The Championship is a league full of drama and unpredictability, and this season promises to be no different. With the season underway, the pressure is on for managers to deliver results, and some are already feeling the heat. Jeff Stelling and Adrian Clarke, experts in the EFL, have shared their predictions for the season, including which teams are likely to lift the title and which managers are under the most pressure.
Champions
Jeff Stelling: Middlesbrough
Stelling believes Middlesbrough will be the team to watch this season, praising their spending and the quality of their squad. He highlights the signings of Will Lankshear and Radek Vítek, as well as the potential of Kyle Joseph and Kim Hellberg. Stelling thinks Middlesbrough's manager is also a key factor in their success.
Adrian Clarke: West Ham
Clarke sees West Ham as strong contenders, citing their recent signings and the experience of their manager, Nuno. He believes Jarrod Bowen's personality will be a driving force for the team, and the squad's overall strength will help them challenge for the title. Clarke also highlights the impact of Joël Veltman and Manor Solomon.
Automatic Promotion
Jeff Stelling: Wolves
Stelling thinks Wolves are another team that could secure automatic promotion, but he believes they may need to spend again to maintain their form. He praises their experienced squad, including Kieran Trippier and Raúl Jiménez, who performed well at the World Cup.
Adrian Clarke: Middlesbrough
Clarke also sees Middlesbrough as a strong contender for automatic promotion, praising their recent signings and the management of Kim Hellberg. He highlights the impact of Will Lankshear and Radek Vítek, and believes the team is strengthened at both ends of the pitch.
Playoffs
Jeff Stelling: West Ham, Wrexham, Norwich, Southampton, Birmingham, Millwall
Stelling predicts West Ham and Wrexham for the playoffs, citing their spending and recent signings. He also sees Norwich, Southampton, and Birmingham as strong contenders, praising their form and squad strength. Stelling believes Millwall's playoff status is a result of their consistent performance.
Championship Dark Horse
Adrian Clarke: Bristol City
Clarke suggests Bristol City as a dark horse, praising their recent signings and the management of Michael Skubala. He highlights the impact of Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard, and believes the team has the potential to challenge for promotion.
Managers Under Pressure
Adrian Clarke: Chris Davies (Birmingham), John Mousinho (Portsmouth), Chris Wilder (Sheffield United), and Watford's manager
Clarke believes Chris Davies is under pressure due to the recent ownership changes at Birmingham. He also highlights the speculation surrounding John Mousinho's future at Portsmouth and the potential for Chris Wilder to leave Sheffield United if the team has another bland season. Clarke also mentions the pressure on Watford's manager due to the contract clause.
Relegation
Jeff Stelling: Lincoln, Charlton, QPR
Stelling sees Lincoln, Charlton, and QPR as potential relegation candidates, despite their recent successes. He praises Tariq Lamptey's recruitment by QPR and believes they have the potential to improve. Stelling also highlights the challenges faced by Lincoln and Charlton.
Adrian Clarke: Blackburn, Preston, Portsmouth
Clarke believes Blackburn, Preston, and Portsmouth are at risk of relegation, citing their recent performances and signings. He sees Lincoln as a potential surprise package, praising their momentum and spirit.
Championship Standout Transfer Signings
Adrian Clarke: Middlesbrough's Lankshear and Vítek, Jimmy-Jay Morgan (West Bromwich Albion), Simon Ross-Stewart (Swansea), Elijah Just (Swansea), Daniel Peretz (Southampton), and Cyle Larin (Southampton)
Clarke highlights several standout signings, including Middlesbrough's Lankshear and Vítek, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, and the potential of Simon Ross-Stewart and Elijah Just. He also praises the impact of Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin at Southampton.
The Championship season is set to be a thrilling one, with talkSPORT bringing you exclusive coverage of the action.
