It’s arguably the most prestigious prize in the EFL – the Championship Play-Off final trophy. Win, and it’s the riches of the Premier League and top flight football for the victor and a memorable day for the club’s supporters. Lose, and it’s heartbreak and a potential fallout that could keep them in the second tier for even longer.
Championship Play-Off Final Predictions
Brentford Familiar With Championship Play-Off Final
This year, the game will be played between Brentford and Swansea City.
For the Bees, it’s familiarity. They were here last time out but fell at the final hurdle and have battled again to get to the same position. At times, it looked like they might be able to secure an automatic spot but dropped into the play-offs. The Swans have been superb themselves this campaign and a return to the top tier looks very plausible now.
In the semi-finals, Bournemouth looked like they were going to mount an immediate return to the Premier League after a 1-0 win in the first leg. They then went a goal up in the second tie, only for Brentford to battle back and claim the game 3-1 to win it on aggregate.
For Swansea, they came up against the surprise package of the year in Barnsley. However, the Swans held firm and didn’t lose either game to seal a place in the final.
Andre Ayew Could Prove Key in Championship Play-Off Final
Ivan Toney is one man who will be determined to fire his side into the top tier. With 31 goals in 45 games, his strike rate is not only one of the best in England but in Europe. He is, simply put, clinical. He’s exactly where he needs to be all the time to capitalise on a loose ball or lead his team on a counter-attack and he has the finishing ability to then put the ball away.
He’s proven himself at League One level and he’s proven himself at Championship level. Now, the only thing left to do is try out the Premier League.
Swansea have utilised the transfer market well. Marc Guehi has been solid at the heart of defence for the Swans, Conor Hourihane is experienced and adept at this level but it’s arguably Andre Ayew who could hold the key between victory and defeat for the Welsh side.
The forward bagged to give his side the win over Barnsley in their semi-final and has the cool and composure in these types of fixtures to give his club an edge. Another clinical finisher, he’s more than capable at this level too.
Key Stat
The key stat here implies that this could very well be a goal fest. Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between the sides and, in addition, Brentford have played five games against Swansea without a clean sheet and Swansea three times.
Both of the clubs seemingly know exactly what it takes to breach the opposition’s defence despite both being relatively solid in the league. They know what it takes and they’ve done it to each other before – so can either side capitalise again in the final?
Prediction
Swansea have done superb work to get themselves back towards the top end of the second tier. They’re regularly battling for a promotion spot and managed to creep into the play-offs this year.
Brentford though have been on a whole different level, not just this year but for a few seasons now. They’ve regularly sold some of their best players and yet replaced them with more excellent players. Their system works and they’ve been desperately unlucky to miss out on Premier League football so far. This year provides another chance for them to finally take it – and they should do.
It will be another close fought game but Brentford should finally bag play-off victory and a Premier League place.
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