Sky Sports considers the promotion credentials of those clubs entering the Championship play-offs.
Sky Sports considers the promotion credentials of those clubs entering the Championship play-offs.
Four teams have bought a ticket for the Championship play-off lottery, but only one will see their numbers come up.
For the lucky ones, fame and fortune in the Premier League awaits, with the richest game in world football set to take them to the Promised Land.
Three of those looking to hit the jackpot have tasted the high life before and are desperate to rub shoulders with English football's elite once more.
In fact, they are all looking to bounce back into the big time at the first time of asking, with the relegation pain of last season countered by the joys of a promotion push.
Making up the quartet of hopefuls is a club that have endured play-off heartache on an all too regular basis in the recent past and have been forced to watch on as their fiercest rivals have taken the top flight by storm - making history in the process.
All four clubs have every reason to believe that 2012 will be their year, but who has what it takes to negotiate three epic encounters and experience the highest of highs at Wembley Stadium on 19th May?
West Ham United
The Hammers were billed as pre-season title favourites, with it widely expected that their flirtation with the second tier would last no longer than 12 months. For much of the season it appeared as though they would live up to the hype and secure a top-two finish, but their inability to turn draws into wins - especially at home - means they will have to take the scenic route back to the Premier League. They will be hoping that the vast top flight experience they boast within their ranks plays into their hands, with the likes of Robert Green, George McCartney, Carlton Cole, Jack Collison and Papa Bouba Diop international stars who are accustomed to gracing grander stages. West Ham will also be looking to manager Sam Allardyce to mastermind their ascent back to the big time, with his past experience of promotion pushes a possible ace in their pack.
Birmingham City
The one concern for Birmingham heading into the end-of-season shake-up will be running out of gas. The Blues have done remarkably well to juggle domestic and European commitments and give themselves a shot at promotion. The Blues have already taken in an energy-sapping 60 games in 2011/12 and there will be a few in the St Andrews camp that are running on fumes. They are, however, only three games away from an immediate return to the top flight and Chris Hughton will demand one last push from his players. They have the quality to pip their rivals to the post, with Marlon King and Nikola Zigic a strike force to be reckoned with and Curtis Davies a consistent performer who would grace many a Premier League back four. The Blues will be in with a shout if they can field their strongest side and steer well clear of extra-time.
Blackpool
Ian Holloway has turned Blackpool from Championship relegation-fodder into a Premier League surprise package and a club that feels they now belong at the top table. Their exploits in 2010/11 proved that they are capable of holding their own among the best in the business and they will feel better prepared for another shot at the big time for having been through that experience. Holloway must have feared the worst when he saw a number of his leading lights head through the exits last summer, but his man management skills and ability to bring the best out of those available to him has seen him carry the Seasiders to within touching distance of a second play-off success in three years. Veteran frontman Kevin Phillips has proved to be an inspired singing, while Matt Phillips has blossomed into a forward of international calibre. The fact that they know what it takes to prevail in the play-offs makes them a considerable threat, and there is every chance that they could line up against Cardiff at Wembley in a repeat of the 2009/10 final.
Cardiff City
The side that finishes sixth has a history of faring well in the play-offs, and Cardiff will be hoping that trend continues. There is, however, little to choose between the four clubs, with there no record which stands out and suggests that one team has the momentum firmly behind them. All of those in the mix ended the campaign with useful unbeaten runs, and the Bluebirds have gone 10 games since they last came unstuck. Cardiff will be hoping to emulate Swansea's success from last season and join their fellow Welshmen in the Premier League, but it could be a mental barrier that holds them back. Cardiff fell at the final hurdle in 2010 and slipped up at the semi-final stage last season. They must not allow previous failures to weigh on their mind this time around and will be looking to the likes of Liam Lawrence, Peter Whittingham and Kenny Miller to see them over the line.
