The EFL kicks off this weekend and in the Championship, there will be a number of clubs eyeing promotion to the Premier League.
Let's see which clubs I think will be in the mix for promotion this season.
Automatic Hopefuls
LEEDS
Leeds were beaten in the play off final last season by eventual winners Southampton and whilst that defeat might hurt them, they should still have enough in them to secure automatic promotion. They might've lost top scorer Crysencio Summerville and young starlet Archie Gray, but they have a manager in Daniel Farke who knows what it takes to get out of the division having done so twice with Norwich in 2019 and 2021. Because of this and a strong squad on paper, they should definitely achieve promotion.
REDICTION: Promoted
BURNLEY
The Clarets are arguably the best equipped side to bounce straight back up out of all the sides that came down. Most of their current squad were part of the side that won the title two seasons ago and they have a manager in Scott Parker who knows what it takes to win promotion after doing so twice with Fulham and Bournemouth respectively. Because of this, they should have enough to bounce back at the first attempt.
Play Off Contenders
LUTON
Luton competed reasonably well in the Premier League last season despite their relegation, and their performances from last season will give them some confidence heading into this campaign. Penning manager Rob Edwards down to a new contract was key as he's quite possibly the best chance they have of bouncing straight back up. With this and a Championship quality squad at best, they should have enough for at least the play offs, but not quite automatic promotion.
PREDICTION: Play Offs
COVENTRY
Coventry have been in and around the play offs over the last couple of seasons, including an appearance in the play off final two seasons ago. They did miss out by a long way last season, but they did reach an FA Cup semi final where they were very unlucky to lose to Man United. With manager Mark Robins still around and a good squad on paper, the Sky Blues should put themselves back in play off contention this season.
PREDICTION: Play Offs
WEST BROM
The Baggies finished in the play offs last season and they'll be expected to do the same again this season as they have a good squad on paper and a good manager in Carlos Corberan, who has got them playing an attractive style of football. They don't have enough to push for automatic promotion, but they should have more than enough to finish in the play offs.
PREDICTION: Play Offs
MIDDLESBROUGH
Boro missed out on the play offs last season and have started the last two campaigns very poorly. They're a team in transition under Michael Carrick who is building a aside capable of pushing for promotion and he'll need his side to start better this time round if they're to put themselves in the mix. With a good squad on paper, they should definitely qualify for at least the play offs.
PREDICTION: Play Offs
Outsiders
NORWICH
Norwich overachieved last season by finishing in the play offs but ended up sacking manager David Wagner. New boss Johannes Hoff Thorup is young, but he could turn out to be a decent appointment as no one will have heard of him. Keeping main man Gabriel Sara was key and because of that, I can see the Canaries finishing in and around the play offs again.
PREDICTION: Top Half
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Promotion will be the aim for Sheffield United this season after having just come down, but after an absolute rotten season in the Premier League last season it could take them time to get used to winning football matches again. Manager Chris Wilder did take them up back in 2019 and he does have a good enough squad to compete at this level. But I think they'll end up missing out on the play offs as it could take time for them to get used to winning games again.
PREDICTION: Top Half
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