Play-offs - Who, Where and When!

Last updated : 18 April 2006 By Gary Calder

The composition of the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs may have been confirmed over the Easter holiday period but we are no nearer to finding out who Watford are likely to be playing in them or on what day or time.

Preston North End's two goal home success over Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday has moved Billy Davies' men into a season high fourth place, and Leeds United will need to defeat Premiership bound Sheffield United this evening at Bramall Lane to reclaim that spot in the table.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's goalless draw at Burnley on Bank Holiday Monday has left them in sixth place and in all probability the best Iain Dowie's men can now hope for is fifth position, unless there is a total collapse of the teams above them in the last couple of matches. For the up to date Coca-Cola Championship table click here.

So it's all a bit up in the air, but here at the Golden Boys we can at least attempt to unravel some of the possibilities that will allow you to prepare your diary.

Should Watford finish in third or fourth place in the final Coca-Cola Championship table they will be away in the first leg of the play-off semi-final on either

Friday 5th May 2006 or Saturday 6th May 2006

The Friday fixture will be an evening match, in all likelihood a 7.45pm kick-off*, unless the Golden Boys are required to travel to Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace prefer an 8pm* start.

The Saturday tie will kick-off at lunchtime, 12.15pm* or early evening, kick-off 6.05pm*, as there is a full list of Coca-Cola League One and Two fixtures on that day, and it is unlikely that Sky Sports, who are scheduled to televise all of the Coca- Cola Championship play-off matches live, will show a game at 3pm.

The second legs are to be played on the evenings of either,

Monday 8th May 2006 or Tuesday 9th May 2006. Kick-off for both these dates are likely to be 7.45pm*.

The Millennium Stadium
The Play-off final itself will take place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 21st May 2006, Kick-off 3pm*.

Please continue to check with this website for confirmation of actual match ups and definitive kick-off times as soon as they are finalised.


* Please note that firm timings of matches are to be determined by the Football League and concur with Sky Sports and their Live TV Coverage.