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the league`s most in-form teams, with Charlton also making a strong push up the table. Playoff success often favours teams in peak form, and with three out of the four contenders playing excellent football lately, it sets the stage for a thrilling contest to see who earns promotion to the Championship.
Leyton Orient`s attack is spearheaded by American forward Charlie Kelman, who has been outstanding. With 21 goals and five assists, the England-born U.S. youth international is a crucial player they will rely on in their bid to join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.
Here`s a look at the EFL playoff picture and 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 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
Adrian Whitmore