The battle for promotion in English football is underway! The English Football League playoffs are kicking off, offering clubs the chance to reach the Premier League and climb the football pyramid.
Teams from the Championship, League One, and League Two are competing in high-stakes knockout matches to secure one of the coveted promotion spots available in each division.
History was made in the Championship this season with both Leeds United and Burnley achieving 100 points. This is the first time two clubs in the same English division have reached the century mark simultaneously. Alongside Birmingham City`s record-breaking 111 points, this season set a new record for the most EFL teams reaching 100 points at once.
The playoff path is notoriously challenging, with multiple teams vying for just a few promotion places. In the Championship, Coventry City, under manager Frank Lampard, showed strong form leading into the playoffs, with eight wins in nine matches from January to March. They face a tough Sunderland side, but recent wobbles for the younger Black Cats squad could give Coventry an edge based on current form. Sheffield United is also aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League via the playoffs. Bristol City secured their spot dramatically on the final day with a two-goal comeback for a draw.
Sunderland: A Hollywood Story?
Following their journey after Premier League relegation in 2017, Sunderland`s rise back through the leagues has been chronicled. After dropping to League One, they`re now thriving in the Championship with exciting young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a young squad, they`ve hit some inconsistent form late in the season, but if they can hold their own in a difficult away tie against Coventry, they have the potential to reach the final.
League One Playoff Race
The fight for the final spot in the Championship promises excitement. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the strongest teams recently, and Charlton have also surged up the table. While playoffs often favor the team in the best current form, having three of the four contenders playing excellent football sets the stage for a thrilling competition to see who earns promotion to the Championship.
Leyton Orient`s charge is led by American forward Charlie Kelman, who has been a standout performer with 21 goals and five assists. The England-born United States youth international is a key player for them as they battle to join Birmingham City and Wrexham in the next division.
Here`s a look at the final EFL standings and the playoff schedules for each division:
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 vs. Sheffield United, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Friday, May 9: Coventry City vs. Sunderland, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Monday, May 12: Sheffield United vs. Bristol City, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Tuesday, May 13: Sunderland vs. Coventry City, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Saturday, May 24: Championship Playoff Final (Watch on Paramount+)
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 (Watch on Paramount+)
- Sunday, May 11: Wycombe Wanderers vs. Charlton Athletic, 1:30 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Wednesday, May 14: Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Thursday, May 15: Charlton Athletic vs. Wycombe Wanderers, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Sunday, May 25: League One Playoff Final (Watch on Paramount+)
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 (Watch on Paramount+)
- Sunday, May 11: Notts County vs. AFC Wimbledon, 1:30 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Friday, May 16: Walsall vs. Chesterfield, 3 p.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Saturday, May 17: AFC Wimbledon vs. Notts County, 7:30 a.m. ET (Watch on Paramount+)
- Monday, May 26: League Two Playoff Final (Watch on Paramount+)
Relegated to the National League
- Carlisle United
- Morecambe
