The EFL Championship Season Kicks Off Today: Here’s Why We’re Excited

Today’s Starting Bankroll: $1,884.56 (Yesterday’s Bets)

The anticipation is over—the EFL Championship season kicks off today, bringing with it the promise of thrilling football, intense rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of promotion. As fans across the country don their team colors and pack into stadiums, the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this blog, we’ll dive into what each team brings to the table this season, from the recently relegated giants aiming for an immediate Premier League return to the dark horses ready to shake things up. Get ready for a breakdown of all 24 clubs as they embark on this grueling campaign.

• Leeds United
  • Last season, Leeds topped the EFL Championship table with eight games to play but were unable to secure promotion back to the promised land despite amassing a 90-point haul and boasting one of the best Expected Points (xP) returns in recent second-tier history. If they come close to repeating those standards this term, the Whites will be hard to stop.
  • The EFL Championship favorite has won the title in four of the last five renewals and Leeds look the safest pair of hands with Daniel Farke in charge, a coach with course and distance form. Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville will undoubtedly be missed but the club have made a couple of smart additions, with more expected before September.
• Luton Town
  • After their remarkable promotion to the Premier League, Luton Town chose to focus on long-term stability, bringing in top EFL Championship talent to strengthen their squad. Under Rob Edwards, the Hatters delivered a respectable performance in the top flight, and now return to the EFL Championship with a squad that’s well-equipped to compete at the highest level of the second tier.
  • The Bedfordshire club has managed to retain almost all of their key players, except for Ross Barkley, and boasts a strong core of talent. With the likes of Thomas Kaminski, Amari’i Bell, Alfie Doughty, Marvelous Nakamba, Chiedozie Ogbene, Carlton Morris, and Elijah Adebayo at Edwards’ disposal, Luton is poised for a solid comeback this season.
• Burnley
  • It’s hard to imagine Burnley replicating their dominant, EFL Championship title-winning performance from two seasons ago with Scott Parker now in charge. The Clarets enter the new campaign with an overstocked squad and a head coach who still has much to prove, despite achieving promotion with both Fulham and Bournemouth in the past.
  • Parker’s cautious approach and preference for tight-margin football could hinder Burnley’s pursuit of a top-two finish. However, the individual quality within the squad should keep them in the promotion race. With Josh Cullen, Sander Berge, and Josh Brownhill forming arguably the best midfield trio in the EFL Championship, Burnley has a solid foundation to build on.
• Coventry
  • Coventry City has thrived under Mark Robins’ leadership over the past seven years, and the Sky Blues are poised for another strong campaign. Even after losing two key players last summer, Coventry still secured a respectable top-10 finish and made an unforgettable run to the FA Cup semi-finals. A top-six spot is once again within their grasp.
  • Robins has cultivated a resilient and consistent squad, reflected in their seventh-place finish on Expected Points (xP) in the 2023/24 season. With key players like Ben Sheaf, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Haji Wright, and Ellis Simms all staying on, Coventry is well-equipped for a promotion push. While Callum O’Hare’s exit is a setback, the arrivals of Jack Rudoni and Brandon Thomas-Asante strengthen their credentials as serious contenders.
• Middlesbrough
  • Little went right for Middlesbrough in 2023/24. The Teessiders were beset by injuries and struggled to replace two of their big-hitters – Cameron Archer and Chuba Akpom – from the previous campaign. Nevertheless, Michael Carrick still managed to engineer a respectable eighth-placed finish with Boro finishing just four points off the play-offs.
  • Despite the aforementioned issues, Middlesbrough finished fifth on Expected Points (xP) and an encouraging final eight weeks (W7-D4-L1), with Emmanuel Latte Lath bagging 11 goals in his final 12 games, suggests Carrick’s crew can launch a top-six assault. However, the Teessiders soft underbelly remains a slight concern.
• Norwich
  • Norwich City enters the 2024/25 season with a renewed sense of purpose. With David Wagner out and a significant reshuffle in the club’s hierarchy, there’s a wave of optimism sweeping through Norfolk, largely due to the arrival of highly-regarded Danish head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. His leadership is expected to bring much-needed structure and clarity to the squad.
  • While Gabriel Sara has departed, Norwich still boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including the creative Marcelinho Nunez, the prolific Josh Sargent, the sought-after Jon Rowe, and dynamic winger Borja Sanz. Defensively, Thorup’s tactical influence should solidify the backline, and if they can improve their away form, the Canaries could be serious contenders this EFL Championship season.
• Sheffield United
  • Sheffield United’s EFL Championship pre-season has been overshadowed by the ongoing takeover saga, adding complexity to their preparations. Despite this, Chris Wilder has managed to bring in some promising signings following their disappointing Premier League relegation. The arrivals of Callum O’Hare, Kieffer Moore, Sam McCallum, and Harrison Burrows should all provide a much-needed boost.
  • With EFL Championship standouts Gus Hamer and Anel Ahmedhodzic still on board, the Blades have the talent to push for a top spot. However, the squad remains somewhat thin, and transforming last season’s relegated side into a promotion contender will likely require time and patience, especially as the ownership situation continues to unfold.
• West Brom
  • West Brom have faced a troubling summer, with financial difficulties limiting their ability to recruit and seeing four key players from last season’s top-six squad depart. Understandably, there’s a sense of unease among Albion supporters as the team enters the new campaign with a weakened squad.
