Sheffield United finished third in the Championship this season, 10 points behind Leeds United and Burnley, though they enter the play-offs having been by far the best of the four sides since August. Contrastingly, Bristol City only clinched a play-off place with a final-day draw against Preston North End, finishing on 68 points.

Bristol City suffered a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the Play-Off Semi-Final 1st leg at Ashton Gate. City were down to ten men just before half-time as Rob Dickie saw a straight red for a foul on Kieffer Moore inside the area, giving the Blades a penalty kick.