The English Football League have today confirmed the play-off dates and times for the League One semi-finals. There is still work for Sunderland to do if they are to compete in the end-of-season extravaganza.
But Black Cats find themselves in a strong position going into the final five matches of the regular league campaign. They are sixth in the table on 73 points, level with Sheffield Wednesday in fifth and seventh-placed Wycombe, although they crucially have a game in hand on the Chairboys.
It is going to be a nail-biting finish and the Easter period could potentially be season-defining for Wednesday. After a home game with Shrewsbury on Friday, then face promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle on Monday.
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Automatic promotion still looks a long shot for Sunderland. They have little margin for error after a poor run of form in January, which saw Lee Johnson leave the club. But the play-offs look a good bet in their bid to return to the Championship.
Below are the League One play-off dates.
Semi-final first leg
Thursday, May 5th - 6th vs 3rd (7:45pm)
Friday, May 6th - 5th vs 4th (7:45pm)
Semi-final second leg
Sunday, May 8th - 3rd vs 6th (6:30pm)
Monday, May 9th 4th vs 5th (7:45pm)
League One final
Saturday, May 21 (3pm)
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