EFL play-off decision impacts West Brom, Norwich City, Southampton and Hull after Aston Villa Liverpool clash

West Bromwich Albion and their Championship rivals have learned of a change to the play-off schedule.

The Baggies have held fifth spot for a majority of the campaign and if the season were to end now, they’d face fourth place. In March, the EFL confirmed the dates for the play-offs, though that has now been altered. 

The first leg which would be hosted by fifth and played against fourth was due to be played on Monday, May 13 at 8.00 pm. It meant that there was a real possibility there would be a clash with a Premier League match.

Aston Villa against Liverpool at Villa Park was pencilled in for that same date and kick-off time. Sky Sports Premier League would have been showing the fixture and given they’re also the lead broadcaster for the EFL, the two games would have been shown simultaneously.

If West Brom can hold on to fifth then they will no longer play on the Monday night. A decision made by the EFL who have spoken to those teams potentially involved in the play-offs have brought the game forward.  

Should the Baggies finish fifth the match will now take place on Sunday, May 12. The match will kick off at 2.15 pm, shortly after sixth against third which is at 12.30 pm. The second leg remains the same with fourth against fifth taking place on Friday, May 17 at 8.00 pm. Whichever two teams overcome their semi-finals will play at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 26. The kick-off time is still to be confirmed. 

As it stands, Ipswich Town are due to play Norwich City and Southampton will play against West Brom. The Tractor Boys do have a game in hand though over Leeds United in third as do league leaders Leicester City. Southampton are six points behind the automatic promotion places after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City in stoppage time at the weekend.

In the race for the play-offs, there are six points separating Norwich and Hull City though the latter has a game in hand over the Canaries. FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry have two games in hand and are nine points behind Norwich, with 12 points to play for.