  • However, there’s hope that the situation will improve before the transfer window closes in September, giving Carlos Corberan the chance to bring in reinforcements. Corberan remains West Brom’s most valuable asset, and his highly disciplined, organized approach provides a solid foundation for the team to build on, regardless of the personnel. Expect a resilient and competitive effort from Albion this season.
• Bristol City
  • Bristol City has struggled to break into the EFL Championship’s top-10 over their nine-year stint in the second tier, but the current squad shows promise of changing that. Under Liam Manning, the Robins made steady progress last season, boasting one of the best defensive records in the league by conceding the fourth-fewest goals. This solid defensive foundation should continue to benefit them.
  • If Manning can devise a strategy to effectively counter teams that sit deep, Bristol City could emerge as serious top-six EFL Championship contenders. The addition of Max Bird strengthens the midfield, though Tommy Conway’s anticipated departure is a significant blow to their attacking options. While several intriguing forward prospects have joined, the Robins might still be searching for a reliable final-third performer.
• Sunderland
  • Sunderland fans are hopeful for a significant rebound after a disappointing 2023/24 season. The Black Cats showed early promise but faltered after Tony Mowbray’s unexpected dismissal in December. Following a thorough search for a new manager, Regis Le Bris was appointed in late June.
  • Le Bris, with a strong background in youth development, seems well-suited to nurture Sunderland’s emerging talents. However, his previous senior managerial role at Lorient, where he struggled with defensive organization, raises some concerns. Despite this, the squad is brimming with potential. The addition of Alan Browne is a smart move, and with a focus on development and improvement, Sunderland fans can expect a more promising season ahead.
• Stoke
  • Stoke City fans have endured six consecutive bottom-half finishes since their Premier League relegation, testing their patience. However, after a quiet summer and with Stephen Schumacher benefiting from a full pre-season following a strong finish to the 2023/24 campaign, the Potters appear poised for a promising season, with a top-half finish within reach.
  • New signings Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson, and Sam Gallagher are solid additions to strengthen the squad, while midfield star Wouter Burger remains with the club despite external interest. The main concern is Stoke’s lack of a consistent goalscorer, but Schumacher’s commitment to proactive football should ensure an entertaining season as they aim to climb the table.
• Sheffield Wednesday
  • Upon arriving at Hillsborough, Danny Rohl, described as a ‘turbo geek,’ faced the daunting task of rescuing Sheffield Wednesday from their worst-ever EFL Championship start, having earned just six points from 17 matches. Remarkably, the sharp-minded German turned the team’s fortunes around, amassing 47 points from their final 29 games.
  • After securing survival on the last day of the season, Rohl has been rewarded with a three-year contract as the Owls look to build on their newfound stability. His high-intensity tactics are expected to make Wednesday a tough opponent. However, despite a flurry of transfer activity, the squad may lack a bit of firepower with the departures of Ian Poveda and Ike Ugbo.
• Swansea
  • It’s been a relatively quiet summer for Swansea City as Luke Williams settles in for his first full pre-season after a solid start last season. His appointment is set to make the Swans one of the more intriguing teams to watch in the 2024/25 campaign, thanks to his high-risk, possession-based style that often results in thrilling, high-scoring matches.
  • While Neil Wood’s departure leaves a gap in defense, Swansea can still rely on key figures like midfield maestro Matt Grimes, improving center-back Harry Darling, and creative force Oli Cooper. Although the squad may lack the physical presence needed to challenge for a top-six finish, the foundation is there for a comfortable mid-table position, staying clear of relegation.
• QPR
  • QPR seemed on the brink of relegation until Marti Cifuentes arrived in the capital in late October. The Spaniard quickly revitalized Rangers with a well-organized defense that was crucial in their remarkable escape from the drop with a week to spare. His strategic approach proved highly effective.
  • Under Cifuentes, QPR earned the fourth-most points over the final 19 matches and had the best Expected Goals Against (xGA) record during that period. With a strengthened goalkeeping unit, further improvement is anticipated. However, the team remains heavily reliant on Ilias Chair for creativity in attack and may still struggle to find the goals needed to challenge for a top-half finish.
• Hull City
  • Hull City are one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2024/25 season. After parting ways with the highly-regarded Liam Rosenior, the Tigers have turned to the unpredictable German manager Tim Walter. Owner Acun Ilicali, dissatisfied with Rosenior’s methodical approach, sought a more entertaining style, and Walter is sure to deliver that.
  • Walter is known for his bold, attack-focused tactics, but the squad faces challenges as many key players from last season have departed. Hull has lost 80% of their goals from the previous campaign, and while a number of new signings are anticipated before September, the team may struggle to replicate last season’s seventh-place finish.
• Milwall
  • Millwall has faced a challenging year, marked by the unexpected loss of long-time owner John Berylson in July 2023 and the tragic passing of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic this summer. Despite these hardships, the Lions managed to turn their season around, with Neil Harris returning to lead the team and deliver a revitalizing impact.
