Match Preview
Crystal Palace and Watford will go head-to-head in the richest game in English football as the two Championship sides vie for promotion to next season's Premier League and with it a £120 million jackpot. Along with joining Cardiff and Hull in the top flight next season, the winner can expect an increase in revenue worth around £60 million, and, with parachute payments included, will scoop the sum of £120 million even if they come straight back down. Not that either side will be contemplating relegation this afternoon as they each prepare for one of the biggest games in their respective histories. Cardiff manager Ian Holloway will be all too familiar with the drama of the occasion as he prepares for his third play-off final in four years having previously taken Blackpool into the Premier League back in 2010 before losing last season's final to West Ham. As for Watford manager Gianfranco Zola, he too will be familiar with the looming Wembley arch having twice been an FA Cup winner as a player - though this will mark his first play-off final. However, the Italian has stressed that his side would be "crazy" to let the pressure affect them, and will be hoping for more Wembley joy this afternoon, this time as a manager. Palace co-owner and co-chairman Steve Parish is all too well aware of what's at stake and summed today's Final up when he told
BBC London:
"It's almost like walking into a casino and putting the future of the club on red or black. It's a 50-50 bet with which you might be able to transform your football club."