It’s almost that time again. Teams and supporters are awaiting the start of a brand new campaign, filled with optimism and fresh faces. With just one week until the beginning of the Championship season, here’s everything you need to know before it all kicks off.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen does it start?
The first game of the 2025/26 Championship season takes place on Friday, 8th August, with newly promoted Birmingham City hosting newly relegated Ipswich Town. The following weekend will see the first full matchday of the season play out.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho are the promotion contenders?
As usual, the three relegated sides from the Premier League will be the obvious candidates to bounce straight back, or certainly be in contention to do so. According to Oddschecker, Ipswich are the favourites to make a return to the top-flight. They are closely followed by Southampton, again one of the relegated sides.
Surprisingly, the next best odds are for Birmingham, who stormed to the League One title last season and appear to have gone from strength to strength this season. They will certainly be one of the teams with the most interest surrounding them.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho are the favourites to go down?
Not surprisingly, Sheffield Wednesday are the odds-on favourites to be relegated. The club are currently in turmoil, and Danny Rohl has recently departed the club. Players remain unpaid, and the North Stand of the ground has been deemed unsafe by the local council. If they are to stay up, it will be the miracle of all miracles.
Elsewhere, Preston North End could once again struggle, as could newly promoted Charlton Athletic, who may struggle to adapt to life in the Championship.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho are the key players to look out for?
With Sheffield United losing the playoff final and remaining in the Championship, last year’s EFL Championship Player of the Season, Gustavo Hamer, remains in the division. Should he perform to the same standard as the previous campaign, the Blades will once again push for promotion.
Elsewhere, should Southampton retain players like Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling, there is no doubt they should light up the league.
If Coventry are to have another strong campaign, much of that is likely to be down to Jack Rudoni.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho are some of the new signings?
Some notable new additions have already been made this season, potentially none more so than at Birmingham, who have added Demarai Gray, Kyogo Furuhashi and Eiran Cashin to their ranks.
Derby County have recruited two new centre forwards, with the signings of Carlton Morris and USA international Patrick Agyemang. The duo may form a partnership for John Euastace’s side, which could prove formidable. Morris has had success previously when partnered with Elijah Adebayo at Luton Town.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Callum Pawley
INMR FOOTBALL 
Leave a comment