Championship Play-Off Final Betting Tips & Predictions (2025)

IT is often quite rightly dubbed “the richest single game in football” by our national media so there is immense focus on Wembley Stadium for Saturday’s massive EFL Championship Play-Off Final.

And a football betting frenzy will ensue because of those lucrative rewards on offer.

In effect, the winners will pocket at least £150 million even if they finish rock bottom of the top flight table next season. In fact, I’ve seen one reputable source this week quoting £220 million. It reflects TV deals, sponsorship and additional revenue accrued in Premier League combat.

Incidentally, Saturday’s showpiece will commence one minute later than scheduled at 3.01pm to raise awareness of the Every Minute Matters campaign highlighting the importance of learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation.

Here is my extensive Play-Off Final preview to assist your analysis of Championship betting…

Sheffield United v Sunderland

Saturday 24th May 2025, Kick-off 3.01pm

Wembley Stadium

Score Prediction: Brilliant Blades 2-0.

Championship Head-to-Head 2024/25

Friday 29th November 2024: Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland

Tom Davies netted on 83 minutes after both sides had a player red carded – Harry Souttar of Sheffield United (45 minutes) and Sunderland’s Chris Mepham (40 mins). Attendance: 28,465.

Wednesday 1st January 2025: Sunderland 2-1 Sheffield United

All the goals came during eight minutes of first half exchanges. Eliezer Mayenda (27 minutes) gave Sunderland first blood prior to a Luke O’Nien own goal levelling proceedings (32 mins). Ultimately though, Wilson Isidor provided the Black Cat’s decisive strike three minutes afterwards. Attendance: 42,276

Sheffield United Play-Off Semi-Final Review

First Leg: Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield United

A major talking point occurred in first half injury time when Blades forward Kieffer Moore was brought down in the box by Rob Dickie who received a straight red card.

Harrison Burrows crisply tucked away the resulting penalty. Following that, second half substitutes Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare both scored from close range on 73 and 79 minutes respectively to allocate Sheffield United one firm foot in the Final. Attendance: 25,652.

Second Leg: Sheffield United 3-0 Bristol City

The Blades cruised through to Wembley thanks to Kieffer Moore (41 minutes), Gustavo Hamer (52 mins) and Callum O’Hare (83 mins). Sheffield United thereby broke the Championship record for the biggest ever Play-Off Semi-Final aggregate victory. Attendance: 26,543

Quote

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder said: “I’d not experienced going into a game 3-0 up before. Yet our attitude was spot on as there was no room for complacency. It turned out to be a fabulous night for all concerned. The most important thing was to get the job done which we did.”

Sheffield United Fact File

• Final position in the Championship: 3rd
• Leading scorers: Tyrese Campbell 10 goals in the EFL Championship and Gustavo Hamer 10 goals in the EFL Championship and the Play-Offs.
• Last appearance in the top flight: 2023/24.

Sunderland Play-Off Semi-Final Review

First Leg: Coventry City 1-2 Sunderland

The main action punctuated a pulsating second half. Wilson Isidor lashed Sunderland ahead via a low angled drive in the 68th minute. But a thumping header by Jack Rudoni for Coventry restored parity two minutes later. Then with two minutes to go, Eliezer Mayenda capitalised on a calamitous defence mix up to slot home the Black Cats’ second. Attendance: 31,293.

Second Leg: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry City (AET)

Ephron Mason-Clark poked Coventry in front on the night (76 minutes). This tied the overall score and forced extra-time. However in the last few seconds of that additional half-hour, Dan Ballard headed in off the underside of the crossbar and ripped his shirt off to celebrate sending Sunderland to Wembley amidst wild scenes. Attendance: 46,530

Quote

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said: “To score so late made the scenario absolutely incredible. We were probably too nervous early on but improved in extra-time. It was a question of confidence while our overall energy was strong. We can now enjoy the build up to Wembley.”

Sunderland Fact File

• Final position in the Championship: 4th
• Leading scorer: Wilson Isidor – 13 goals in the EFL Championship and the Play-Offs.
• Last appearance in the top flight: 2016/17

Already Promoted

Leeds United and Burnley filled the two automatic promotion places as worthy champions and runners-up respectively.