Sunderland and Sheffield United are set to compete on May 24th for the final promotion spot in the Premier League. They will join Leeds United and Burnley in the top flight next season, though their journeys to this decisive match have been quite different.
Sheffield United`s most recent stint in the Premier League was the 2023-24 season, ending in relegation after conceding a record 104 goals. Sunderland, meanwhile, aims to return to the Premier League after their relegation in 2017. The Black Cats dropped significantly, reaching League One, but are now back in the Championship and performing strongly, particularly thanks to young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
Despite a less consistent finish to their Championship season, Sunderland secured their place in the final with a dramatic extra-time winner from center-back Dan Ballard in their playoff tie. Sheffield United reached the final by scoring six goals across their two legs against Bristol City.
Sheffield United benefits from an experienced manager and a core group of players with previous Premier League experience. This could make the final a tough challenge for the younger Sunderland side. However, reaching Wembley brings its own unique pressure and atmosphere, and anything can happen with promotion on the line.
History was also made in the EFL this season. Leeds United won the Championship title on goal difference ahead of Burnley, with both sides finishing on an impressive 100 points. This is the first time two teams in the same division have reached this landmark total.
EFL Playoff Summary & Schedules
Promoted to the Premier League
- Burnley
- Leeds United
Qualified for Championship Playoffs
- Bristol City
- Sheffield United
- Coventry City
- Sunderland
Championship Playoff Schedule
Semi-finals (Two Legs):
- 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)
Final:
- 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
Semi-finals (Two Legs):
- 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
Final:
- 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
Semi-finals (Two Legs):
- Sunday, May 11: Chesterfield 0, Walsall 2
- Sunday, May 11: 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
Final:
- Monday, May 26: League Two playoff final
Relegated to the National League
- Carlisle United
- Morecambe