  • Under Harris, Millwall secured eight wins in their final 13 matches, climbing to 13th place. His pragmatic, no-nonsense approach fits the squad perfectly, making them a direct, physical team with a strong reliance on set-pieces. The addition of Macauley Langstaff, one of the EFL’s sharpest shooters, enhances their attacking threat. With a solid foundation in place, Millwall is set for a season of consolidation and stability.
• Preston
  • Preston North End’s 10th-place finish last season was a notable achievement, but replicating that success in the 2024/25 campaign appears challenging. Over the final 39 Championship games, North End accumulated just 44 points, had a negative goal difference, and ranked 21st in Expected Points (xP), indicating a potential decline.
  • The departure of key midfielder Alan Browne is a significant setback, and operating with a bottom-six budget requires creative recruitment strategies. While Sam Greenwood and Stefan Teitur Thordarson are promising additions, the squad still seems limited. Ryan Lowe’s position could be under threat, as some supporters remain skeptical about the club’s long-term prospects.
• Portsmouth
  • After a 12-year absence, Portsmouth make their return to the Championship as third-tier champions. Under rookie head coach John Mousinho, the Fratton Park club enjoyed a standout season, securing the title in his first full year at the helm. Mousinho’s focus now shifts to ensuring consolidation in the second tier.
  • His adaptable and versatile tactical approach is expected to benefit Pompey, with an aggressive pressing game out of possession and a willingness to cede the ball when needed. The team is solid defensively and has strengthened their attacking options. With these improvements, Portsmouth should maintain their efficiency and steer clear of the relegation zone.
• Cardiff
  • Cardiff City exceeded expectations by finishing in the top half of the table during Erol Bulut’s first season in English football. The Bluebirds’ success was largely due to their proficiency in set-pieces, despite their underlying metrics, which rated them as the second-worst team for Expected Points (xP) and Expected Goals (xG). Cardiff lost the xG battle on a significant 31 occasions.
  • Bulut has a history of regression in his second season with previous clubs in Turkey, raising concerns about Cardiff’s potential slide into relegation contention. Last season, the Welsh side conceded 70 goals and ended with a -17 goal difference. The three key signings—Chris Willock, Callum Chambers, and Anwar El Ghazi—are also seen as being on a downward trajectory, adding to the uncertainty surrounding their prospects for the upcoming EFL Championship season.
• Watford
  • Watford endured their lowest league finish since 2010 last season, ending just six points clear of the relegation zone. The early-season optimism under Valerien Ismael quickly faded, and rookie Tom Cleverley took over in March before being confirmed as the permanent manager over the summer.
  • Cleverley’s challenge is formidable, as he becomes the Hornets’ 14th different manager in as many seasons. Key players Ismail Kone, Wesley Hoedt, and Yaser Asprilla have either departed or are expected to leave, leaving the squad significantly weakened. The new signings have been underwhelming, and with little direction from the top, it’s hard to see Watford avoiding a season of struggle.
• Blackburn
  • Blackburn Rovers enter the season amid significant uncertainty. The Venkys face a critical court case this month that could drastically impact the club’s playing budget. This looming situation has inevitably affected their transfer activities, although prized asset Sammie Szmodics remains with the club for now despite anticipated interest.
  • With Sam Gallagher departing and largely untested overseas forwards joining the squad, Blackburn’s young and thin roster will face challenges. However, they benefit from having John Eustace in charge, a coach known for his disciplined and structured approach. Eustace’s unadventurous style could make Rovers competitive in their fight for survival.
• Derby
  • Derby County earned their promotion with a hardworking, no-frills style under Paul Warne, emphasizing a strong defensive foundation and leveraging transitions and set-pieces. While Warne’s motivational skills were evident in his previous stint with Rotherham, where he faced relegation challenges, whether he can adapt his approach to succeed at this level remains uncertain.
  • Derby’s solid defensive base will make them a tough opponent, but questions linger about their squad depth, attacking prowess, and ability to meet market expectations for a mid-table finish. The workmanlike nature of the team suggests limitations in key areas, and anything beyond a bottom-eight struggle would be a significant achievement for the Rams’ supporters.
• Oxford
  • Oxford United are making their return to the EFL Championship for the first time in 25 years, having secured promotion with a strong finish and play-off final triumph. Despite being labeled as favorites for an immediate drop back to League One, Des Buckingham’s squad possesses the tactical flexibility and individual talent to cause problems for their opponents and fight for survival.
  • Losing Josh Murphy to Portsmouth was a significant setback, but Oxford has made astute signings and should be well-organized under the experienced Buckingham. Known for his defensive solidity, Buckingham will instill an aggressive approach when out of possession. However, the team’s lack of a game-changing presence in attack could be a crucial factor in their struggle to stay up.
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• Plymouth
  • Plymouth secured EFL Championship safety on the final day of the season after an erratic campaign. The Devonians were excellent at Home Park yet often toiled on their travels, whilst the mid-season departure of highly-rated Stephen Schumacher put the Pilgrims into a concerning tailspin – Neil Dewsnip’s late-season rescue act proving pivotal.
  • Wayne Rooney was the surprise choice to take the team forward with the former England striker’s tactical acumen questioned in recent managerial stints. There’s continuity in playing and coaching personnel but the squad lacks proven second-tier quality and is over-reliant on Morgan Whittaker’s excellence in attack.

