Bristol City and Sheffield United will look to move one step closer to the Premier League when they meet on Thursday, live on talkSPORT.
The clash of the two EFL giants kicks-off the Championship play-offs, with Ashton Gate hosting for the first of the two-legged semi-final.
Bristol City dramatically secured a top-six finish in the second division on an enthralling final day last weekend.
The Robins fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point at home to Preston, with Blackburn’s draw away to Sheffield United cementing their position in the playoffs.
The Blades, meanwhile, had long since been assured of their post-season place in their bid to earn an instant Premier League return.
However, Chris Wilder‘s side missed out on the two automatic spots in heartbreaking fashion, as both Leeds and Burnley finished ahead.
Sheffield United will now need to dust themselves off and go again to remain on track for a return to English football’s top-flight.
Bristol City vs Sheffield United: History beckons
The Bramall Lane outfit ended the Championship season a whopping 22 points ahead of the Cider Army, but how relevant is that here?
It turns out that the cliche that the form guide goes out the window during the playoffs is not entirely accurate.
Instead, since the format started in 1987, teams finishing third are often likely to end up celebrating promotion at Wembley.
In contrast, clubs that sneak into the playoffs in sixth place usually fare the weakest in the playoffs.
Only on five occasions of the 38 editions of the Championship playoffs has it occurred, and not since Blackpool back in 2010.
| Playoffs year | Winners | Final league position |
| 2014 | QPR | 4th |
| 2015 | Norwich City | 3rd |
| 2016 | Hull City | 4th |
| 2017 | Huddersfield Town | 5th |
| 2018 | Fulham | 3rd |
| 2019 | Aston Villa | 5th |
| 2020 | Fulham | 4th |
| 2021 | Brentford | 3rd |
| 2022 | Nottingham Forest | 4th |
| 2023 | Luton Town | 3rd |
| 2024 | Southampton | 4th |
Bristol City vs Sheffield United: Team news
The home side are without defender Luke McNally, who is sidelined until October due to a serious knee injury.
Ayman Benarous remains another long-term absentee for the hosts, alongside Cameron Pring, while Mark Sykes is expected to miss out.
As for the visitors, Ollie Arblaster will also play no part in the playoffs as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained last year.
Goalkeeper Michael Cooper is set to return, having been rested against Blackburn, but Rhys Norrington-Davies is also out.
Bristol City vs Sheffield United: What has been said?
“Hopefully, we’ll show everybody that the team that finishes third doesn’t automatically lose in the play-offs,” Wilder said.
“That team that hasn’t won a play-off campaign can win one.
“That team that hasn’t been to Wembley for years can go to Wembley.
“We can do things that, in my opinion, that we’ve done from 2016, and create our own little bit of history.”
Bristol City vs Sheffield United: talkSPORT coverage
This Championship playoff semi-final first leg is set to take place on Thursday, May 8.
Kick-off at Ashton Gate is set for 8pm, with live and exclusive coverage available on the talkSPORT App.
Commentary will then come from Ian Danter and former Liverpool Women’s striker Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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The game will also be screened on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Football channels on TV.
