EFL Playoff Schedules and Key Matchups Across Divisions

Sports news » EFL Playoff Schedules and Key Matchups Across Divisions

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Preview EFL Playoff Schedules and Key Matchups Across Divisions

The journey towards one of the most financially rewarding games in football is actively progressing. The Championship playoffs commenced on Thursday, determining which club will secure the final spot in next season`s Premier League alongside Leeds United and Burnley. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are all aiming for a place at the promotion playoff final held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 21st. All matches across the English Football League playoffs can be followed, showcasing the challenging path teams must navigate to ascend the league structure.

This season has already delivered historic moments. Leeds United clinched the Championship title over Burnley based on goal difference, remarkably with both teams accumulating 100 points. This marks the first instance of two clubs in the same division reaching the 100-point milestone concurrently. Additionally, Birmingham City achieved a world record for the most points in a single season during their 100th year, finishing with 111. This season also saw the highest number of teams across the EFL divisions reaching 100 points simultaneously.

The EFL playoffs present a demanding challenge, with twelve teams competing for only three promotion spots in each division, underscoring the critical nature of every match. In the Championship, Coventry has displayed impressive form under Frank Lampard, whose guidance led to eight wins in nine matches between January and March, pushing the Sky Blues up the table. They face a tough contest against Sunderland, but given the recent dip in form from the young Black Cats towards the season`s end, momentum seems to favor Lampard`s squad. Sheffield United, having missed out on automatic promotion, must now battle through the playoff route to potentially regain their Premier League status. If unsuccessful, they can find encouragement in Leeds United`s experience last season, where they lost the playoff final before winning the league the following season. Bristol City secured their playoff position dramatically on Saturday, orchestrating a two-goal comeback to earn a draw against Preston North End.

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Sunderland`s Quest to Return

Beyond Wrexham`s well-known narrative, Sunderland also has a compelling story, documented in a TV special following their relegation from the Premier League in 2017. They experienced a significant drop, landing in League One, but now back in the Championship, the Black Cats are thriving with emerging talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a youthful team, they have encountered recent difficulties, but if they can maintain composure in a challenging away fixture against Coventry, they have a chance to reach the final, potentially fueled by support at the Stadium of Light.

Intense Battle in League One

The competition for promotion to the Championship from League One is set to be fierce. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the standout teams, while Charlton has also climbed the standings. Promotion playoffs often favour teams with strong current form, and with three out of the four contenders playing excellent football recently, the path to the Championship is highly contested.

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

Here is a look at the final EFL standings and the playoff schedules: