Championship

EFL Championship Playoff Semi Final Second Leg Predictions & Betting Tips

5 months ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

WE’VE witnessed drama galore in our EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg ties over the last few days. Two away victories were recorded.

So what is in store for the upcoming Second Legs? Championship betting is certainly going through the roof.

This reflects high stakes in terms of finances and prestige. A lucrative showpiece occasion at Wembley Stadium is up for grabs. Significantly, the 2025 Play-Off winners will earn a minimum of £150 million even if they slumber rock bottom of the Premier League table next year.

Here is my comprehensive Second Leg preview alongside considered score predictions to assist your football betting plans…

Sheffield United v Bristol City

Monday 12th May 2025, Kick-off 8pm

First Leg Review – Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield United

Early exchanges saw Sheffield United’s Tyrese Campbell have a goal disallowed for offside whilst Joe Williams rattled the crossbar for Bristol City.

However the main talking point came in first half injury time when Blades striker 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.

After that, second half substitutes Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare both scored from close range on 73 and 79 minutes respectively to give Sheffield United one foot in the Final. Attendance: 25,652.

Managerial Quotes

Bristol City boss Liam Manning said: “The game was decided by a huge error in showing the red card which changed everything. It was a disgrace to be honest. Dickie played the ball.

“So I am hurt and disappointed for my players and the fans. Up until the sending off, I thought it was a very good game.

“Credit to Sheffield United because they still had to go on and win the match which they did. But we will keep believing and keep fighting in the Second Leg. The history of sport shows there have been many comebacks in the past. That’s the beauty of it. I know my group inside out so we will be ready to go again on Monday night in Sheffield.”

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder said: “My lads had a glint in their eyes ahead of this game. They were really focused and ready. So it was a top professional performance.

“The penalty came through good attacking play and was a bit of a contentious award. Nevertheless I felt it was the correct decision from an experienced referee in a competitive Play-Off fixture. Bristol City made the mistake, not us.

“We took our opportunities to be clinical and I’m delighted we racked up a three goal lead. Even so, there is a lot of work to do in the Second Leg.”

Sheffield United Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 3rd
Leading scorer: Tyrese Campbell – 10 goals in the EFL Championship.
Last appearance in the top flight: 2023/24.

Bristol City Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 6th
Leading scorer: Anis Mehmeti – 12 goals in the EFL Championship.
Last appearance in the top flight: 1979/80 (old First Division).

Second Leg score prediction: Blades complete the job 2-1.

Sunderland v Coventry City

Tuesday 13th May 2025 Kick-off 8pm

First Leg Review – Coventry City 1-2 Sunderland

All the goals in a pulsating second half. Wilson Isidor fired Sunderland ahead via a low angled drive in the 68th minute. But a thumping header by Jack Rudoni for Coventry levelled matters two minutes later.

Then with two minutes to go, Eliezer Mayenda capitalised on a calamitous defence mix up to slot home the Black Cats’ winner. Attendance: 31,293.

Managerial Quotes

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard said: “We played well so I don’t want to dwell on mistakes too much. We didn’t deserve to lose and I’m proud of my players. The Second Leg may look different on Tuesday at their stadium. We can’t drop our heads because there is still loads to play for.”

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said: “Coventry played good football and made it difficult for us. But the job is not done and we face another tough game at home where we’ll bring a clear mindset in the dressing room. We reset fully and have no room for complacency.”

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

Coventry City Fact File

Final position in the Championship: 5th
Leading scorer: Haji Wright – 12 goals in the EFL Championship.
Last appearance in the top flight: 2000/01

Second Leg score prediction: Unfruitful 0-0.

Championship Play-Off Final

The EFL Championship Play-Off Final will grace Wembley Stadium on Saturday 24th May 2025… Sheffield United or Bristol City versus Sunderland or Coventry City. Kick-off time to be confirmed.