The new Championship season kicks off on Saturday 7 August with some stand out fixtures getting the action underway. This is always a competitive league as clubs invest millions as they try to reach the Premier League and there are some big names in contention for promotion again this season.

Relegated teams are looking for an instant return

Fulham are favourites to win the Championship as they hope to make another instant return to the Premier League after last season’s relegation. The Cottagers saw Scott Parker depart for Bournemouth in the summer, but they have appointed Marco Silva as their new head coach, and he has achieved promotion from this division already with Watford.

West Brom are second favourites to win the Championship with Sheffield United, who endured a miserable season last campaign finishing bottom of the pile, third favourites to win the league. That poor season from the Blades prompted the departure of Chris Wilder, and he has been replaced by Slavisa Jokanovic as the new head coach.

Who could make the play-offs?

Once again, we expect a very competitive season and there are plenty of clubs in with a chance of making the top six. Bournemouth, who will be under the guidance of Scott Parker this term, are tipped to reach the play-offs, as are Cardiff who lost in the semi-finals last season.

The beaten play-off finalists last term, Swansea, will hope to go one better this campaign and other contenders for the play-offs include Middlesbrough, Barnsley, Nottingham Forest, and Blackburn Rovers.

Who might be in a relegation battle?

Two of the three teams promoted from League One last season are favourites to be relegated from the Championship this term. Blackpool, who won the League One play-offs, will have a fight on their hands to maintain their Championship status, whilst Peterborough are also tipped for a quick return back to the third tier of English football.

Hull City won League One last season, making an instant return to the Championship but it is Derby County that many are tipping to struggle. The Rams survived the drop last season on goal difference, but now face significant financial problems and could be in for a battle again to stay in the Championship.

Other likely contenders for the relegation scrap include Huddersfield Town, Coventry City, and Bristol City.

Previous winners of the Championship

There have been some famous names win the Championship in recent years, and most of them have been able to maintain their places in the Premier League. The last 10 winners of one of the richest prizes in world football include Norwich City, Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United, and Burnley.

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