Play-off Finals Preview

The middle of May marks ‘crunch time’ across the English Football League, as fans across the country watch nervously with the possibility of promotion on the horizon. In the Championship, League One and League Two all three Play-off Finals are now set up as we anticipate some absolute thrillers underneath the Wembley Arch. Here at Engage we talk you through everything you need to know, as teams look to secure the final spot in the league above.

Championship

In the Championship, two of English Football’s most historic clubs will battle it out on the 24th May as Sheffield United take on Sunderland AFC. It’s a game between 3rd and 4th in the league, however, a 14 point difference separates the pair with the Blades finishing their campaign the stronger of the two. The sides have taken 3 points each off each other this season, therefore, it seems fitting that Wembley will be their final encounter to decide who goes back to the ‘big time’.

If the Blades are to do it, then it will be their fourth time in the Premier League in seven seasons as Bramall Lane prepares to welcome some of the biggest clubs in Europe back to Sheffield. Meanwhile, Sunderland, contrary to the success of their Geordie neighbours, have witnessed more difficult times on Wearside. Back-to-back relegations in 2017 and 2018 saw the sleeping giants fall to League One, spending 4 seasons there before returning to the Championship. After an 8 year absence from the Premier League, can Regis Le Bris pull off a shock result?

Sunderland have only won one of their last eight games, however, after seeing off Coventry in the semi-final, the Black Cats have their tails up and could prove a difficult task for Chris Wilder. Sheffield United breezed past Bristol City in their semi-final, 6-0 on aggregate, however, four wins in eight games including defeat to, now relegated, Plymouth Argyle, suggest neither team are in scintillating form.

With the final so hard to call, we are expecting a cracker! Who do you think will join Leeds United and Burnley next season in the Premier League?

League One

Charlton Athletic are another ‘sleeping giant’ as they look for a spot in the Championship for the first time since 2020. The Addicks were mainstayers in the Premier League for seven successive years between 2000 and 2007, however, after their relegation in 2007, they have struggled to reach anywhere near their previous heights. This year with Nathan Jones, it is looking different. Finishing fourth in League One and beating Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-final, Charlton have a trip to Wembley to look forward to on the 25th May, however, it won’t be an easy feat.

Charlton will face Leyton Orient, who are perhaps shocked to be involved in a battle for Championship Football. Orient haven’t featured in the second division since the 1970s, having played more recently in the National League between 2017 and 2019. Richie Wellens, however, has done a fantastic job this season in securing a play-off place, beating Stockport County to make it there, as well as a win over Wrexham in the league season. Can Leyton Orient gain promotion to the Championship for the first time in over 50 years?

League Two

The League Two Play-off final also boasts what is expected to be a thrilling affair. One team with a turbulent history, whilst the other displaying a monumental collapse in the second half of the season. AFC Wimbledon take on Walsall on the 26th May at Wembley in the hope that they can return to League One status. Wimbledon are looking to return to League One for the first time since 2022, whilst Walsall hope to reintroduce themselves for the first time since 2019.

Walsall started the season off strongly as Mat Sadler led his side on a nine match winning streak gaining 58 points after just 25 games, however, 13 games without a win saw Walsall slip off the top spot and out of the automatic promotion places. They did eventually manage a comfortable 4-1 aggregate win over Chesterfield in the semi-final, however, the pressure will certainly be on for Sadler to make sure they beat Wimbledon this weekend.

Meanwhile, The Dons have had a good campaign under Johnnie Jackson, beating Notts County in both legs of their semi-final, as well as wins over champions Doncaster Rovers and already promoted Bradford City. They are certainly well set for the final as they look to push on and gain bragging rights over fierce rivals MK Dons.

Fancy being there yourself to find out who goes up this season? Join us at Engage Hospitality for each play-off final at Wembley. As Wembley’s official ticket agent, we are offering premium hospitality at the most famous stadium in the UK as six sides battle it out for promotion in the English Football League.

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