EFL Championship Playoffs: Schedule, Teams & Race for Premier League

The campaign towards potentially the most lucrative game in football is now underway as the Championship playoffs begin. These crucial matches will determine which team joins Leeds United and Burnley in securing promotion to the Premier League for the upcoming season. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are all competing for a place in the promotion playoff final, traditionally held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 21st. The entire English Football League playoff journey promises to be intense as teams battle to climb the divisions.

History was already made this season with Leeds United clinching the Championship title over Burnley based on goal difference. Even more remarkably, both clubs finished the season having accumulated an impressive 100 points. This marks the first time ever that two teams in the same English division have reached the 100-point milestone simultaneously. Adding to this, Birmingham City, celebrating their 100th season, set a world record for points in a season with 111, contributing to a record number of teams accumulating 100 points across the EFL in the same campaign.

The EFL playoffs are known for being a demanding challenge, with 12 teams vying for just three promotion spots in each division. Consequently, every moment and every goal carries significant weight. In the Championship, Coventry has demonstrated strong form under Frank Lampard, who guided the Sky Blues through a period of eight wins in nine matches from January to March, propelling them up the standings. They face a tough test against Sunderland, but given some inconsistent performances from the young Black Cats towards the end of the season, form might favour Lampard`s side. After falling out of the direct promotion race, Sheffield United must navigate the playoff route back to the Premier League. If they don`t succeed this time, they can take encouragement from Leeds United`s experience, who lost the playoff final last season before winning the league title this term. Meanwhile, Bristol City dramatically secured their playoff spot on the final day, staging a two-goal comeback to draw against Preston North End.

Could Sunderland make a return?

Wrexham isn`t the only club with a compelling narrative in the EFL. Sunderland also has a well-documented story, including a TV series chronicling their journey since relegation from the Premier League in 2017. They experienced a significant drop, falling all the way to League One, but are now back in the Championship and thriving, powered by young talents such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. As a youthful squad, they`ve encountered some challenges recently. However, if they can perform strongly in a difficult away fixture against Coventry, there`s a genuine possibility they could reach the final, boosted by the potential support at the Stadium of Light if they progress.

Excitement Builds in League One

The competition for the final promotion spot into the Championship is set to be intense in the League One playoffs. Stockport County and Leyton Orient have been among the division`s most in-form teams, while Charlton has also climbed the table effectively. Promotion playoffs often favour the side currently playing the best football. With three of the four teams in excellent recent form, the battle to reach the Championship is poised to be a captivating affair.

Leyton Orient will rely significantly on their American forward, Charlie Kelman, who has been outstanding. With 21 goals and five assists, the England-born United States youth international will be a key figure for them in their quest to join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.

Here`s a look at how the EFL season concluded for the top and bottom teams in each division, along with the upcoming 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 vs. Sheffield United, 3 p.m. ET
• Friday, May 9: Coventry City vs. Sunderland, 3 p.m. ET
• Monday, May 12: Sheffield United vs. Bristol City, 3 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, May 13: Sunderland vs. Coventry City, 3 p.m. ET
• Saturday, May 24: Championship Playoff Final

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
• Sunday, May 11: Wycombe Wanderers vs. Charlton Athletic, 1:30 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, May 14: Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient, 3 p.m. ET
• Thursday, May 15: Charlton Athletic vs. Wycombe Wanderers, 3 p.m. ET
• Sunday, May 25: League One Playoff Final

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
• Sunday, May 11: Notts County vs. AFC Wimbledon, 1:30 p.m. ET
• 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