The world’s most exciting second-tier football league is already heating up. The EFL Championship gives the teams access to the richest prize in world football: promotion to the English Premier League and the tens of millions that come with it.
It’s already looking like a three-horse race for the EFL Championship title. When assessing the latest outright winner odds, Leicester (1.65), a club recently relegated from the Premier League that boasts stars such as Jamie Vardy, Ipswich (4.00) and Leeds (7.00) are well ahead of fourth favourites Southampton (30.00), one of the Premier League’s founding clubs with an FA Cup in their trophy cabinet. That’s based on the latest odds from Betano, a Nigeria-licensed online sports betting operator, which examines and covers the EFL Championship at length. By regularly listing individual match markets and longer-term futures markets during the EFL Championship season, experts can make data-driven decisions for their analysis.
With around a quarter of the season elapsed, the EFL Championship table has certainly started to take shape. Still trying to assess the right picks for the outright winner or promotion markets in the EFL Championship? Below, we’ll go into more detail on teams that caught our eye in the early game weeks.
Enzo Maresca’s stunning start with Leicester in his first managerial job
It’s fair to say that Leicester City’s return to the English second tier has gone better than even the most optimistic Foxes fan could have predicted. After their opening 11 games, City have 30 points to their name already. They’ve conceded just six goals and registered ten wins and a solitary defeat.
The Foxes’ new boss, Enzo Maresca, has thrived under the responsibility of getting Leicester back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Sure, it helps to have a playing squad packed with top-flight players, but Maresca’s considered style of play is the future of modern-day tactics. He looks to have the potential to take Leicester to an automatic promotion.
Kieran McKenna and Ipswich defy their ‘newly promoted’ tag
After four tough seasons in EFL League One., Ipswich Town finally secured promotion back to the second tier in 2022-23. The former Manchester United assistant coach, Kieran McKenna, assumed the role of Ipswich manager in December 2021 and has since masterminded a drastic upturn in fortunes. The Northern Irishman’s bold, front-foot approach has seen Ipswich score goals at will in the last 18 months.
Ipswich Town are the league’s top scorers, with 26 goals in 12 matches. They currently sit second with 31 points from 12 games, already nine points clear of third-placed Leeds. The Tractor Boys are proving the power of momentum and having a winning mentality. If they can stay clear of major injury or suspension issues, Ipswich Town have a real chance of back-to-back promotions.
Daniel Farke and Leeds are showing signs of coming good after a sluggish start
Leeds United came down into the EFL Championship along with Leicester City after a dismal 2022-23 season in the Premier League. Former Norwich City boss, Daniel Farke, was appointed as the Whites’ new head coach ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. The German’s track record in the second tier is impressive, having won two automatic promotions with Norwich.
There’s no doubt that the Leeds squad is jam-packed with talent. The likes of Georginio Rutter, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are huge players at Championship level. Very few teams have such decisive players, who can help them tip the balance in close games. With so many flair players, there’s always a chance Leeds will lack the consistency needed to mount a top two finish, but they’ll be there or thereabouts.
Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland are hoping to make it back-to-back top six finishes
Sunderland finished in the playoffs in 2022/23. It was a fine return to the second tier for the Wearside outfit. The Black Cats fell at the semi-final stage to eventual winners, Luton. Sunderland’s recruitment process hasn’t wavered despite last season’s playoff setback. There’s been a continued focus on hand-picking young talent, mixed with a sprinkling of experience, provided by the likes of Bradley Dack and Alex Pritchard.
The Black Cats signed Jude Bellingham’s brother, Jobe, from Birmingham in the close season, and he has been a revelation in the midfield. Winger, Jack Clarke, has also continued where he left off from last term. It’s taken them some time to get going but they’re already well in contention for the top six. Furthermore, under Mowbray’s tutelage, they’ll always play attractive, attacking football.
It’s also worth mentioning Birmingham City, who have inched their way into the playoff pack. The Blues recently took the bold decision to sack boss John Eustace in preference of Wayne Rooney. Time will tell how that move pans out. Meanwhile, Southampton have taken time to adapt to life back in the Championship under new boss, Russell Martin. However, the Saints are now in fifth place with 21 points from 13 games.
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