THE CHAMPIONSHIP play-off final is fast approaching, with both Reading FC and Huddersfield Town looking to secure a coveted spot in the Premier League worth at least £170m to the winners.

Royals boss Jaap Stam and his opposite number David Wagner have both beaten each other once already this campaign, with Royals winning 1-0 at Madejski Stadium last September and Terriers triumphing by the same scoreline at John Smith’s Stadium.

Now, with just one victory standing in the way of both clubs and Premier League football next football, it all comes down to the crunch fixture at Wembley Stadium on Monday (3pm ko).

After achieving lowly finishes in the league last season, neither Royals nor Terriers were expected to end up in the top six this year.

However, both sides proved bookmakers wrong again when they progressed through the semi-finals.

Royals ended Fulham’s dreams over the two legs, while Huddersfield secured their place at Wembley by beating Sheffield Wednesday on penalties after drawing both play-off legs.

Goalkeeper Danny Ward, returning from a match ban, won the day for the Terriers with some vital saves in the shoot-out, though Wagner’s men haven’t won inside 90 minutes for the last four matches.

Previous clashes between Reading and Huddersfield have been fairly evenly matched, although Royals hold the most dominant victory with a 5-2 win in the FA Cup last year.

Reading Chronicle:

Huddersfield manager, David Wagner.

This season has seen Stam’s side undergo a complete makeover and they are now barely recognisable from the team that finished 17th in the table last year under Steve Clarke and then Brian McDermott.

Under Stam’s leadership, the team has gone from strength to strength, winning seven of their last 10 games before the play-offs began.

Huddersfield have also seen a massive improvement in results, going from 19th in the table last year to fighting for a spot in the top-flight.

However, their form appears to have deserted them with just three wins in their 10 previous matches.

Even so, the Terriers have been touted as the bookies favourite to win the upcoming final.

And whilst Huddersfield are yet to grace the Premier League, several of their players boast top-flight experience.

Abingdon-born Dean Whitehead has enjoyed spells with Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Sunderland. Jonathon Hogg, who made 39 appearances in the league this season, has also been linked to the Premier League, having previously played for Watford FC.

Hogg has proven to be a key player for the Terriers and was lucky to recover from a neck fracture in March during Huddersfield’s match against Bristol City.

But Royals also boast their fair share of Premier League experience, none more so than ex-Manchester United treble winner Stam himself.

Liam Moore had a brief spell in the top-flight with Leicester City, Paul McShane played for Hull City and Tyler Blackett turned out for Manchester United on several occasions.

Royals have achieved top-flight status twice in their history, lasting two seasons under Steve Coppell between 2006-2008 and one season under Brian McDermott and Nigel Adkins in 2012/2013.