Millwall finished third in the regular season of the Sky Bet Championship, achieving 83 points and 24 wins. This marks their first appearance in the play-offs since 2002.

Manager Alex Neil praised his team’s performance, saying, “It’s been a brilliant season, the lads have been absolutely first class.” He emphasized their strong showing throughout the year.

The upcoming play-off semi-finals will see Millwall face Hull City. The first leg is scheduled for May 8, while the final will take place on May 23 at Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, Ipswich’s victory over QPR guaranteed their promotion to the Premier League. Millwall’s achievement was somewhat overshadowed by this news.

Oxford United, on the other hand, faced relegation after this season. Their defeat against Millwall confirmed their drop from the Championship.

Matt Bloomfield, manager of Oxford United, acknowledged Millwall’s performance. He stated, “I thought Millwall were excellent on the day, which was no surprise given the circumstances and atmosphere.”

This season has been significant for Millwall as they aim for promotion back to the Premier League. Their last stint in that league ended many years ago.

The post Millwall Secures Play-Off Spot for the First Time in 24 Years appeared first on newskenya.

In their last matches, Hull suffered a 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic. In contrast, Norwich managed to draw 1-1 against Swansea City. Hull is currently one goal behind Wrexham in the race for the final play-off position.

Key statistics:

• Hull has two wins, four losses, and four draws in their last ten league games.
• Norwich has six victories and only two defeats in their last ten league games.
• Joe Gelhardt leads Hull with three goals, while Mohamed Toure tops Norwich with four goals.
• Hull averages 1.2 goals from 4.0 shots on goal in their last ten league matches.
• Norwich averages 1.5 goals from 5.5 shots on goal during the same period.

The last encounter between these teams saw Hull claim a 2-0 victory at Carrow Road. This match holds significant importance for Hull as they aim to secure a place in the promotion play-offs.

Quotes from analysts:

• “Hull look like a spot of value at 1.74 when it comes to the latest betting.”
• “Hull’s season on the line, the home crowd could play a crucial role in pushing the Tigers to deliver one final strong performance.”
• “Norwich’s strong form and Hull’s recent winless streak make this outcome the most probable scenario.”
• “Hull City must balance urgency with control, knowing that a win could secure a play-off spot if results elsewhere go their way.”

This matchup is crucial for Hull as they strive for success in the Championship. With only a few matches left in the season, every point counts toward their playoff ambitions.

The post Hull vs norwich city appeared first on newskenya.

The stakes were high as both teams needed a win to secure their playoff ambitions. Hull City entered the match knowing they needed to secure all three points to have any chance of advancing. Meanwhile, Wrexham required a win and hoped for a Hull loss.

Key facts:

• Hull City secured the final play-off spot after their 2-1 win.
• Wrexham missed out after drawing 2-2 against Middlesbrough.
• The Championship regular season concludes on May 2, 2026.
• The EFL Championship play-off semi-finals will take place between May 8 and May 15, 2026.
• The Championship play-off final is scheduled for May 23, 2026, at Wembley Stadium.

This dramatic turn of events directly impacts both Hull City and Wrexham. Hull City now prepares to face Millwall in the semi-finals, while Wrexham must regroup for next season. Southampton also remains a key contender, currently enjoying a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run in the Championship.

All matches in the play-offs will be available live on Sky Sports, giving fans ample opportunity to witness this exciting stage of English football. The competitiveness of the Championship makes every match crucial — teams often find themselves fighting until the last minute to secure promotion opportunities.

As Hull City gears up for their playoff journey, they will look to capitalize on their recent form to push for promotion to the Premier League. Their victory over Norwich serves as a testament to their resilience and determination.

The post Championship: Hull City Secures Play-Off Spot with Dramatic Win appeared first on newskenya.

Preston have struggled recently, winning only one of their last six home matches in the Championship. They currently sit in 12th place but could finish as high as 10th. In contrast, Southampton are enjoying a strong season, confirmed in the Championship play-offs and maintaining an impressive 18-game unbeaten league streak.

In their previous encounter, Preston defeated Southampton 2-0 in November. Liam Lindsay scored two goals in Preston’s last match against Sheffield United, while Lewis Dobbin has contributed significantly this season with 17 goal contributions across 38 appearances.

Key facts:

• Preston have won just one home game in their last six Championship matches.
• Southampton have collected 44 home points during the 2025-26 season.
• Liam Lindsay scored two goals in Preston’s last match against Sheffield United.
• Southampton’s last ten league games include seven wins and three draws.

However, Preston will be without key players due to injuries. Jamal Lewis, Callum Lang, and Ali McCann are unavailable for selection. For Southampton, Alex McCarthy and Mads Roerslev are long-term absentees.

Both teams have clear objectives for this match. Preston aims to conclude their Deepdale duties with a standout success after recent struggles at home. Meanwhile, Southampton will be desperate to continue their positive momentum heading into the playoffs.

The post Preston vs southampton appeared first on newskenya.

Boreham Wood enters this match after defeating Sutton United 1-0 on the final day of the season. This victory secured their place in the play-offs. Forest Green Rovers, however, finished seventh in the league table and won their last match against Morecambe 5-0.

