EFL Championship Playoffs: Schedule, Teams, and How to Watch

Sports news » EFL Championship Playoffs: Schedule, Teams, and How to Watch

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The thrilling journey to the richest game in football, the Premier League promotion final, is well underway with the EFL Championship playoffs. All playoff matches are available to stream live. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are the teams battling for a coveted spot at Wembley Stadium for the promotion playoff final, scheduled for Saturday, May 21.

History was recently made in the Championship as Leeds United secured the title ahead of Burnley on goal difference, with both clubs incredibly accumulating 100 points. This marked the first time two teams in the same division reached the 100-point mark simultaneously. Across the EFL, this season also saw the highest number of teams hitting 100 points concurrently, including Birmingham City who set a world record with 111 points in a single season.

The EFL playoffs represent a grueling challenge, with 12 teams across the three divisions competing for just three promotion places in each league. Every single moment on the pitch is critical. In the Championship, Coventry City under manager Frank Lampard enjoyed a strong run earlier in the season, winning eight out of nine matches from January to March, propelling them up the table. They face a stern test against Sunderland. While the young Sunderland side has shown some inconsistent form lately, Coventry`s recent momentum could give them an advantage. Sheffield United, having missed out on automatic promotion, must now navigate the playoff route to return to the Premier League; they can draw inspiration from Leeds United`s success this year after losing the playoff final last season. Bristol City dramatically clinched their playoff position with a late two-goal comeback to secure a draw on the final day.

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Will Sunderland Make a Return?

Sunderland`s story is also compelling, having been featured in a TV series documenting their journey since relegation from the Premier League in 2017. After dropping down to League One, the Black Cats are now back in the Championship and nurturing exciting young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a youthful team, they have faced a dip in form towards the end of the season. However, if they can secure a positive result in their challenging away leg against Coventry, the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light for the home tie could be decisive in reaching the final.

Excitement in League One

The race for the final spot in the Championship is equally intense, with the League One playoffs set to deliver drama. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the form teams recently, alongside Charlton Athletic. The playoffs often favor the side with the best momentum, and with three of the four contenders playing excellent football heading into the ties, the battle for promotion to the Championship promises significant excitement.

Leyton Orient`s attack is spearheaded by American forward Charlie Kelman, who has been exceptional with 21 goals and five assists. The England-born United States youth international is a key player for them as they aim to join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.

Here is a look at how the EFL divisions finished and the playoff schedules: