The 2023-24 EFL Championship kicks off this weekend and it looks like being a hard-fought competition with the three relegated teams all looking for a swift return. They won’t find it easy though as there are a number of teams who look capable of mounting a challenge, and newly promoted Ipswitch could make a bid.
Leicester and Southampton have managed to retain the nucleus of their squads, which should stand them in good stead. Leeds United however have allowed a number of their recent big-money signings to go out on loan. Still, they do have new owners, The San Francisco 49ers and a new manager who has done it before at this level. The NFL influence is going to be a talking point this year as Quarter Back legend Tom Brady has switched sports and is now a shareholder in Birmingham City. He aparently will have an executive role and if his leadership skills can cross the boundary then the Blues could be the surprise team of the year.
Anyway here is how we think the teams will fare and our prediction for the final table and the playoff final.
EFL Championship Winners
It really looks wide open this year, however Leicester City who were Premier League Champions In 2016 looks just the strongest. They won the FA Cup in 2021 and it was a bit of a surprise seeing them relegated. They have lost a few key players, but have the strength in depth to overcome that at this level and of course will have plenty of cash in the coffers come the January transfer window. Plus they still have Jamie Vardy who should revel at this level.
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Automatic Promotion
This looks like a three-team battle with newly relegated Leeds & Southampton facing stiff competition from Michael Carrick’s Middlesborough. Leeds have appointed Daniel Farke as manager and despite a number of high-profile leavers they still have a strong squad in all areas but up front. However, Bamford is proven at this level and if he can stay on the pitch his goals should be enough to secure the second automatic spot.
Middlesborough finished 2022-23 in great form but fell in the playoffs. They will almost certainly make them again this year and should push Leeds all the way. Southampton will no doubt lose a few more of their players if not now in January and they might need a season to consolidate. However, they should be good enough to make the playoffs.
Playoff Contenders
Boro & The Saints look good bets to make the top six but behind them, there are a raft of teams who could also make a bid. Coventry made the playoffs last year but has lost their talisman goal scorer Viktor Gyökeres. Still, they have had money to spend and should be there or thereabouts again. Huddersfield finished 2023 strongly under Neil Warnock’s leadership and will have the league’s tallest player upfront – Kyle Hudlin who is 6f 9″! If they continue to progress they have a shout. The Brady effect could spur Birmingham on too. A long shot we know but there is usually one surprise team that comes out of the pack.
Norwich disappointed last year but should be better after a year’s consolidation. The squad doesn’t look any better though and they have lost some key players. Thus Ipswich is our pick for sixth. They have a young squad who are used to winning after a successful 2022-23 and they have spent well, adding Jack Taylor & George Hirst. This year’s East Anglian derby’s should be worth a watch
How Will the Newly Promoted Teams fare?
We expect a big showing from Ipswich, however, things don’t look so bright for either Plymouth or Sheffield Wednesday. Both could struggle however Plymouth look to have made some shrewd signings and may have the best chance of the two of avoiding the drop.
EFL Championship Relegation candidates
Rotherham survived by the skin of their teeth last year and it looks like being a long season for Millers fans again this time. They as per usual have had no transfer budget and unless they have hit pay dirt on some of their free transfer additions we think they will go down.
We also expect to see Cardiff, Queens Park Rangers and the two Reklegated Clubs mentioned above battle it out to avoid the drop.
EFL Championship Final Table Prediction
- Leicester City
- Leeds United
- Middlesbrough
- Southampton
- Coventry City
- Ipswich Town
- Norwich City
- Birmingham City
- Blackburn Rovers
- Huddersfield Town
- Stoke City
- Watford
- Bristol City
- Sunderland
- Hull City
- Millwall
- Preston North End
- Swansea City
- West Bromwich Albion
- Plymouth Argyle
- Sheffield Wednesday
- Queens Park Rangers
- Cardiff City
- Rotherham United
Playoff Final
Coventry (promoted) vs Middlesborough
So there we have it, our predictions for what could be the most competitive of the Four Football League Divisions this year at both ends of the table. Why not check out our most recent Championship posts while you are here or have a go at one of our growing bank of Football Quizzes.
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Scotty ✅