Key facts:

• Boreham Wood and Forest Green Rovers drew 1-1 in their last meeting in February 2026.
• The match will be broadcast live on DAZN.
• The play-off format includes two one-leg eliminators followed by semi-finals.
• The final of the play-offs will be held at Wembley Stadium.

Forest Green Rovers head into the play-off eliminators as the lowest-ranked side. They aim to upset Boreham Wood, who have only one loss in their last nine matches. Observers expect a competitive encounter as both teams vie for advancement.

The winner of this match will face Carlisle United in the semi-finals. Fans eagerly anticipate this showdown, hoping for an exciting display of skill and determination.

The post Boreham wood vs forest green appeared first on newskenya.

Tickets for the match went on general sale on April 24, 2026. Season ticket holders had a priority window to purchase tickets before the general sale. Ticket prices vary based on seating categories, ranging from £5 to £33.

Ticket pricing details:

• Early Bird Adult ticket price for Threadgold, Mortz, and Lincs Co-op Family Zone stands at £20.
• Matchday Adult ticket price for the same area is £22.
• Early Bird ticket price for 65+/U21/FT Student/Key Worker is £16.
• Matchday ticket price for 65+/U21/FT Student/Key Worker is £17.
• Early Bird ticket price for U18 is £8; Matchday price is £10.
• Early Bird and Matchday ticket price for U12 is £5.
• Matchday Adult ticket price for Executive Seats Category B is £33.

The printed matchday programme will be available for £3. Fans can expect an exciting atmosphere as Scunthorpe aims to secure their place in the next round of the play-offs. The match represents a pivotal moment in their season.

This encounter at the Attis Arena not only impacts team standings but also engages local supporters eager to see their club advance. Scunthorpe’s performance in this match could define their trajectory in the National League and their aspirations for promotion.

The post Scunthorpe vs southend appeared first on newskenya.

Coventry secured the Championship title after a 25-year absence from the top flight. They dominated their last match against Portsmouth, winning 5-1. This victory brought their total points to 92 for the season.

Wrexham currently occupies the final play-off spot in the Championship. They have shown resilience under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Wrexham won back-to-back games leading up to this match.

In their previous meeting, Wrexham edged out Coventry with a 3-2 victory. Haji Wright stands out as Wrexham’s key player, scoring 17 goals this season, making him the second-top scorer in the Championship.

Brandon Thomas-Asante has also been crucial for Coventry, netting 12 goals this season. Ephron Mason-Clark and Josh Windass add depth to both squads.

Coventry has won 15 of their last 20 home games. They have scored an impressive total of 90 goals across 44 league matches this season. Their attacking prowess is evident.

The odds favor Coventry at 2.10 to win this match, reflecting their strong form. Yet, Wrexham’s average possession percentage of 51% indicates their ability to control games.

This match is significant not just for points but also for momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. A win for Coventry solidifies their championship status while a victory for Wrexham secures their place in the play-offs.

As fans gather for what promises to be an exciting encounter, both teams understand the stakes involved. The outcome could shape their respective futures in the league.

The post Coventry vs wrexham appeared first on newskenya.

Slovakia’s recent record shows a mixed bag of results, with five wins, four losses, and one draw in their last ten competitive matches. Their struggles in front of goal are evident, averaging only 0.8 goals from 3.9 shots on target. In stark contrast, Kosovo has enjoyed a more fruitful run, with six victories, two defeats, and two draws in their last ten games, averaging 1.2 goals from 4.5 shots on target. This disparity in form could play a crucial role in the upcoming encounter.

Historically, the two teams have faced each other in high-stakes situations. Kosovo eliminated Slovakia from the World Cup play-off semi-final with a thrilling 4-3 victory, marking a significant moment in their footballing rivalry. This match will be a chance for Slovakia to seek redemption and demonstrate their ability to compete at a higher level, especially since they last appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Key players will be instrumental in determining the outcome of the match. For Slovakia, defenders David Hancko and David Strelec have been their leading scorers, each netting two goals. Kosovo’s Vedat Muriqi stands out as their top scorer with four goals, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently. The performance of these players will be critical as both teams look to secure a vital win.

In the previous encounter between these two teams, Kosovo’s Veldin Hodza was named Man of the Match, highlighting his significant impact on the game. Slovakia will need to counteract such performances if they hope to turn their fortunes around. The match will also be a test of tactical prowess, with Slovakia’s coach Franco Foda and Kosovo’s Francesco Calzona needing to devise strategies that can exploit the weaknesses of their opponents.

As the match approaches, the atmosphere in Bratislava is expected to be electric, with fans eager to support their teams. The stakes are high, not just for the points but for national pride and the chance to advance further in the World Cup qualifiers. Slovakia will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat, while Kosovo aims to continue their impressive run.

What the data shows is that both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome of the match could hinge on which team can capitalize on their opportunities. Slovakia’s recent struggles in front of goal contrast sharply with Kosovo’s more effective attacking play. As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the question remains: who will emerge victorious?

Kosovo’s next challenge will be against Turkey in the play-off final, a match that will test their resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Slovakia will be eager to regroup and find their form, hoping to avoid another disappointing result.

The post Slovakia vs Kosovo: A Clash of Footballing Fortunes appeared first on newskenya.