The most exciting weekend of the EFL season is upon us. Playoff weekend will see tears, euphoria, relief and hopefully plenty of excitement as the final promotion places in the Championship, League One, and League Two are decided.
Let’s take a look at what the bookies are offering for the three games this weekend.
Sheffield Utd vs 
Sunderland
Details: Wembley Stadium, Sunday 25th May, 3.01 pm Kick0ff
It is billed as the £200 million game. That is how much promotion to the Premier League is worth and is what makes the Championship playoff final one of the most tense, exciting games of the season.
Sheffield Utd are looking for an instant return to the big time. For so long, it looked like they would secure automatic promotion, topping the table for large parts of the season. However, after a fantastic three-way battle with Leeds and Burnley, they were forced to settle for third place and the playoffs. They dismantled Bristol City in their semi-final, so should be full of confidence going into the game. The fact they finished 14 points above Sunderland shows the quality of their squad, as well.
Sunderland are looking to get back to the Premier League after an 8 year absence which also saw them drop into League One. It has been quite the season for this young, fearless side. Led by Regis Le Bris, they have some outstanding attacking talent and Sheffield Utd will have no fear for them. Their semi-final went down to the wire, with a last minute Dan Ballard header in extra time against Coventry sending them to the final.
I think this could be a really exciting affair for a final. Gus Hamer takes a mean set piece so we are backing him to open the scoring and Sheff Utd to get the win, along with Sunderland striker Mayenda to have at least 1 shot on target.
Sheff Utd to win, Gus Hamer first goalscorer, Eliezer Mayenda 1+SOT
vs Sunderland
Leyton Orient vs 
Charlton Athletic
Details: Wembley Stadium, Sunday 25th May, 3.01 pm Kick0ff
The two teams contesting the League One playoff final won’t have far to travel this year, as London rivals Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic do battle at the national stadium.
It has been some journey over recent years for Orient. It was not that long ago they were in the National League and now they are one game away from the Championship. Their semi-final against Stockport went all the way to penalties but it was the Londoners who held their nerve to come through. Whatever happens, it has been a great season for Orient, but a win here would turn it into an utterly magnificent one.
Charlton were mainstays of the Premier League in the early 2000s but since then have drifted down the leagues. They have flittered between the Championship and League One over the last decade, but the place has been reinvigorated since manager Nathan Jones stepped into the dugout. Their semi-final with Wycombe was a real war of attrition, and I can see this game being more of the same.
We are backing a low scoring game with Charlton to just edge it.
Charlton to win & under 1.5 goals
vs Leyton Orient
Walsall vs 
AFC Wimbledon
Details: Wembley Stadium, Monday 26th May, 3.01 pm Kick0ff
Rounding off the EFL playoffs is the League Two final on Bank Holiday Monday between Wimbledon and Walsall.
Walsall have surprised many that they have even made it into the final, such was their collapse in the season. They were 14 points clear in the automatic promotion places in January, but their form fell off a cliff in the second half of the season, leaving them in the playoffs. However, they really turned it around in their semi-final against Chesterfield, winning the first leg 2-0 away and then finishing the job at home with a 2-1 win. If they can replicate that form and the form they showed during the first half of the season, they will have a strong chance.
Wimbledon were the underdogs in their semi-final against Notts County but showed how resolute they are across the two legs. They won both games 1-0, overpowering County and keeping two clean sheets against a team who are renowned for scoring goals. They may not be the prettiest team to watch, but they are streetwise and know how to get the job done.
I am backing the draw at half time and Wimbledon full time in this one.
Draw half time AFC Wimbledon full time
vs Walsall
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Paul is a seasoned sports writer with extensive experience covering major events like the Super Bowl and Soccer World Cup. With years in the sports betting industry, he possesses a deep knowledge of the best bet types for various sports and maximizing betting experiences on any platform. Passionate about sports, Paul’s writing reflects his expertise in analyzing and reviewing sportsbooks, understanding bonuses, promotions, and wagering requirements to help bettors make informed decisions.
