The English Football Championship, more commonly known as the Championship, is the second highest division in English football. It is comprised of 24 clubs, all just one step away from making it into the Premier League. It is considered to be the richest non-top-flight football league in the world but revenues are still dwarfed by the Premier League. The top two teams in the league at the end of the season are automatically promoted to the Premier League. Third to sixth then face each other in the play-offs with the Wembley winners being promoted. That play-off final is often referred to as the richest match in the world.
It's a long arduous season with 46 games played and possibly another three in the play-offs, two of which could go into extra-time. The three bottom teams end up being relegated to League One. The pride of the league combined with the financial incentive of promotion makes this league a bettor's delight. Between the quality of the football, the atmosphere in the stands and the passion of the players - what more could you ask for! Throughout the season, our team of betting experts will analyze the forthcoming fixtures and give their well-researched opinions on who are going to be the winners and the losers.
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The three sides relegated from the Premier League last season (Leicester City, Southampton and Leeds United) will all be pressing hard for promotion. Leicester City have lost some key players such as Barnes and Maddison but have recruited well. We believe they are a very good tip to win the Championship this season. Southampton have lost some important players but still look promotion candidates, the same goes for Leeds United. Middlesbrough had a strong second half to last season but lost in the play-off semi-finals. They are strong candidates to again be in the mix. Norwich City and Watford will also be good contenders. Stoke City have been busy in the transfer market this summer and could well make the play-offs. We go for Leicester City to win the title and the other automatic promotion spot to go to Middlesbrough with Leicester, Leeds,
Winner: Burnley won the title last season and the other automatic promotion spot went to Sheffield United.
Play-offs: Luton Town won the play-offs, beating Coventry City in the final, The the two semi-finalists were Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Relegated: Reading, Blackpool and Wigan Athletic went down. Reading would have survived but for being deducted six points.
Promoted to the Championship: Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday (play-off winners) won promotion to the Championship from League One.
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Odds taken from bet365.com and William Hill,co.uk