The path to the most lucrative game in soccer has begun with the Championship playoffs starting on Thursday on Paramount+ as teams aim to join Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League next season. Sunderland, Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Bristol City are contending for a spot in the promotion playoff final to be held on Saturday, May 21.

History is in the making as Leeds United takes home the Championship title over Burnley on goal difference, an unusual feat as both teams amassed 100 points. For the first time, two clubs have finished with an equal number of points in the same division! Not to mention, Birmingham City broke the record for the most points in a single season with 111 during their 100th campaign. This year also marks an unprecedented number of teams achieving 100 points in the EFL simultaneously.

The EFL playoffs can be an exhausting trial, as 12 teams contend for merely three promotion spots across each tier. Therefore, every play is crucial. In the Championship, Coventry City, led by Frank Lampard, has showcased formidable form, winning eight of their last nine matches from January to March, propelling the Sky Blues up the standings. They face a daunting challenge against Sunderland, but recent inconsistencies from the Black Cats may tilt the advantage in favor of Lampard’s squad.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United, having missed out on the title race, must now navigate the playoffs to regain their Premier League position. However, if they fall short, they can find comfort in Leeds United’s playoff setback last season before their incredible league victory this time around. Bristol City made a dramatic comeback, securing their playoff place with a draw against Preston North End after recovering from a two-goal deficit.

Sunderland’s Journey

Sunderland’s return to relevance generates buzz, particularly with a documentary chronicling their ups and downs since their 2017 Premier League relegation. Rising from League One and now thriving in the Championship, the Black Cats have a young lineup featuring talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg. Despite recently struggling, they might still advance towards the finals if they can maintain balance against Coventry.

League One Turmoil

In the chase for the final Championship spot, the League One playoffs present a fierce contest. Teams like Stockport County and Leyton Orient have emerged as frontrunners, while Charlton Athletic presses forward as well. Playoffs often benefit the hottest teams, and with three of the four contenders performing excellently lately, the competition will be fierce for the Championship ticket.

Leyton Orient will rely heavily on American forward Charlie Kelman, who’s been on fire, accumulating 21 goals and five assists, a vital player as they seek to join Wrexham and Birmingham City in the Championship.

Here’s a recap of how the EFL season unwound, along with the playoff schedules accessible on Paramount+:

Promoted to the Premier League

• Burnley
• Leeds United

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 vs. Coventry City, 3 p.m. ET (Watch Live)
• Saturday, May 24: Championship playoff final (Watch Live)

Relegated to League One

• Luton Town
• Plymouth Argyle
• Cardiff City

Promoted to the Championship

• Birmingham City
• Wrexham

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, 3 p.m. ET (Watch Live)
• Thursday, May 15: Charlton Athletic vs. Wycombe Wanderers, 3 p.m. ET (Watch Live)
• Sunday, May 25: League One playoff final (Watch Live)

Relegated to League Two:

• Carlisle United
• Morecambe