The final place in next season`s Premier League will be decided on May 24 when Sunderland face Sheffield United. Both teams are aiming to join Leeds United and Burnley, who have already secured promotion, but their journeys to this point have been quite different.
Sheffield United were most recently in the top flight during the 2023-24 campaign but faced relegation after a difficult season where they conceded a record 104 goals. Sunderland, on the other hand, is looking to make a return after being relegated in 2017. The Black Cats experienced a significant drop, falling all the way to League One, but have recovered well in the Championship, boosted by promising young talents such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
Despite ending the Championship regular season in a slightly inconsistent patch, Sunderland managed to secure their place in the final thanks to a winner in extra time from center back Dan Ballard. Sheffield United reached the final by scoring six goals across their playoff tie against Bristol City. With experienced manager Chris Wilder at the helm and much of the core squad having played in the Premier League before, Sheffield United presents a tough challenge for the younger Sunderland side. However, at Wembley, anything is possible, and a spot in the Premier League awaits the winner.
History was already made in the EFL when Leeds United won the Championship title over Burnley on goal difference. Remarkably, both clubs accumulated 100 points, the first time two teams in the same division have reached this milestone. Additionally, Birmingham City`s centurion season, where they set a world record with 111 points, contributed to the most teams ever accumulating 100 points in the EFL simultaneously.
Here is a breakdown of the EFL season outcomes 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 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
- 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
