With championship football just underway, it’s time to check out the key contenders and rate their chances of success in what looks set to be a great season.
After an exciting end to the 2018/19 campaign, Norwich, Sheffield and Aston Villa leave the championship and head into the Premier League for the coming season.
That leaves Leeds, West Brom and Derby as the main rivals at the top of the championship. These teams all made it to the playoffs and were unlucky to make it to top-flight football.
Leeds – 9/2
Leeds are the early betting favourites for the season at 9/2.
After a great season, Leeds finished third in the regular season and lost out to Derby County in what was an exciting two-legged playoff. After gaining an 0-1 advantage away from home, Derby scored four away goals to win 3-4 on aggregate. They were understandably disappointed after such a promising season.
Leeds have been busy over the Summer, making seven signings. They’ve signed Jack Harrison, Jack Clarke, Ben White, Liam McCarron, Helder Costa and Rafa Mujica who is on a one year loan from Wolves.
Overall, it’s obvious Leeds want to go one step further this season. Expect a strong performance in this campaign. At odds of 9/2, they’re certainly worth a bet.
West Brom – 12/1
West Brom should head into the new season in high spirits after a great season in 2018/19. They finished fourth with 83 points, three behind Leeds in third.
They lost out to Aston Villa in the playoffs, losing 4-3 in penalties after a 2-2 aggregate over the two games.
Like Leeds, West Brom has been busy over the Summer months signing new players. Their big signing being Kenneth Zohore for just over £8 million. Semi Ajayi also joins the club from Charlton after a great season.
West Brom paid just £3 million for Romaine Sawyers who looks set to add some much-needed creativity to the midfield. Darnell Furlong also joins the club for £1.5 million.
In terms of departures, Salomón Rondón leaves the club for £16 million. Other notable departures are Craig Dawson to Watford and Jay Rodriguez to
Derby – 16/1
Derby were lucky to get to the playoff final where they were beaten by Aston Villa. They were down and out in the playoff against Leeds and scored four away goals just to make it through to the final.
In the playoff final, Derby looked in great shape and they could have won if they were more accurate in front of goal.
Derby has made no major signings over the Summer meaning they have a similar outfit to last season.