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The seasons of six teams rest on one last game as we approach the defining moment of the campaign. Here’s how to watch the Championship play-off final and the action from the all-important clashes in League One and League Two, as well.
In the Championship play-offs, the relentless Sheffield United come up against a Sunderland side who suddenly seem to have hit good form again.
Then, in League One, two big characters will be on the sidelines at Wembley as Nathan Jones and Richie Wellens go head-to-head for Charlton Athletic vs Leyton Orient.
Meanwhile, in the fourth tier, Walsall must redeem themselves against an AFC Wimbledon side desperate to climb the EFL ladder.
If you don’t want to miss a minute of the action, you’ve come to the right place, as we share details of how to watch the Championship play-off final, the League One final, and the League Two final. What a way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend!
- READ MORE: Sheffield United supporters warned they could face disruptions during play-off final travel
Championship play-off final kick-off time, plus details for League One and League Two finals
It’s a good job you’re checking the Championship play-off final kick-off time, actually, because all the games this weekend will be starting one minute late. But, don’t worry, it’s an intentional delay as part of an initiative to raise awareness for the importance of CPR.
The Sunderland vs Sheffield United clash will kick off at 3:01pm on Saturday, May 24 at Wembley Stadium.
The League One final between Charlton and Leyton Orient is to kick off at 1:01pm on Sunday, May 25. And the League Two season-closer between Walsall and Wimbledon will kick off at 3:01pm on Monday, May 26.
How to watch the Championship play-off final, League One final, and League Two final
Now, to the important part: How do you watch the Championship play-off final? The game between Sunderland and Sheffield United will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 2:00pm on both channels.
On the Sunday, Charlton and Leyton Orient will be on Sky Sports Football from 12:00 noon, with an hour of pre-match build-up in the studio.
The League Two final will be available on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event on the Monday, with coverage beginning at 2:00pm.
All three games will also be accessible via the SkyGo app if you’re on the move.
Head-to-head records and statistics for the play-off teams
If you’re hoping to find a magical answer to which side will win on Saturday, there’s not much luck to be found in analysing the head-to-head record for Sunderland and Sheffield United.
The two sides have been fairly evenly matched this season with one win apiece. The home sides won both times, and those games were decided by just one goal.
We do know that Sheffield United’s play-off record is terrible, though. The Blades have had eight failed attempts at gaining promotion via this route. However, Chris Wilder has never lost a play-off game, so something has to give.
Sunderland’s play-off record does boast some success in recent years, though, with their League One triumph in 2022.
Speaking of League One, Charlton Athletic’s defensive statistics could be key to their chances. So, too, could the impressive tackling numbers from Conor Coventry in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, history favours Walsall in League Two. Turns out, fourth-placed teams tend to have more success over the years when it comes to play-off victories.
Sunderland and Sheffield United team news ahead of Championship play-off final
There’s bad news for Sunderland, with Romaine Mundle potentially out of the play-off final with an injury. He played in the second leg against Coventry, but has not recovered effectively since.
Regis Le Bris did admit this week, though, that players like Ian Poveda could become available. The Sunderland manager says certain players will look to play through the pain barrier one last time this season.
For Sheffield United, it remains to be seen whether Oli Arblaster will make it in time. The youngster has missed a large chunk of the season but is pushing for a return.
Long-term absentees Sai Sachdev and Rhys Norrington-Davies will not feature this weekend.
Predictions for play-off finals
Our team predicted the play-off finals and the majority see a Sheffield United win on Saturday. Meanwhile, we backed Charlton and Wimbledon to get the job done in League One and League Two.
Ask the fans, though, and Sunderland are being backed to win it. How much of that is sheer Mackem passion as opposed to logical thought, however, is another matter.
Some experts believe Sunderland can handle the ‘big game’ atmosphere better. Others expect a tight game that’ll come down to the odd goal, though Sheffield United are tipped to come out on the right side of that result.
As for the League One play-off final, experts can’t look past Charlton. The resilience and organisation of the Addicks is expected to be enough to see them snatch the win at Wembley.