Ahead of the 2024-25 Championship campaign, the race for promotion is already generating excitement and speculation.
Leeds United, Burnley, and Luton Town are the clear favorites to secure a return to the Premier League in the Championship promotion odds 24/25.
Leeds, in particular, are looking to bounce back after a late collapse last season, culminating in a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Southampton.
Burnley and Luton Town, both recently relegated last term, are also tipped to make swift returns to the top flight.
However, the Championship is renowned for its unpredictability. Week in, week out, surprises abound, and over the course of the season, unexpected contenders often emerge.
Here, we spotlight four sides that could defy the odds and challenge the favorites for a coveted place in the Premier League.
Sheffield United – 11/2
It’s rare for a recently relegated side to have odds as long as 11/2, but Sheffield United find themselves eighth in the pecking order. Chris Wilder, who previously guided the Blades to Premier League promotion in 2018-19, is back at the helm, bringing with him invaluable experience and a winning mentality.
The squad has been strengthened with the acquisitions of Jamie Shackleton from Leeds United and Sam McCallum from Norwich City, both on free transfers. Additionally, Sheffield United are linked with highly-rated midfielder Harrison Burrows from Peterborough United.
With these new additions, the Blades could very well mount a strong challenge to return to the top flight at the first attempt.
Hull City – 13/2
Hull City have been absent from the Premier League for nearly a decade, but their fortunes are looking up.
Last season, under the guidance of Liam Rosenior, the Tigers climbed from 15th to 7th, narrowly missing out on the playoffs by just three points. Despite this progress, Rosenior was replaced by former Hamburg boss Tim Walter.
Walter’s task will be to instill consistency in the team. The potential addition of Welsh international Kieffer Moore will be a significant boost to their attacking options.
If Walter can harness the team’s potential and bring about more consistent performances, Hull City could force their way into the play-off spots and challenge for promotion.
Sheffield Wednesday – 7/1
Sheffield Wednesday, having returned to the Championship last season after two years in League One, narrowly avoided relegation by finishing just three points above the drop zone.
This season, however, the Owls could make a dramatic leap from relegation battlers to promotion contenders in the Championship betting odds, thanks to a busy and productive transfer window.
The club have bolstered its ranks with the signing of young Polish winger Olaf Kobacki from Arka Gdynia. Additionally, experienced players like Max Lowe, Jamal Lowe, Nathaniel Chalobah, and Ben Hamer have joined, bringing crucial Championship experience.
With these reinforcements, Sheffield Wednesday could surprise many by pushing for a top-six finish.
Portsmouth – 8/1
Drawing inspiration from Ipswich Town’s recent back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, Portsmouth are eyeing a similar trajectory. After winning League One last season, Pompey are returning to the Championship with ambitions of securing another promotion.
The south coast side have been active in the transfer market, bringing in Jordan Williams, Josh Murphy, and Jordan Archer on free transfers and Sam Silvera on loan from Middlesbrough.
Further additions like Bosun Lawal and Cyrus Christie look set to strengthen the squad even more. With this momentum, Portsmouth could very well continue their upward climb and contend for a place in the Premier League.
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