New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply

The EFL Championship is back

by Constance Rigot |

image The EFL Championship is back
The second division of England starts back this weekend, a week ahead of the premier league. Last year we had an exciting season with Newcastle lifting the trophy, and Brighton & Hove Albion in second. Huddersfield Town won the playoffs and will now play in the premier league this season. Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic were relegated last season, two big clubs, as well as Rotherham United. Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers and Millwall will replace them this year. Hull City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland were relegated from the premier league so we will see them play in the EFL championship also this season.

Aston Villa Championship

Middlesbrough will be favourites

Middlesbrough were unfortunate to go down last season even though their defensive record was very good comparing to other teams. However, the lack of goals made them go down and now they find themselves in the second division again. The reds will be the hardest to beat if they do the same as last season. Their key singing was Britt Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest and also goalkeeper Darren Randolph from West Ham who is the Republic of Ireland’s main goalkeeper. They are rated at 6.0 to win the league with Bet365.

Can John Terry lead Aston Villa to victory?

Aston Villa didn’t have a great season last year, finishing in the bottom half of the championship. Now they have transformed the club with key singings with experience. They signed John Terry from Chelsea who will be Villa’s new captain who has won all the English major trophies with Chelsea. They also signed Glenn Whelan from Stoke City, who is a Republic of Ireland international player. They also have signed Ahmed Elmohamady from Hull city for free.

Bet on Aston Villa to win 7.00 with Bet365

Fulham, the dark horses to win

Fulham are a small club but have always managed to do well, playing in the premier league and reaching the Europa League one season. But they rarely manage to win silverware. Could this be their season? They managed to sign forward kamara from Amiens. They were unlucky to qualify last year, losing out to Reading in the playoffs. They will want revenge this season and will be aiming for the title, rather than a playoff spot. They are rated at 9.00 on William Hill.

After years being in the Premier League, can Sunderland make their way back?

It is looking unlikely for Sunderland to reach a promotion spot. The fans are not happy in the club and there is a dark spell over the players, especially after they were trashed 6-0 by Celtic in a preseason friendly. They have lost their main goalkeeper Pickford to Everton for a world record goalkeeper fee of £30 million. Their main striker was also released for free to Bournemouth, Jermain Defoe. They had a very poor pre-season, losing 3-0 to St Johnstone, drawing to Scunthorpe United and drawing to Hibernian, weak teams. However, the Championship could be good for the black cats, who are used to losing for many years. Now they can pick up some form and become one of the best in the league, making their fans happy again and their players wanting to play for the club. The playoffs would be their best bet this season. You can bet on Sunderland to win the championship at 18 on William Hill.

Who else has a chance this season?

Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich and Derby all performed well last season but where are they ranked with the new incomings from the Premier League? Reading were third but were knocked out by Huddersfield Town in the playoffs final. They are not rated to do well this season after losing key players and are rated at 25 at WilliamHill. However, I wouldn’t rate them off and this could be a very potential bet with a high odd. Sheffield Wednesday were 4th last season and are expected to do well again this season, rated at 11 with Unibet. Norwich is rated at 12 and Derby at 14. Keep an eye on these clubs.

Please Gamble Responsibly
logo footer