EFL Final Day Ups and Downs – Who Needs What?
We know that we’re all about the Premier League, but today we are bringing you the latest updates from further down the English football pyramid, where there is still plenty of excitement.
The business end of the EFL season has arrived, bringing with it promotions, Play-Off spots, and relegation battles across the Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two.
Here is a detailed look at what can happen across each division on the final day.
Sky Bet Championship
Promotion
Promoted: Leeds United and Burnley
The Championship title race will be decided on the final day. Leeds United and Burnley have already secured promotion to the Premier League but remain locked in a battle for the Championship crown.
Play-Offs
Sheffield United and Sunderland have already guaranteed their places in the Play-Offs. Bristol City will join them if they manage to secure a win against Leeds United on Monday.
The fight for the remaining Play-Off spots is intense, with Coventry City, Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, and Middlesbrough all in contention. Just two points separate Coventry in sixth and Middlesbrough in ninth, and with Coventry facing Boro, the stakes could not be higher.
Relegation
Relegated: Cardiff City
Cardiff City have already been relegated to League One. Plymouth Argyle are staring at the same fate, needing a final day miracle – a win over Leeds and at least a 16-goal swing to survive.
Hull City currently sit in the final relegation spot. However, Luton Town, Preston North End, Derby County, and Stoke City all remain in danger. The survival race adds even more drama with Stoke and Derby facing each other.
Sky Bet League One
Promotion
Champions: Birmingham City
Promoted: Birmingham City and Wrexham
Birmingham City secured promotion with a crucial victory over Peterborough United on 8 April and were confirmed as champions four days later, following Wrexham’s 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Wrexham clinched second place and promotion with a convincing 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on 26 April, becoming the first club to win three successive promotions across the top five tiers.
Play-Offs
Stockport County, Wycombe Wanderers, and Charlton Athletic have all sealed their Play-Off places. Leyton Orient and Reading are battling for the final spot. Both sides are level on 75 points, but Leyton Orient’s vastly superior goal difference places them in the driving seat.
Reading, who face Barnsley, will likely need to better Leyton Orient’s result against Huddersfield Town if they are to sneak into the Play-Offs.
Relegation
Relegated: Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United
Bristol Rovers and Crawley Town appear set to join Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United in relegation to League Two. Burton Albion are three points clear of both and boast a significantly superior goal difference.
Any team from 19th place downwards could still mathematically fall into the remaining relegation spots, ensuring a nervy final day for several clubs.
Sky Bet League Two
Promotion
Promoted: Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale
Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale both secured promotion on 26 April. They will now compete for the League Two title on the final day, with Doncaster knowing they will be crowned champions if they match Port Vale’s result.
Bradford City currently occupy the final automatic promotion spot. A win against Fleetwood Town would ensure their promotion to League One.
Walsall, who face Crewe Alexandra, must better Bradford City’s result and match Notts County’s result to claim third place.
Notts County must beat Doncaster and hope that both Bradford lose and Walsall drop points to achieve promotion.
Play-Offs
Walsall and Notts County have already secured Play-Off spots.
AFC Wimbledon will secure a Play-Off place with a draw against Grimsby Town. Grimsby themselves can make the Play-Offs with a win.
Salford City need a win against Carlisle United to finish within the top seven. Meanwhile, Chesterfield and Colchester United will be relying on slip-ups from teams above them to keep their Play-Off hopes alive.
Relegation
Relegated: Morecambe and Carlisle United
Morecambe and Carlisle United have already suffered relegation.
Conclusion
The final day promises high drama across the EFL, with promotion dreams, play-off battles, and relegation fears all coming to a head. Fans across the Championship, League One, and League Two will be watching with bated breath as clubs fight for their futures.
Stay tuned for all the twists and turns as the 2024-25 EFL season concludes in spectacular fashion.