EFL Championship Playoff Semi Final First Leg Predictions & Betting Tips

TENSION is building exponentially as we approach the explosive powder keg environment of EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg action this week.

The eventual Play-Off Final winners at Wembley Stadium will pocket a minimum of £150 million even if subsequently finishing rock bottom of the Premier League table next year. So those Championship betting stakes are currently attracting intense activity.

What strikes me most is that all of the four participating teams are lacking serious firepower. Indeed, none of them had a leading scorer who managed to exceed 12 League goals. It is probably the reason why they all missed out on automatic promotion.

Anyway, here is my comprehensive preview alongside considered score predictions to assist your football betting plans…

Bristol City v Sheffield United

• Thursday 8th May 2025, Kick-off 8pm

Score prediction: City slickers 1-0.

2024/25 Head-to-head in the Championship

Tuesday 5th November 2024: Bristol City 1-2 Sheffield United

Tuesday 11th March 2025: Sheffield United 1-1 Bristol City

Bristol City Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 6th

Current form in the Championship: Bristol City completed the regular season with two defeats followed by a draw. Only three losses at home throughout the 2024/25 campaign though.

Last result in the Championship: Bristol City 2-2 Preston North End

• Ross McCrorie netted twice (69, 74 minutes) as Bristol City battled back from 2-0 down. They’ve now reached the Play-Offs for the first time in 17 years.

Leading scorer: Anis Mehmeti – 12 goals in the EFL Championship.

Last appearance in the top flight: 1979/80 (old First Division).

Managerial quote: Liam Manning said: “I couldn’t be more proud of my players and what we’ve done together to get this far. There is no expectation or pressure on us in the Play-Offs. So we must be brave and really enjoy it. My lads will give everything for the shirt.”

Sheffield United Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 3rd

Current form in the Championship: The Blades won just two of their seven concluding League fixtures thereby slipping away from automatic promotion contention. But overall, 13 away wins was the second best tally recorded in the division across 2024/25.

Last result in the Championship: Sheffield United 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

• Anel Ahmedhodzic’s 59th minute equaliser secured a point for the Blades.

Leading scorer: Tyrese Campbell – 10 goals in the EFL Championship.

Last appearance in the top flight: 2023/24.

Managerial quote: Chris Wilder said: “We’ve averaged two points per game which is an incredible achievement. Going into the Play-Offs, we’ve now got to prove we’re the best team involved.”

Coventry City v Sunderland

• Friday 9th May 2025, Kick-off 8pm

Score prediction: Adrenaline fuelled 3-3.

2024/25 Head-to-head in the Championship

Saturday 9th November 2024: Sunderland 2-2 Coventry City

Saturday 15th March 2025: Coventry City 3-0 Sunderland

Coventry City Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 5th

Current form in the Championship: Nine victories in their past 15 League engagements took the Sky Blues into Play-Off qualification. They registered 14 home maximum pointers amidst 2024/25.

Last result in the Championship: Coventry City 2-0 Middlesbrough

• Two goals by Jack Rudoni (44, 87 minutes) cemented this triumph.

Leading scorer: Haji Wright – 12 goals in the EFL Championship.

Last appearance in the top flight: 2000/01

Managerial quote: Frank Lampard said: “I’m really delighted we’ve got to the Play-Offs. Now we must go again for Sunderland.”

Sunderland Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 4th

Current form in the Championship: Six winless matches culminating in five straight defeats. The Black Cats only scored one goal during that dismal run. Away fortunes have been mixed this season incorporating nine victories, six draws and eight losses.

Last result in the Championship: Sunderland 0-1 Queens Park Rangers

Leading scorer: Wilson Isidor – 12 goals in the EFL Championship.

Last appearance in the top flight: 2016/17

Managerial quote: Regis Le Bris said: “The Play-Offs context will be completely different to our League programme. Another football chapter opens for us. I firmly believe we possess a very good squad which will be able to react and find powerful resources to be competitive in these important games against Coventry City.”