Championship play-off final stats ahead of Middlesbrough v Norwich
Dubbed football's richest game because of the vast sums at stake, this year's Championship play-off final sees Norwich take on Middlesbrough.
The prize on offer is a place in next season's lucrative Premier League, which experts estimate to be worth in the region of £120m in TV money and increased gate receipts.
Since the concept was introduced in 1987, the Football League play-offs have been the cause of ecstasy and agony in equal amount.
Here, we look at some of the key statistics over the years.
Most regular Play-Off contenders
Ipswich Town's appearance in this year's competition makes them the most frequent visitor with eight appearances. They've only won promotion once, a disappointing 12.5% success rate.
Best Play-Off sides
Crystal Palace have won promotion via the play-offs on five occasions, more times than anyone else, with another five other sides going up in this fashion twice. Notts County, Hull City, Burnley, Swansea and QPR boast a 100% Championship promotion record – but all are 'one from one'.
Worst Play-Off sides
Sheffield United are arguably the worst side, with no promotions from four events, alongside Reading. Ipswich Town's record is just as bad with one promotion in eight attempts, while Derby, Wolves and Birmingham City have each only won once in five attempts.
Goals Galore
There's an average 2.82 goals per game in the play-off final, implying exciting times, but this has been reversed in recent years. A 1-0 victory is the most common play-off final match result (11 from 28 finals) and seven of the last ten matches have ended in this way.
Goalscorers
Steve Walsh, Clive Mendonca and Scott Sinclair are the play-off final's top scorers with three each. Bobby Zamora has two goals, but has the honour of also being the only player to score two winning goals for two different sides (West Ham and QPR).
Position of winners and Runners up
The team that finishes third in the league has won 35.7% of play-off finals, 25% finished fifth, while sixth and fourth are both on 17.9%, which is good news for Norwich. When it comes to being losers in the final, 28.5% finished fourth. Look away now, Boro fans.
Straight back down?
15 of 28 winners have been relegated in their first season (54%).
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