After an enthralling final day to the Championship, the four teams that will compete for the final promotion spot are confirmed. West Brom appeared to be claiming one of the spots when they went ahead at Swansea, yet they lost 3-2. Millwall then seemed likely to clinch the final playoff spot when they took a commanding 3-1 lead at home to Blackburn and only 20 minutes remained. They lost 4-3. As a result, after Sunderland’s commanding win at Preston, they joined Luton, Middlesborough, and Coventry in the playoffs.
The playoffs promise to be a thrilling and intense experience for all involved, with the stakes higher than ever before. The four teams will compete in a knockout format, with the winner of each tie advancing to the next round. The first round will see Sunderland take on Luton, while Coventry will face off against Middlesborough. The semifinals will see these sides face each other in a two-legged affair, with the victors earning a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.
The playoffs have a rich history of drama and excitement, with unforgettable moments etched into the memories of fans and players alike. From last-minute winners (DEENEYYYYY) to penalty shootouts, the playoffs never fail to deliver on the drama and tension that make football such a thrilling sport. The teams will need to be at their very best if they hope to secure promotion, and fans can expect to be on the edge of their seats throughout the playoffs.
Sunderland vs. Luton
Sunderland: Sunderland is a team that enjoys possession of the ball. With technically astute players on their team such as Amad Diallo, Jack Clarke, and Alex Pritchard, The Black Cats can carry out intricate moves to unlock opposition defences. They have been missing key striker Ross Stewart through injury since January and he is still their second top scorer. Other players will have to step up and score goals if Sunderland is going to succeed in these playoffs.
Luton: Contrary to Sunderland, Luton is a side who are happy to let the other team maintain possession. Averaging one of the lowest possession statistics in the league, The Hatters are more focused on transitioning the ball into the opposition’s final third as quickly as possible by whatever means necessary. They play over 20% of their passes long, aiming to rapidly create chances for their attackers on the counter-attack. Full-backs are key to Luton’s system. None of their players touch the ball more than Alfie Doughty and Cody Drameh who push high up the pitch and cross the ball into strikers Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris.
Key Players:
Sunderland: Amad Diallo
Manchester United’s Amad has made a strong impression at Sunderland. Technically blessed, tenacious, and lethal in front of goal, Amad has proved that he can have a role in Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United side next year. First, however, he’s got to take Sunderland to the Premier League and if he can maintain his current vein of form into the playoffs, he has a good opportunity to do so.
Luton: Carlton Morris
Carlton Morris has been lethal in the Championship this year. Only two players have more combined goals and assists than Morris’ 27.
Head-to-Head:
29th October 2022: Luton 1-1 Sunderland
18th March 2023: Sunderland 1-1 Luton
Sunderland are desperate to return to the Premier League after seven years out of the competition. Luton has never spent a season in the Premier League and now has the perfect opportunity to do so. Clearly not much separates these two sides. It’s going to be an intense battle.
Prediction: Sunderland to edge Luton and make it to the final.
Coventry vs. Middlesborough
Coventry: Coventry has a never say die attitude which is perfectly demonstrated by the fact that their goalkeeper, Ben Wilson, recently scored a 95th-minute equaliser against Blackburn to earn them a crucial point for their promotion hunt. The Sky Blues are very solid defensively. Centre-back Callum Doyle, on loan from Manchester City, seems a class above and has been touted as a future England international. He possesses a fantastic passing range and is always one move ahead. Partnering Doyle’s unsung hero Kyle McFadzean who has hardly put a foot wrong this year. An absolute leader who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line.
Middlesborough: Michael Carrick’s Middlesborough has been exceptionally impressive this season. Averaging 58% possession in the Championship, his side tends to take control of games. Key to their build-up and the possession-based game is Middlesbrough’s double pivot; together, Howson and Hackney are critical to Middlesbrough’s ball progression.
His side is the second-highest scoring in the league this season, with 84. Striker Cameron Archer is exciting to watch, with Chuba Akpom just behind him, and it is noteworthy how Middlesborough’s full-backs push up to aid attacks.
Key Players:
Coventry: Gustavo Hamer
Hamer is a star and is undeniably Premier League quality. He’s a creative, two-footed midfielder with great technical ability but is also a tenacious and determined player as well in the center of the midfield. Hamer pulls the strings from central midfield.
Middlesborough: Chuba Akpom
Chuba Akpom has never had a club where he has been able to settle down and consistently score goals. Well, until now. The ex-Arsenal striker spent his formative years at a host of clubs up and down the country and even had a stint at PAOK in Greece. Under Michael Carrick at Middlesborough, he has finally found his feet. He is the league’s top scorer, by a clear margin, and is a very difficult man to stop.
Head-to-Head:
1st October 2022: Coventry 1-0 Middlesborough
8th May 2023: Middlesborough 1-1 Coventry
Both sides have endured long stints outside of the top flight. Middlesborough enjoyed their last season in the Premier League in 2016/17 whilst Coventry has waited even longer. Their last stint in the Prem was in 2000/01.
Prediction: It will be close, but Coventry will defeat Middlesborough and contest Sunderland in the final.
Odds:
Middlesborough is the favourite. They are 13/8 to be promoted on Bet365. Luton and Sunderland are priced the same at 11/4. Coventry is the clear underdog at 7/2.
Final Prediction: Sunderland to beat Coventry in the final on penalties.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
