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The EFL Championship Playoffs: A Preview

The end of the EFL season is upon us, and with it comes the playoffs. The line-ups were confirmed last weekend, when the final fixtures were played, and now thousands of fans can only wait in hope to see if their club can reach the top level of English football. In this article, I will take an objective look at each club, their strengths and weaknesses, and whether they have the tools to succeed.

Fixtures:

AFC Bournemouth v Brentford
Barnsley v Swansea

First up: Bournemouth, a team looking to bounce back from relegation at the first attempt. They have an excellent record in front of goal, with 73 in 46 games. This is a total only bettered by two teams in the league, with three of their players achieving double figures. Arnaut Danjuma and Dominic Solanke both registered 15 goals and 8 assists apiece, and could be a potent threat. However, their form leading into the playoffs will be a concern for Jonathan Woodgate - they have lost their last three games without scoring, including a home defeat to their next opponents.

Brentford have never gained Premier League status, and haven't been in the top flight since 1947. This could be their best chance to go up - they have the league's top scorer in Ivan Toney (31 goals), they are the league's top scorers overall, with 79 goals, and they recorded the joint-least number of defeats in the division (7). It is debatable as to how many of their current stars would stay at the club, should they fail to be promoted; they have gained a reputation as a 'selling club', one which is able to make a profit on players and replace them with talented lower league players. This could be their make-or-break season.

Barnsley are the dark horses in this season's playoffs - they managed to stay up on the final day of last season, and have been in fine form since Valentine's Day to finish fifth. They have earned 42 points since that date, and have beaten both Brentford and Bournemouth during that run. Cauley Woodrow is their top scorer, with 11 goals. However, they lost both of their league games against Swansea, their next opponents, and have conceded more goals (50) than anyone else in the top 6.

Swansea have had an excellent season, finishing fourth and reaching the playoffs for the second time since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. They have the best defensive record of the playoff teams, with only 39 goals conceded. Freddie Woodman has also kept the most clean sheets (20). Their form will be a concern; they only won 3 of their last 11 games in the league. Their two top scorers, Andre Ayew and Jamal Lowe, have 30 goals between them, and will be key to victory for the Swans.

Verdict:

I feel that Brentford will have too much for Bournemouth, having learnt lessons from their playoff failure last season. Ivan Toney has proved unstoppable on his day, and Bournemouth haven't been in good form.

Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford
Brentford 2-0 Bournemouth

The other tie is more unpredictable, with in-form Barnsley and defensively solid Swansea colliding. Swansea have the edge in games between the two this season, which could prove to be a factor psychologically. I think that Swansea will just about squeak through, but don't be surprised if extra time and penalties come into play.

Barnsley 1-1 Swansea
Swansea 2-1 Barnsley AET (1-1 after 90 minutes)

Brentford have been strong all season, and I feel that regardless of who they face in the final, they will find themselves in the Premier League come August.

Brentford 3-1 Swansea

Good luck to all of the participating teams, and thank you for reading.

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