Championship Final Day Scenarios: Five Teams Compete for Play-Off Spots

The Championship’s final day has arrived, with all 24 teams gearing up to compete simultaneously on Saturday, 3rd May to determine their destinies. The chase for the title, play-offs, and relegation hangs in the balance, resulting in an exciting conclusion to the season.

Before delving into the final matches, let’s recap what’s already been settled.

Leeds and Burnley have both secured their promotions to the Premier League but remain in contention for the title, while Sheffield United is locked in at third place, and Sunderland will finish in fourth.

At the other end of the table, Cardiff has officially been relegated to League One, and Plymouth’s fate appears sealed due to their dismal goal difference.

Who will claim the title?

As mentioned earlier, only Leeds or Burnley can emerge as the champions of the Championship by Saturday evening.

Leeds (1st, 97 points, +64 GD, vs Plymouth)

Leeds will secure the title if they defeat Plymouth Argyle, who currently sit at 23rd place. With their superior goal difference over Burnley, a win will guarantee them first place, or they could also claim the title if they simply outperform Burnley’s result.

Burnley (2nd, 97 points, +51 GD, vs Millwall)

Burnley must overcome the challenge posed by play-off contenders Millwall and pray that Leeds drop points to clinch the league title. However, if Leeds unexpectedly lose to Plymouth, Burnley could still settle for a draw.

Five teams contest two play-off spots

Sheffield United (third) and Sunderland (fourth) have already secured their positions in the play-offs weeks ago, allowing them to rest key players in recent fixtures. However, the last two spots in the playoffs remain up for grabs.

Bristol City (5th, 67 points, +4 GD, vs Preston)

In a surprising turn of events this season, Bristol City has a chance to finish in the play-offs if they beat struggling Preston. A victory would solidify their promotion hopes, while a draw would suffice as long as neither Millwall nor Blackburn wins.

Coventry (6th, 66 points, +4 GD, vs Middlesbrough)

Under Frank Lampard’s guidance, Coventry have undergone a remarkable turnaround and could round off their season with a top-six finish. A victory over ninth-placed Middlesbrough would guarantee their place in the play-offs, and if they win and Bristol City falters, they could rise to fifth.

A draw would still allow the Sky Blues to progress if Millwall and Blackburn fail to secure points.

Millwall (7th, 66 points, +0 GD, vs Burnley)

Millwall faces a daunting challenge against title-contending Burnley. They must secure a win and hope one of Bristol City or Coventry drops points to reach the playoffs. A draw won’t be enough for the Lions due to their unfavourable goal difference, as they cannot leapfrog Bristol City unless the Robins lose by five goals, and at least one of Coventry or Middlesbrough will earn points.

Like the others, Millwall could finish fifth if they win, Bristol City loses, and all other contenders drop points.

Blackburn (8th, 65 points, +5 GD, vs Sheffield United)

Despite struggling in recent games, Blackburn remains in the hunt for a play-off finish. They must beat Sheffield United and rely on Bristol City or Coventry, along with Millwall, dropping points. A draw is insufficient as Coventry’s match against Middlesbrough will yield at least one team with 67 points.

A win, coupled with dropped points from Bristol City, a draw between Coventry and Middlesbrough, and a Millwall defeat, could see Blackburn crowned fifth.

Middlesbrough (9th, 64 points, +10 GD, vs Coventry)

Middlesbrough enjoys a significant advantage with a superior goal difference, but they need favourable outcomes from other matches on the final day. Michael Carrick’s side must triumph against Coventry while hoping Millwall and Blackburn do not win their games; they could even secure a fifth-place finish if they win and Bristol City loses. A draw will not suffice for Boro regardless of other results.

Five teams battling against relegation

At the lower end of the table, five teams are at risk of relegation. Cardiff is already relegated, and Plymouth will soon join them due to their poor goal difference, leaving one more relegation position up for grabs.

Hull (22nd, 48 points, -10 GD, vs Portsmouth)

Currently sitting in the final relegation spot, Hull must win to maintain their championship status, along with hoping one of the four teams above them drop points. A draw could also maintain their position as long as Luton or Preston fails to win. A loss would see Hull relegated.

Luton (21st, 49 points, -22 GD, vs West Brom)

For Luton, a victory over West Brom would secure another season in the Championship, regardless of Hull’s outcome. They only need to match Hull’s result and can even lose if Hull also loses.

Preston (20th, 49 points, -11 GD, vs Bristol City)

Preston will solidify their survival with a win, whilst a draw would suffice if Hull fails to gain points as well.

Should Hull win and Preston lose, they will need Luton to also lose to remain safe.

Derby (19th, 49 points, -8 GD, vs Stoke)

While it’s a long shot, Derby could find themselves relegated if they lose, and all three teams below them win. A draw should ensure their survival, and anything more than that guarantees they stay up.

Stoke (18th, 50 points, -7 GD, vs Derby)

It’s nearly impossible for Stoke to go down, but they need to avoid defeat against Derby. Any point gained should keep them safe.

League One and League Two Preview

We should also highlight the excitement brewing in League One and League Two this weekend.

In League One, Birmingham has already clinched the title, Wrexham has secured second place, while Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Bristol Rovers, and Crawley have been relegated. Stockport, Wycombe, and Charlton have achieved play-off spots, with sixth place still available to either Leyton Orient or Reading, both sitting on 75 points, with Orient holding a superior goal difference. They only need to match or better Reading’s result.

In League Two, the championship will be contested between Doncaster and Port Vale, with both clubs assured of promotion. If Doncaster matches or surpasses Port Vale’s result, they will emerge as champions.

At the same time, Morecambe and Carlisle have already confirmed their relegation to the National League. The final automated promotion spot is still up for grabs between Bradford, Walsall, and Notts County. Bradford just needs to better the results of the teams below them to secure their place in League One for next season. Walsall and Notts County must win their matches while hoping the other two teams lose, while Walsall could still get through with a draw if Bradford loses, thanks to their superior goal difference.

Five clubs are vying for the remaining play-off spots, making it a tense finish to the season with crucial matches ahead.

The race for the remaining play-off positions is heating up, with five clubs competing for two coveted spots. The tension will undoubtedly be palpable as this thrilling season draws to a close.