Fighting relegation & eyeing promotion? Championship set for six-team play-offs
The Championship play-offs expand to six teams this season. Here's a closer look at how it may pan out and the thoughts of those involved.
Six teams from the Championship are now set to participate in a six-team play-off format this season, potentially leading to promotions to the Premier League. Derby County, Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Blackburn Rovers have been particularly affected by this change, as they have all finished eighth in the Championship table over the past five seasons.
The new rules state that teams finishing seventh and eighth will now be eligible for the play-offs, with the top four clubs moving directly to the semi-finals. The play-offs will consist of a one-legged quarter-final, two-legged semi-finals, and a final at Wembley. The aim of this change is to increase the number of competitive fixtures in the closing stages of the season.
While some managers and former play-off winners have expressed reservations about the new system, believing it rewards mediocrity, others believe it adds excitement and a chance for teams near the bottom of the table to improve their fortunes.
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