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Wembley Play-Off Final preview

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Wembley Play-Off Final preview

While many eyes in the football world are on the Champions League Final in Munich, the stage is set in London for arguably the biggest prize in world football - promotion to the Premier League. SoccerBible dropped by to see how the Football League have prepared Wembley Stadium for the big game.

The npower Championship Play-Off Final pits West Ham United against Blackpool at one of the world s most iconic football arenas. At 3pm on Saturday May 19, the two sides will compete for a £90 million membership of the Premier League and a procession of great games next season.





Both sides are seeking an immediate return to the top flight after being relegated last term. West Ham, under the stewardship of  Big Sam  Allardyce, finished third in the npower Championship and comfortably beat Cardiff City 5-0 on aggregate in the Play-Off Semi-Final to secure their place in the Final. It is The Hammers' first visit to Wembley since 1981.



The West Ham kit man showed SoccerBible Ricardo Vaz Te's adidas F50 boots undergoing some pre-match preparation of their own. The boots were mounted on a mean-looking device called a boot stretcher. It s used to loosen up boots if they are new, or to suit a player's preference.





Fifth-placed Blackpool edged out Birmingham City 2-3 in the Semi-Final. And although according to bookmakers, the Tangerine Army are the underdogs, you can bet manager Ian Holloway will have his troops fired up and confident come kick-off.



A TV audience of 200 million people will have access to coverage of the game worldwide as the game is screened live in 95 countries by 37 different broadcasters. Football League title sponsors npower have run a competition and winning fans from both teams will see their own faces plastered on huge banners on the side of Wembley Stadium as they arrive at the ground.

For a chance to win exclusive npower Football League prizes, visit - www.npower.com/fanpower - And let us know who you'll be supporting for the play-off final to reach the Premier League? Share your opinions online.

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