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Followers of the English Championship enjoy an action-packed start to the week as the playoff semi-finals reach the decisive second legs. Bristol City visit Sheffield United on Monday from 20:00, with Coventry City at Sunderland 24 hours later.
On this page, we focus on both games, providing you with all the stats, form, trends, and betting odds needed to make a well-informed decision.
Coventry and Sunderland shared seven goals during the regular season, and fans hope Tuesday's renewal lives up to the hype following Friday's memorable first leg. Sheffield United hammered Bristol City on Thursday and are eager to finish the job.
Sheffield United vs Bristol City, Monday 20:00
Sheffield United romped to a 3-0 win in the first leg, putting them in a commanding position. Will they finish the job at home and secure that spot at Wembley in the play-off final? You can back Sheffield United at odds of 21/20 with bet365. A draw in the second leg would see the locals safely through, and you can try the level finish at 12/5 (bet635).
Chris Wilder's men finished the regular season as the best of the rest, ending third behind Leeds and Burnley. They started the play-off semi-final as betting favourites to go through, but few predicted the Blades would win by such a comfortable margin away from home.
It took until injury time in the first half to break down a dogged and determined Robins. Harrison Burrows netted from the penalty spot before Andre Brooks and Callum O'Hare put the game to bed.
How will Wilder set his team up for the second leg? They have the home advantage and the luxury of a three-goal aggregate lead. That may encourage the experienced boss to rest a few of his stars for the final, but they still have a job to do against an opponent that must go on the attack from the first whistle.
It's win-or-bust for visitors
Everyone connected to the away dressing room understands they need a sporting miracle to turn things around following last week's mauling. Overcoming the deficit is a tough ask, but anything is possible in this competition. You can back Bristol City to win at odds of 5/2 (bet365) - an eye-catching offer.
Bristol City knew their best chance of reaching Wembley came from making full use of their home advantage. The Robins aimed to win on Thursday evening, ensuring they had something to protect at Bramall Lane. But things rarely go to plan in this league, and the Bristol City fans sat through an uninspiring opener. They conceded from a penalty and then leaked two goals in less than six minutes late in the contest.
Conceding three goals at home is far from ideal, but Bristol City rarely threatened to score and playing the entire second half with ten men is even more concerning. The beaten team created just four chances all night, with one on target. Can they turn it around? There was nothing in the first leg to give backers confidence.
Sheffield United vs Bristol City predictions and odds
The head-to-head stats for the season now stand at two wins for Sheffield United and one draw. Interestingly, that came at this venue in March when the sides played a 1-1 draw. More of the same would suit the Blades much more than the visitors.
As a draw would send Sheffield United through, I'm predicting the home team will keep things tight and frustrate their rivals. Backing the draw would've landed you a profit in two of the last six, both games ending 1-1. There has been one goal or fewer between Sheff Utd and Bristol City in five of their previous six meetings.
Bet explanation: If the second leg between Sheffield United and Bristol City ends in a draw, regardless of the score, you'll land a profit.
Sunderland vs Coventry, Tuesday 20:00
Sunderland and Coventry City renew rivalries on Tuesday evening, and you can follow all the action from this mouth-watering play-off semi-final second leg live on Sky Sports. The rivals are potentially 90 minutes away from booking a slot in the final at Wembley, where they'll shoot for a place in the Premier League. Will the Black Cats win at home? You can bet on Sunderland in the match-winner market at odds of 5/4 with bet365.
Sunderland banked an away win on Friday night when beating Coventry 2-1. The Black Cats opened the scoring on 68 minutes through Wilson Isidor. The Sky Blues quickly drew level through Jack Rudoni, but Eliezer Mayenda had the final say, netting a dramatic winner near the end. It was a hard-earned result.
Sky Blues must bounce back
There was very little between the rivals on Friday, and we're all set for another battle under the lights on Tuesday evening on Wearside. The visitors know they must win at all costs, and the betting makes for interesting reading. Coventry is 23/10 with bet365, and the same bookie also offers the draw at 23/10.
Coventry failed to make home advantage count, losing on Friday, but they remain in the contest. A one-goal win at the Stadium of Light forces the game into extra time. Victory by two or more goals sends them to Wembley. The stats give the fans reason to dream with the Sky Blues winning 3-0 here in December 2023 and scoring twice in a draw at this venue last year.
Sunderland vs Coventry predictions and odds
Sunderland are deserved betting favourites ahead of the second leg as backers come in heavy to support the home win. There's still work to do, but having gotten their noses in front in the tie, the Black Cats are good value to do the double.
Back Sunderland to progress to the final with a win. You can follow the pick as a single or add the locals to your accumulators, helping to boost the returns.
Tip: Sunderland win @ 5/4 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Sunderland wins the game in regulation time, your bet's a winner and the profits will quickly appear in your betting balance.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.