English Promotion Playoff Semifinals Preview

Bournemouth v. Brentford

Bournemouth is looking to secure promotion back to the Premier League after getting relegated on the last day of the season last year. Bournemouth struggled to get to this spot in the promotion playoff as the two teams that came down with them, Norwich and Watford, finished 1 and 2 in the Championship to secure the automatic promotion. Bournemouth has gone through 2 managers in the past 2 years with their current boss only getting control of the team midway through the year. The loss of Callum Wilson to Newcastle United in the summer has hurt their goal scoring record and they will rely a ton on Dominic Solanke to provide the end product. Speaking of goal scoring records, there was no better player in the Championship than Ivan Toney for Brentford this season. The forward shattered the all-time goal scoring record for the division and has been key in Brentford's extremely successful season. Brentford made the promotion playoff last year only to lose to Fulham, who ended up securing the final spot only to then get relegated this year in the Premier League. The form between these two teams is completely opposite as Bournemouth have lost 3 in a row entering this contest and Brentford has won 4 in a row. Bournemouth has a more veteran and proven squad with a decent back 4 but Brentford has the enthusiasm and momentum to push the pace in this tie. 

The Bet: Brentford to Win on the Draw No Bet Line

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford

Barnsley v. Swansea City

Barnsley are the darlings of the Championship this season. A small club with a small transfer budget has soared towards the top of the table with a stunning mid to final season run. Barnsley was buoyed by the winter window loan of Daryl Dike from Orlando City in the MLS who came over and started finishing goals with regularity right away. Barnsley are well drilled in by their manager and have shed the underdog status going into this tie. Swansea were victims of the promotion playoff last season as they lost and missed out on a return to the Premier League. The Swans are the giants of Welsh football and have a well balanced roster consisting of strong veteran players. Swansea has been here before, whereas Barnsley have not, and despite fielding a weaker team they could find a way through. Form favors today's hosts as they come in with 2 wins in their past 4 while Swansea has only won 1 of its past 5 appearances in league play. I think this tie will be decided in the second leg when all will be left to play for.

The Bet: Game to End in a Draw

Prediction: Barnsley 1-1 Swansea City