The Championship playoffs are set to determine which team will join Coventry and Ipswich in the Premier League. Millwall, Hull City, Southampton, and Middlesbrough are the four contenders, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
Millwall
Millwall narrowly missed automatic promotion, finishing a point behind Ipswich. They have spent only two seasons in the English top flight, winning the Division Two title in 1987-88. Their away form has been exceptional this season, winning more away points (41) than any other Championship team, with just four losses in 23 away games. One notable away victory was a 3-1 win at Hull in March, though they lost by the same scoreline at home to the Tigers. Millwall's playoff history is mixed: they have reached the final in their last four League One playoff appearances but lost in the semi-finals in all three second-tier playoff attempts. Historically, teams finishing third have reached the final 17 times and won promotion nine times since 2004-05. Femi Azeez, with 11 goals and seven assists, is their key player.
Hull City
Hull City aim to return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence. They secured a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over Norwich on the final day. Oli McBurnie scored both goals in that match and has 17 Championship goals this season, second only to Swansea's Zan Vipotnik (23). Hull were the biggest overachievers statistically, finishing 19.9 points above their expected points total. If based on expected points, they would have finished 23rd. Since 2004-05, only two teams (West Ham in 2004-05 and Blackpool in 2009-10) have won the playoff final after finishing sixth.
Southampton
Southampton have been the best team since Tonda Eckert became manager in November, collecting 68 points and scoring 69 goals, the most in the division. They are also the most clinical, converting 14.4% of shots. Léo Scienza has thrived under Eckert with six goals and 10 assists in 29 games. Despite a poor start (fourth from bottom after 13 matches), they are unbeaten in 19 league games. Finishing fourth is a good omen, as that position has led to promotion in three of the last four seasons. However, they won only one of 10 matches against other top-six teams.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough spent 217 days in the top two but finished fifth. They had an incredible record of winning all 20 games when leading until a draw with Bristol City on March 14, but dropped 11 points from winning positions in their last nine games. After losing manager Rob Edwards in November, Kim Hellberg took over and has guided them to 50 points since his first game. Under Hellberg, Middlesbrough lead the Championship in possession (62.8%) and successful passes per game (459). They have a poor playoff record, with only one promotion via playoffs in 1987-88.
Prediction
According to the Opta supercomputer, Southampton are favorites, reaching the final in 58.8% of simulations and winning promotion 32.9% of the time. Millwall are second favorites, while Middlesbrough and Hull are outsiders.
