Kick-off the Season: EFL Championship Previews, Analysis, and Predictions

With just under a week until the campaign begins, fans of the English second tier will be on the edge of their seats waiting for the most entertaining league in the world to kick off.

7⃣ more days! ⌛️#EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/yaINDtAZNn

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) August 2, 2024

The new boys in the division are as follows: Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town all rejoin the division following relegation from the Premier League. While the promoted sides from League One are Oxford United, Derby County and Portsmouth.

When does the EFL Championship season start?

The new EFL Championship season commences at 20:00 on Friday, August 9th.

Blackburn Rovers host Derby County, and Simultaneously Preston North End host Sheffield United.

EFL Championship opening fixtures & where to watch them

Friday, August 9th

Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County (20:00 - Sky Sports)

Preston North End vs Sheffield United (20:00 - Sky Sports)

Saturday, August 10th

Cardiff City vs Sunderland (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Hull City vs Bristol City (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Leeds United vs Portsmouth (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Middlesbrough vs Swansea City (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Millwall vs Watford (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Oxford United vs Norwich City (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Queens Park Rangers vs West Bromwich Albion (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Stoke City vs Coventry City (12:30 - Sky Sports)

Sunday, August 11th

Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle (16:00 - Sky Sports)

Monday, August 12th

Luton Town vs Burnley (20:00 - Sky Sports)

Who will win the EFL Championship?

To no one's surprise, Leeds United are favourites for the division. QuinnBet have the Yorkshire side at a cool 17/5, and it looks like good value. Leeds under Farke were unlucky not to be promoted last campaign and, despite losing Summerville, have the quality to do so.l We’ve actually placed a tip on this, with further reasoning linked at the bottom of this article.

Bookies have Burnley as second favourites, with Ladbrokes offering 7/1 odds. However, with Scott Parker’s managerial pedigree, I personally am not confident in their chances. Given Parker's hot and cold stints at both Fulham and Bournemouth, and then an underwhelming stint in Belgium, I’d hedge my bets elsewhere.

We are delighted to announce that Scott Parker has been appointed as the Club’s new head coach.

Welcome to Burnley, Scott! @FootballManager

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) July 5, 2024

Luton might be in with a shot, they’ve kept hold of their core from their previous Premier League campaign. At 9/1 it could be worth a long shot.

Who will be the Championships top scorer?

This one’s a little bit trickier, while Sammy Szmodics won the accolade last campaign, it’s hard to imagine him recreating that form.

For me, it’s a three horse race. Luton Town forward Carlton Morris certainly has the pedigree, but it’s about whether his side performs.

Emmanuel Latte-Lath had a fantastic campaign last time out, and has shown he’s a class above most Championship forwards. With Middlesbrough looking to push for promotion back to the Premier League, ELL could end up being the man to drag them there.

Of course Mateo Joseph needs to be mentioned. While the 20-year-old doesn’t necessarily have the numbers to back him up just yet, he looks like he’ll be the centre-forward Leeds hedge their title hopeful bets on. He’s certainly got the quality, which he’s demonstrated with a clinical pre-season.

Mateo Joseph has navigated preseason with a point to prove.

Dont be surprised if the #LUFC forward is right amongst the top goalscorers in the division come the business end of 2024/25… 11/1. pic.twitter.com/1bpHMk2Tlm

— zicoball. (@ZICOBALL) August 3, 2024

Who will be the key players in the EFL Championship?

Last season’s championship POTS, Crysencio Summerville, has departed Leeds United to join West Ham United. Despite this, I think Leeds United have another player or two who could be vital this season.

West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of Netherlands U21 international winger Crysencio Summerville.

The 22-year-old joins the Hammers from EFL Championship club Leeds United on a five-year deal with a one-year option for an undisclosed fee.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 3, 2024

Ex-Chelsea man Ethan Ampadu has been a stalwart for Leeds United since his arrival, his consistency in the heart of the Lilywhites’ defence made sure he found his way into last year’s team of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Welshman does it again.

Sheffield United, despite not being tipped for big things, would benefit greatly from keeping hold of Gustavo Hamer and Anel Ahmedhodzic. The Blades have two players both comfortable at a Premier League standard, and they’ll certainly stand out in the second tier.

With Muric departing Burnley, and my prediction being that they might in fact be up against it this season, James Trafford could really stand out in goal. The former City man has shown flashes of brilliance in his professional career so far, and earned himself England call ups along the way. This might be the year he really takes his game to another level.