The English second division, popularly known as the Championship, will once again attract many loyal football followers this year. Arguably the strongest second-tier league in the world, it offers plenty of excitement and quality football. The stakes for the competing teams could not be higher—a place in the Premier League and the massive financial rewards that come with promotion. For fans who follow the action through Merkur Xtip, this season promises to be as unpredictable as ever, with promotion, playoff, and relegation battles shaping the drama each week.
Promotion Favorites
Ipswich Town showed last season that they fit the Championship better than the Premier League. Their roster is full of intelligent, mobile players, led by a coach who knows exactly what he wants – fast ball movement, high intensity, and brave fullbacks. If they keep up their rhythm and squad depth, they have everything it takes to stay in the race for a top-two finish.
Southampton, after a disastrous campaign in the top flight, now look more complete: a technically strong midfield, wingers who create overloads, and a defensive structure capable of slowing down the tempo. The only concern is that several key players are attracting offers; if they stay, Southampton looks like a sure contender for the season’s grand finale.
Coventry and Frank Lampard appear to be a good match. The ambitious coach has taken charge of a group already accustomed to aiming high. If the core stays together and two or three signings settle quickly, they could chase direct promotion. At worst, they remain a strong playoff candidate.
Top Six Candidates
Norwich City has depth and structure. Their attack was among the most productive, and their game plan under Liam Manning looks coherent. If their first line stays healthy, the Canaries look like a side bound for the playoff race without drama.
Birmingham City has gained a new investor and a clear plan. Ambition is evident, and there is a sense that another big signing could arrive. If their attacking third gets an upgrade, they have the profile of a team that sneaks into the top six and becomes a tricky opponent for everyone.
Millwall has long been a symbol of grit, order, and compact play. This season, they also boast a balanced squad: a solid back line, signings that fit their needs, and a midfield capable of pressing or holding possession when required.
Leicester City have names for the very top, but constant noise surrounds the club, particularly regarding player exits, which makes betting on them tricky. If the spine stabilizes quickly and they add another consistent point-producer, they could fight for automatic promotion; otherwise, the playoff seems more likely.
Championship Dark Horses
Queens Park Rangers spent last year on a rollercoaster: bottom in autumn, then a smart finish. This season they look energized, with quick, young forwards. If early results boost their confidence, they could easily move into the top half and wave at the playoffs.
Derby County has grown stronger since John Eustace took charge. Their rotation is deeper, giving fans reason for cautious optimism. A realistic ceiling is somewhere between seventh and tenth, which is where many betting projections place them, but with a good start, surprises are possible.
Lower Half
Stoke City always seems to restart from zero. With constant changes in the club’s structure, ideas come and go, producing gray football with no clear direction. Even good players look average in that environment. Unless they settle on a stable lineup by September, it could be another long season of worry.
Portsmouth enter their second Championship campaign, which is often trickier than the first. At home they can press anyone, but away from their stadium they drop too many points. Their defensive block must be more compact, or they will be scrambling for points late in the season.
Sheffield Wednesday remain trapped in ownership issues. Until management and budget questions are resolved, planning is nearly impossible. Their squad is too thin for three games in eight days, leaving them among those destined to fight until the final round.
Preston North End remain stagnant. They rarely sell, rarely introduce youngsters, and their rhythm feels slow and predictable. A good winger and a striker could change the tone, but for now their reality is the lower mid-table.
Hull City know exactly what they lack: goals. Their defense can do the job, but without a reliable No. 9, everything boils down to goalless draws and narrow defeats. If they sign a finisher, their forecast improves.
Watford collapsed last winter and barely recovered. Some key players remain as the foundation, but ambition looks restrained. A string of two or three losses can quickly escalate into a problem. Survival is achievable, but not comfortable.
Oxford United survived last season when it was easier to do so. The league is tougher now, which will make live betting on them more interesting. They added useful reinforcements, and their coach looks clearer in his ideas. Their key will be results against nearby rivals. With a healthy roster, they should have enough to stay out of the relegation zone.
Championship First Round Results
- Birmingham City 1–1 Ipswich Town
- Sheffield United 1–4 Bristol City
- West Bromwich Albion 1–0 Blackburn Rovers
- Stoke City 3–1 Derby County
- Queens Park Rangers 1–1 Preston North End
- Oxford United 0–1 Portsmouth
- Norwich City 1–2 Millwall
- Middlesbrough 1–0 Swansea City
- Southampton 1–0 Wrexham
- Coventry 0–0 Hull City
- Charlton Athletic 1–0 Watford
- Leicester City 2–1 Sheffield Wednesday