EFL Playoffs: Schedule, Teams, and Key Matchups

The journey towards gaining promotion in English football is fully underway with the kickoff of the English Football League playoffs. These crucial matches determine which clubs will ascend to the next division, potentially joining teams like Leeds United and Burnley, who have already secured spots in the Premier League.

This season saw an unprecedented achievement with both Leeds United and Burnley accumulating 100 points in the Championship, the first time two teams in the same English division have reached this milestone. Adding to historical notes, Birmingham City`s centennial season included a record 111 points, contributing to the highest number of EFL teams simultaneously hitting the 100-point mark.

The EFL playoffs are notoriously challenging, with twelve teams competing for just three promotion slots across the three divisions. Every single moment on the pitch carries immense weight. In the Championship, Coventry City, under Frank Lampard, showed impressive form with eight wins in nine games earlier in the year. They face a tough challenge against Sunderland. While the young Sunderland side has shown recent inconsistency, Coventry`s strong run could give them an edge. Sheffield United, having missed out on automatic promotion, now rely on the playoff route. Bristol City secured their playoff spot dramatically with a late comeback draw.

Sunderland`s Promotion Ambitions

Following their well-documented journey after Premier League relegation in 2017, Sunderland, who dropped to League One before returning to the Championship, are now looking to climb higher. Led by promising young talents, the Black Cats have faced some difficulties recently. However, navigating a difficult away tie against Coventry could set them up for a potential final appearance.

Excitement in League One

The battle for promotion from League One is shaping up to be highly competitive. Several teams, including Stockport County and Leyton Orient, have been in excellent form, as has Charlton. The playoffs often favor teams hitting peak form at the right time, and with multiple contenders playing well, the race for the Championship will be intense.

Leyton Orient feature American forward Charlie Kelman, who has been a standout player with 21 goals and five assists. The England-born US youth international is expected to be a key figure in their promotion push.

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

Promoted to the Premier League

• Burnley
• Leeds United

Championship Playoff Qualifiers

• 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 vs. Coventry City
• Saturday, May 24: Championship Playoff final

Relegated to League One

• Luton Town
• Plymouth Argyle
• Cardiff City

Promoted to the Championship

• Birmingham City
• Wrexham

League One Playoff Qualifiers

• 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 vs. Leyton Orient
• Thursday, May 15: Charlton Athletic vs. Wycombe Wanderers
• 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

League Two Playoff Qualifiers

• 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