The richest game in sport comes to Wembley as Luton Town and Coventry City meet on Saturday with a spot in the Premier League on the line. Neither team has been in the top flight since 2001, but a drought is coming to an end and it could be worth at least £170m, according to Deloitte.
The duo have had quite the path to Wembley beating Sunderland and Middlesbrough and will aim to join Burnley and Sheffield United in the top flight.
“Should the winner avoid immediate relegation from the Premier League there could be a financial raise of more than £290 million. However, only a small number of newly promoted clubs have survived their first season in the Premier League and the winner will be focused on maintaining their new position in the most revenue-generating football league in the world,” assistant director at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, Zai Udwadia. “This weekend’s award will play a vital role in recruiting playing talent and investing in infrastructure and fan experience to give the promoted side the best chance of staying with the best teams in England.”
Udwadia makes a good point about what the team has to gain, especially after a season where all three promoted sides remain in the Premier League. Since 2008, the play-off winner has done well in the Premier League with eight of the last 15 seasons, which will give hope to these teams despite a lot of work to be done to prepare.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and opportunities
- Date: Saturday 27 May | Time: 11:45 a.m. ET
- Place: Wembley Stadium — London
- TV: None | Live stream: ESPN+
- Chances: Coventry city +210; Draw +190; Luton Town +145 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
city of coventry: Mark Robins’ team had the odd honor of playing Middlesbrough three times in a row. They were exciting games, two of which ended in a draw, but when it came down to it, Coventry managed to win away thanks to a goal from Gustavo Hamer. They’ll need more than two shots on target to beat Luton in the final, but with a defense that can pack powerful attacks they have a chance to force the game to penalties.
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Luton Town: Set-plays were the name of the game when Luton’s size helped them beat Sunderland, but experience could be what helps them this time around. Being in the pressure cooker of the Championship Playoffs last season gives them a platform to build on this season, but if the game goes to penalties then it’s anyone’s game.
Prediction
As with most Championship Playoff Finals, this will be another one to reach extra time, but Luton’s experience will see them through to the Premier League. Choose: Coventry City 0, Luton Town 1 (added extra time)