Sunderland and Sheffield United are set to clash on May 24th, with the winner claiming the coveted final promotion place in the Premier League. They aspire to join Leeds United and Burnley in England`s top football tier next season, but their paths to this decisive match have been markedly different.
Sheffield United`s most recent stint in the Premier League was during the 2023-24 season, ending in relegation after they conceded a record 104 goals. Sunderland, on the other hand, is aiming to bounce back after their relegation in 2017. The Black Cats experienced a significant drop, falling all the way to League One, but are now thriving back in the Championship, propelled by promising young players such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
Despite concluding the regular Championship season in a challenging patch, Sunderland secured their place in the final thanks to a winning goal in extra time from center-back Dan Ballard. Sheffield United booked their spot by convincingly scoring six goals over two legs against Bristol City in their playoff tie. Sheffield United boasts an experienced manager in Chris Wilder, and many key players have prior Premier League experience. This history could pose a tough test for the younger Sunderland squad, yet at Wembley Stadium, the venue for the final, unpredictable outcomes are common. The Premier League spot is now within reach for one of these teams.
History has already been etched in the EFL this season. Leeds United won the Championship title over Burnley on goal difference, with both clubs achieving an astonishing 100 points – the first time two teams have reached this tally in the same English division. Combined with Birmingham City`s remarkable 111-point season, which set a world record for points in a single season, this year marked the most teams ever (three) accumulating 100 or more points across the EFL divisions simultaneously.
Below is a summary of the EFL outcomes and playoff results:
- Promoted to the Premier League
- Qualified for Championship Playoffs
- Championship Playoff Schedule
- Relegated to League One
- Promoted to the Championship
- Qualified for League One Playoffs
- League One Playoff Schedule
- Relegated to League Two
- Promoted to League One
- Qualified for League Two Playoffs
- League Two Playoff Schedule
- Relegated to the National League
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 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)
- Saturday, May 24: Sheffield United vs. Sunderland
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 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
- Sunday, May 25: Charlton vs. Leyton Orient
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 0, Walsall 2
- Sunday, May 11: Notts County 0, AFC Wimbledon 1
- Friday, May 16: Walsall vs. Chesterfield
- Saturday, May 17: AFC Wimbledon vs. Notts County
- Monday, May 26: League Two playoff final
Relegated to the National League
- Carlisle United
- Morecambe
