Championship Play Off Semi Finals: Who Goes To Wembley?
Every year, the Championship play off semi finals bring a mix of hope, nerves and excitement. With promotion on the line, four teams compete for their shot at Wembley and a place in the Premier League.
If you’re new to the format, the teams finishing third to sixth at the end of the regular season enter the play offs. Each tie is played over two matches, home and away, so both sides get a turn in front of their own fans.
There’s plenty to get into, from recent form to standout performers and the moments that have shaped past campaigns. If you’re wondering how the semi finals work or what reaching Wembley can mean for a club’s future, here’s what to expect.
Who Is In The Championship Play-Offs?
Four clubs have secured their places after a tense race that went down to the final day. Here’s a closer look at each side, including where they finished, their form heading into the play-offs, and the players likely to shape their fate.
Millwall
Millwall finished 3rd after a campaign built on structure, discipline, and resilience, just missing out on automatic promotion on the final day. Their form coming into the play-offs has been impressive (D-W-W-D-W), showing their ability to grind out results when needed and keeping three clean sheets in that time.
Key players include Femi Azeez, whose creativity and goals from midfield are crucial, and Jake Cooper, a commanding presence in defence who anchors their back line. The atmosphere at The Den remains a major advantage, especially in high-stakes matches.
Southampton
Southampton claimed 4th place, underlining their consistency after relegation. They head into the play-offs in strong form (W-W-D-D-W), playing with confidence and attacking intent, which has saw them go 19 unbeaten in the league.
Their key figures include Ross Stewart, a reliable goal scorer at this level, and Finn Azaz, who dictates play from midfield. Their blend of academy talent and experience makes them one of the more balanced sides in the mix.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough secured 5th place, cementing their place into the play-offs after a competitive run-in. They have improved their recent form (L-D-W-W-D) after a poor run, gaining momentum at the right time, with performances improving when it mattered most.
Tommy Conway provides the main goal threat, while Hayden Hackney adds energy and composure in midfield. Under Kim Hellberg, they’ve developed a clear identity built on controlled attacking play.
Hull City
Hull City finished 6th after securing their play off place on the final day of the season. Their recent form (L-D-D-L-W) suggests they aren’t in the best form for a play off run.
Liam Millar offers flair and attacking unpredictability, while John Egan is key defensively, combining composure with physicality. Hull’s tactical discipline and ability to strike quickly make them dangerous opponents.
With all four teams set, the focus now shifts to the matchups—and who can handle the pressure of the play-off stage to reach Wembley.
Who Plays Who In The Championship Play Offs?
Each tie is played over two legs, with both clubs hosting once, and the higher combined score decides who progresses to the final at Wembley.
Millwall vs Hull City
The first Championship semi-final sees Millwall take on Hull. In the first meeting of the 2025-26 season, Hull ran out 3-1 winners away from home. Millwall replicated this feat in the return fixture, coming away from the MKM Stadium as 3-1 winners.
Southampton vs Middlesbrough
Southampton face Middlesbrough in the other Championship play off semi-final, which should result in an exciting affair. The sides played out a 1-1 draw when they met in September 2025, before Middlesbrough ran out 4-0 winners at the Riverside stadium at the beginning of the new year.
If the aggregate score is level after both legs, extra time and, if required, penalties decide the winner. There is no away-goals rule, so every goal carries the same weight regardless of venue.
These fixtures are designed to be as fair as possible across two matches, balancing home advantage and the ability to respond in the second leg.
When Will The Championship Play Off Semi Finals Be Played?
The semi finals usually start shortly after the regular season ends. First legs are commonly scheduled over a weekend, with return legs following a few days later, often midweek. That quick turnaround keeps the intensity high for players, coaches and supporters.
The confirmed fixtures for the Championship Play Off Semi Finals are as follows:
- May 8th, 1st Leg: Hull City vs Millwall
- May 9th, 1st Leg: Middlesbrough vs Southampton
- May 11th, 2nd Leg: Millwall vs Hull
- May 12th, 2nd Leg: Southampton vs Middlesbrough
Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Predictions
With Millwall vs Hull and Southampton vs Middlesbrough on the schedule, the semi-finals look finely balanced. These ties are rarely decided by form alone; they tend to hinge on how well teams handle pressure across two legs, where patience and discipline are just as important as attacking quality.
Southampton and Middlesbrough both have experience in high-stakes matches, which can be crucial when momentum swings or games tighten up. Millwall and Hull, meanwhile, have built their campaigns on organisation and relentless work-rate, qualities that can make them difficult to break down and keep contests close deep into each leg.
Depth will also play a key role. Managers need options to respond to injuries, fatigue, or tactical shifts without weakening the side. In matches where chances may be limited, set pieces and goalkeeping could prove decisive, with a single moment often enough to separate the teams.
Home advantage remains a factor, particularly for the side hosting the second leg, but without the away-goals rule, both fixtures should stay open and competitive throughout. Ultimately, progression is likely to come down to clarity of approach, defensive concentration, and the ability to capitalise when opportunities arise.
When Is The Championship Play Off Final?
The Championship play off final is held at Wembley Stadium towards the end of May. It is one of the most high-stakes fixtures in English football, confirming which club joins the Premier League.
The Championship Play Off Final is scheduled to take place on Saturday 23rd May. Only the two semi final winners make it to Wembley, and the match is settled on the day, with extra time and penalties if needed.
With the destination set and the prize clear, all focus turns to who can navigate the semi finals and take that final step.
Bet on the Championship Play Offs at Bet442
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