As the EFL Championship season reaches its thrilling conclusion today, Saturday, May 3, 2025, fans are on the edge of their seats with so much at stake in the final matches. With Leeds United and Burnley already celebrating their promotion to the Premier League, the focus now shifts to the intense battle for the remaining playoff spots and the looming threat of relegation for several clubs.
All Championship matches kick off at 12:30 PM, and the day promises to be one of high drama and emotion as teams vie for their future. The Championship title is still up for grabs as Leeds and Burnley, both with 97 points, compete for the top position. Leeds holds a significant goal difference advantage of +64 over Burnley’s +51, which means that as long as they match Burnley’s result, the title will be heading to Elland Road.
Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, travels to Plymouth Argyle, who have already been relegated. Meanwhile, Burnley, under Scott Parker, faces a challenging home match against Millwall, a team with everything to play for. Burnley has been remarkable defensively this season, conceding just 15 goals in 45 matches, a record that has played a pivotal role in their promotion.
While the title race captures the headlines, the playoff drama is equally compelling. Sheffield United and Sunderland have already secured their playoff spots, finishing third and fourth, respectively. However, the battle for the final two playoff positions is wide open, with five clubs—Bristol City, Coventry City, Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, and Middlesbrough—still in contention.
Bristol City sits in the driver’s seat with 67 points. A victory against Preston North End guarantees them a playoff spot. However, if they draw or lose, they could be overtaken by any of the chasing teams. Currently, Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard, and Millwall are tied on 66 points, with Coventry ahead on goal difference. Coventry hosts Middlesbrough, who are just two points behind and also in the hunt for a playoff place.
For Coventry, a win would secure their playoff spot without needing to rely on other results. However, if they draw, they must hope that Millwall and Blackburn do not win, complicating their path to the playoffs. Millwall, who must beat Burnley to keep their hopes alive, also needs Coventry to either draw or lose against Middlesbrough.
Blackburn Rovers, having won their last four matches, face Sheffield United, who have nothing to play for. Blackburn needs to win and rely on other results to go their way to secure a playoff position. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, must defeat Coventry to have any chance of advancing.
As teams battle for playoff spots, the relegation fight is equally intense. Cardiff City has already been relegated, and six clubs are fighting to avoid the drop. Hull City currently occupies the final relegation spot, just one point behind Luton Town, Preston North End, and Derby County, all of whom are on 49 points. Hull faces Portsmouth today, and a loss would seal their fate, while a draw or win could keep them in the Championship.
Derby County hosts Stoke City, and a victory for either team will ensure safety. Stoke only needs a draw to avoid relegation, but they must be wary as any loss could put them in danger if results elsewhere go against them. Luton Town and Preston North End also face tough away matches against West Brom and Bristol City, respectively, and need to secure points to stay clear of the relegation zone.
As the final day unfolds, managers are feeling the pressure. Frank Lampard, reflecting on his journey with Coventry, stated, “At that point I wasn’t sure. I think to be in 17th and claim you were going to make the play-offs would have been a big stretch. Did I believe it? Probably not.” His team’s performance today against Middlesbrough will be crucial.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder exuded confidence, saying, “We’ll finish 20 points clear of the team that finishes in sixth place. I’m not a mug, and we don’t take anything for granted.” His side is set to enter the playoffs with high hopes.
Alex Neil, the Millwall manager, emphasized the importance of ambition, stating, “I never set any restrictions on ambition, in terms of what we can achieve.” His team needs a win today to keep their playoff hopes alive.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the excitement is palpable. Fans across the country are bracing for a day of nail-biting action. Will Leeds claim the Championship title? Which teams will secure their playoff spots? And who will avoid the dreaded drop into League One? All will be revealed as the drama unfolds in the Championship today.
With so many storylines converging, this final day of the EFL Championship is set to be one for the history books. The stakes are high, and the passion is unmatched as clubs fight for glory, survival, and the chance to compete at the highest level next season.
