The English Football League Playoffs: Race to Promotion

The highly anticipated English Football League playoffs are underway, marking the crucial path to promotion across the Championship, League One, and League Two. This period culminates in the promotion final at Wembley Stadium, often dubbed the “richest game in sport” due to the financial boost promotion brings.

This season has already delivered remarkable feats, including Leeds United and Burnley both achieving 100 points in the Championship – the first time two clubs have reached this tally in the same English second-tier season. Additionally, Birmingham City set a League Two record with 111 points, contributing to the highest number of EFL teams simultaneously reaching the 100-point mark.

Competing for just three promotion spots in each division, the playoffs represent a significant challenge. In the Championship, teams like Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are battling it out. Coventry has shown strong form under Frank Lampard, while Sunderland, despite being a young and exciting side, has experienced some late-season stutters. Sheffield United is pushing for an immediate return to the Premier League, and Bristol City dramatically secured their playoff spot with a late comeback.

Sunderland`s Playoff Narrative

Following their documented journey back after relegation from the Premier League, Sunderland, now in the Championship, presents a compelling story. Led by promising young talents, they face a tough test but have the potential to navigate their way to the final.

League One Playoff Scramble

The race in League One is particularly tight. Stockport County, Leyton Orient, and Charlton Athletic are all in excellent recent form. With multiple `hot` teams, the League One playoffs are set to be a fiercely contested affair to decide who earns promotion.

Leyton Orient`s hopes are bolstered by American forward Charlie Kelman, whose impressive goalscoring record makes him a key player in their quest to join promoted sides like Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.

Below is a breakdown of the final 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 0, Sheffield United 3
• Friday, May 9: Coventry City 1, Sunderland 2
• 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