The new EFL Championship season gets under way on Friday 4th August and we pick out some key matches and highlights a few bets from the weekend coupon.
Let's start with an outright betting update and the three clubs relegated from the Premier League last season top the betting boards to bounce straight back with promotion (top 2 automatic, 1 from the play offs)
To Be Promoted (any method)
Leicester 1.37/1
Leeds 1.75/1
Southampton 5/2
Middlesbrough 3/1
Ipswich 7/2
Norwich 9/2
Watford 5/1
West Brom 5/1
Stoke 13/2
Sunderland 13/2
Note, prices subject to change
With all the Saudi money flowing into English football the transfer market looks bloated to me and I reckon that favours those clubs who were relegated last season. Leeds have loaned out a number of their bigger earners whilst Leicester have cashed in on Maddison and Barnes. Some of Southampton's better players are reportedly still on the brink of moves but all 3 clubs have new coaches who are inheriting some more than useful talent for this level.
Best of the rest are North East duo Middlesbrough and Sunderland, both of whom lost play off semi finals last season. Sunderland are still missing injured star striker Ross Stewart and the excellent Amad Diallo has returned to Man United after his season long loan spell. They have continued their transfer policy of signing youngsters, mainly from overseas and those newcomers could be anything. That said, right now I don't see Sunderland or Boro being any better than play offs.
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Opening round of fixtures
The season gets under way on Friday night with a televised clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton.
There were 2 divisions between these sides last season but Wednesday came up from League 1 through the play offs and the Saints were relegated from the top flight. Wednesday have brought in reinforcements but they opted to change coach with Xisco Munoz (one of many recent Watford managers) coming in.
Southampton also have a new coach with Russell Martin taking charge. He was with Swansea last season and has a reputation for playing good football. Whether the likes of Ward-Prowse will play a role if they are still on the Saints' books will be worth watching but I think Southampton will have enough to make a winning start.
Saturday's fixtures didn't make too much appeal to me but I can see scope for a few draws with a number of fixtures looking tough to call.
Sunday sees Leicester host Coventry, Leeds are at home to Cardiff and Sunderland start at home to Ipswich.
I'm looking for both teams to score in the Leicester game and I will look out for a price for Hemir, a new arrival at Sunderland and currently their only fit striker, to pop up any time. He has been finding the net in pre-season and I'm assuming he will lead the line.
Although Leeds have a couple of injury doubts and will field a vastly different side to that which finished their last Premier League match, it's a totally new era with a new coach and new ownership. I fancy they still have enough quality and will take them to lead at half time and full time against a side who could struggle this season.
Weekend EFL Championship Picks
Southampton to win at 13/10 with Sportingbet
Leicester v Coventry, both teams to score ? (yes) at 17/20 with Sportingbet
HT/FT Leeds/Leeds at even money with Sportingbet
Sunderland v Ipswich, any time goalscorer Hemir
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Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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