OUR fascinating EFL Championship kicks off again next month and interest is absolutely booming.
The 2023/24 campaign featured more than 12 million spectators watching matches in person which was a 22% increase on the previous season. Overall figures were greater than the Bundesliga in Germany, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A.
Therefore, the Championship is now the second highest attended football division in Europe behind the Premier League thus attracting huge betting activity.
Championship Title Odds 24/25:
- Leeds - 7/2
- Burnley - 8/1
- Luton Town - 11/1
- Sheffield United - 12/1
- Middlesbrough - 14/1
- Coventry City - 16/1
- West Bromwich Albion - 16/1
- Norwich City - 16/1
- Bar - 20/1
So who will achieve promotion in 2024/25? Here are the teams I feel will be in contention alongside pertinent pointers to assist your Championship betting…
Burnley
- Final position 2023/24: 19th in the Premier League
Vincent Kompany’s managerial tenure at Turf Moor ceased in May with his move to Bayern Munich. A replacement appointment saw former England midfielder Scott Parker unveiled on 5th July.
Parker has led Fulham and AFC Bournemouth from the Championship up to the Premier League in recent years.
Like the other relegated clubs, Burnley possess a considerable parachute payments advantage in terms of player recruitment.
Derby County
- Final position 2023/24: 2nd in League One
I reckon Derby County will be this year’s surprise package. The Rams sealed League One automatic promotion on the concluding day courtesy of cruising 2-0 at home past Carlisle United.
They are a big club traditionally so won’t be overawed by Championship status. And don’t forget the precedent of Ipswich Town clinching back-to-back promotions during 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Incidentally, Derby last graced Premier League battles in 2007/08.
Leeds United
- Final position 2023/24: 3rd in the Championship
Leeds United are licking their raw wounds after narrowly going down 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.
Before then, they slipped out of top two discussions due to registering just one win amid the final six League fixtures culminating in two defeats.
Star man Crysencio Summerville is currently being linked to a host of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United.
Archie Gray has already left for Tottenham Hotspur in a £40 million package meaning money is available for fresh signings at Elland Road.
Luton Town
- Final position 2023/24: 18th in the Premier League
In an inaugural campaign as a Premier League outfit, Luton Town ended up six points below the dreaded dotted line.
Yet they will be determined to bounce back especially since their new 23,000 capacity Power Court Stadium is planned for completion within three years.
The Hatters were weakened by the departure of midfielder Ross Barkley to Aston Villa on 1st July. But manager Rob Edwards is one of the brightest coaches around and his team will be there or thereabouts this season.
Norwich City
- Final position 2023/24: 6th in the Championship
Norwich City have named former FC Nordsjaelland manager Johannes Hoff Thorup as their new head coach penning a three year deal.
Preceding incumbent David Wagner was sacked in light of the Canaries’ 4-0 aggregate reverse versus Leeds United in the Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.
Prior to that, Norwich City completed the regular League season amassing three games bereft of victory – two draws followed by a defeat. I fancy Thorup to enhance matters going forward.
Sheffield United
- Final position 2023/24: 20th in the Premier League
Sheffield United merely won three Premier League encounters last season and finished rock bottom – some 16 points adrift of survival.
However, boss Chris Wilder knows Championship affairs inside out so the Blades will surely be strong throughout 2024/25.
Lots of local intrigue too as they renew League rivalries against near neighbours Sheffield United for the first time in five years.
Sunderland
- Final position 2023/24: 16th in the Championship
Sunderland brought in Lorient boss Regis Le Bris on 22nd June as their new head coach. He negotiated a three year agreement.
The Black Cats hadn’t deployed a permanent manager beyond Michael Beale’s dismissal in February.
Despite disappointing performances, they were the best supported EFL club in 2023/24 boasting an average home gate of 41,158. Those expectant fans will demand improved results in the upcoming campaign.
West Bromwich Albion
- Final position 2023/24: 5th in the Championship
West Bromwich Albion surrendered 3-1 on aggregate to Southampton in our Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.
The Baggies need to boost firepower because last season’s leading scorer Brandon Thomas-Asante only mustered 12 League and Cup goals.
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*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
