Then there were four: The EFL play-offs begin
One of Reading, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday or Fulham will realise its Premier League dream, all that stands in their way is a two legged semi final and the most lucrative game in wo
EFL Championship clubs Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading and Fulham will battle it out for the last remaining Premier League spot, and with a final dubbed the ‘200 million pound game, there's more than pride at stake in the play offs.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into the playoffs, which kick off on Sunday morning (AEST) LIVE on beIN SPORTS.
How the play-offs work
Over the course of the season the 24 teams play against each other twice over a marathon 46-round season, with three teams promoted to the Premier League and three relegated to League One.
By season’s end, the top two ranked teams are guaranteed Premier League promotion, while the teams ranked 2-6th battle it out for the last remaining promotion spot in the playoffs.
Third plays sixth while fourth takes on fifth over two legs, the side with the best aggregate score over two legs advances to the final. If aggregate scores are level after 90 minutes in the second leg, the semi final goes into extra time and penalties.
The two semi-final winners face off in one final match to determine who gets promoted.
Who’s guaranteed promotion?
Glamour club Newcastle United bounced straight back to the top flight after winning the EFL league title, while Brighton and Hove Albion will feature in the Premier League for the first time, 20 years after the club was almost wiped from league football altogether.
How can you watch the play-offs?
You can catch the play-off semi-finals and final LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on beIN SPORTS. Here's the fixture list in full:
Semi-finals:
- Sunday 14 May - Fulham v Reading, 2.30am beIN 2
- Sunday 14 May - Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday, 9pm beIN 1
- Wednesday 17 May - Reading v Fulham, 4.45am beIN 3
- Thursday 18 May - Sheffield Wednesday v Huddersfield, 4.45am beIN 3
Final:
- Tuesday 30 May - TBC v TBC, 12am beIN 1
About the play-off contenders:
1) Reading
Why Reading will win:
Madjeski Stadium has become a fortress for Reading. No side has a better record at home this season, which will give the Royals plenty of confidence heading into the home leg of the semi finals.
Jap Staam’s coaching philosophy mirrors the way he once played – tough, disciplined and uncompromising. The other playoff contenders will have a hard time breaking down this resolute Reading side.
Why Reading will struggle
Reading's strength at home is counteracted by serious frailties on the road. Jaap Stam’s side has the third worst defensive record away from home this season, having conceded 46 goals.
Key man: Yann Kermorgant
Brows were raised when Reading signed the 35 year-old last season, but the club's version of Benjamin Button has proved his doubters wrong, topping the goal-scoring charts in his first full season at the Madjeski Stadium.
Kermorgant road to professional football was treacherous, he was diagnosed with Leukemia as a teenager but that didn't stop the determined striker realising his dream.
The former Leicester man's experience and natural eye for goal make him one to watch in the play-offs.
Prediction: Semi-final
2) Sheffield Wednesday
Why Wednesday will win:
Sheffield Wednesday will take plenty from its heartbreaking defeat in last season's final to Hull as it looks to end its 17-year exile from the Premier League.
Despite slipping up on the final day against Fulham, Wednesday heads into the play-offs with plenty of momentum having won six on the trot before a slip up against Fulham on the final game of the season.
With the financial backing of cashed up Thai owners, and former sporting Lisbon boss Carlos Carbalhal in the dugout, the Owls have the foundations in place to the Premier League, and stay there.
Why Sheffield will struggle:
Sheffield Wednesday is at risk of choking under the the weight of expectation from its fans, who saw the club go agonisingly close to promotion last season.
Key man: Steven Fletcher
The Scotland international has spearheaded Wednesday's attack this season and his experience both in the Premier League and abroad in Ligue 1 will be invaluable.
Prediction: Semi-Final
3) Huddersfield Town
Why they will win:
David Wagner. The german tactician worked under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, and has adopted the stifling geggenpress at Huddersfield.
Expect Wagners side to throw caution to the wind and come out swinging in the play-offs.
Wagner also shares his mentor’s larger-than-life personality, which has endeared him among the HudderSfield players.
Why Huddersfield will struggle:
The Terriers confidence will be dented coming into the play-offs on the back of three defeats in their past last games. David Wagner will be hoping his side can shake off its recent struggles and lock down a spot in the Premier League next season.
Key man: Aaron Mooy
The Socceroos midfielder has been a revelation since joining the Terriers on loan from Manchester City this season. The 26 year-old was named Huddersfield’s player of the season and features in the EFL team of the year.
Huddersfield’s play-off chances will hinge heavily on the form of its creative playmaker.
Prediction: Runner-up
4) Fulham
Why Fulham will win:
Fulham is peaking at the right time after making a late charge into the top six, pls Manager Slaviska Jokanovic will know how to get his side up for this.
Key man: Lucas Piazon
The Brazil U23 international has become an ever-present figure in Jokanivic’s side, making 32 appearances in all competitions for the Whites.
If Fulham can manage a return to the Premier League, its first order of business should be tying down the Chelsea loanee on a permanent deal with reports the 23 year-old won’t be needed at Stamford bridge.
Prediction: Promoted