Day #9 Recap

It was a good positive day on Friday with some nervy moments but also close to being a sweep. I ended the day 2-1 and also advancing on our Challenge. Here are the results:

$200 – $200K Challenge Bet: Jurickson Profar Over 1.5 HRR

• This game actually went to extra innings and in the 5th inning we were hoping it would as Profar had no HRR.
• However, Profar ended up with a double in the 6th and also the 8th inning to give us a nice winner. Luckily he had those two hits as both times he doubled he was left on base.

Sassuolo vs Cittadella Over 2.5

• At the time we knew a 45′ goal was huge by Sassuolo to at least get one on the board in the 1st half. We did not know it would be the difference as a 2-1 Sassuolo win gave us the Over.
• This match really was not something played back and forth and honestly all the goals were scored in a 14 minute window, but, we got it there in the 58′ and was able to just enjoy.

Cincinnati Reds vs Milwaukee Brewers Over 8.5

• I am not going to say that I was sweating this game after the Brewers took a 8-0 lead in the 3rd inning….but I was sweating this headed into the 7th when it was still 8-0.
• Spencer Steer let us relax when he hit a 374 ft. HR and gave us the Over and another winner.

Preston vs Sheffield United Over 2.5

• I am not going to get greedy and upset that we could not hit this last bet. A positive day is a positive day. But, Sheffield United went up 2-0 in the 55′ and it was a little disappointing that neither team could find the back of the net for a third goal in such a back and forth game.
• It honestly looked like both teams just knew what the result was going to be after that second goal and that was good enough for both of them.

2+ Milestone Parlay

• Tampa Bay and
• Rhys Hoskins: 1-3, w/ 1 RBI
• Brandon Lowe: 0-3
• J.D. Martinez: 1-3

Day #9 Profit/Loss: +$17.49

What I Learned:

Patience, Patience, Patience: I am not going to lie, I was so tempted to hedge my over 8.5 as we entered the 7th inning. I could not believe that after Milwaukee got up 8-0 in the 3rd that we would have to wait so long for someone else just to tack on another run. In the end I trusted that this game would go over and in the end it was the correct thinking. I learned that as tempting as it might be to hedge bets to secure some sort of profit trusting your bets takes a lot of will power and patience.

$200 ➡️ $200K Sports Betting Challenge

Level 1.3 ($8 ➡️ $16)

• Gleyber Torres Over 1.5 HRR

Day #10 Bets

#1) League Two: Salford City vs Port Vale Over 2.5 (-118)

#2) League One: Leyton Orient vs Bolton Over 2.5 (+105)

#3) MLB Bet: Yordan Alvarez Over 2.5 HRR (-110)

Parlay of the Day: League One Overs

• Birmingham/Reading Over 2.5
• Bristol/Northampton Over 2.5
• Peterborough/Huddersfield Over 2.5
• Stockport/Cambridge Over 2.5