And then there is Birmingham City. The Midlands club has not been in the Premier League since 2011, but under the guidance of manager Gary Rowett, they have quietly built a squad that could well challenge for promotion this season. With the likes of Lewis Baker, Tiago Ilori, and Ethan Laird in their ranks, Birmingham City have a good blend of experience and youth that could take them far in the Championship.
Rowett has instilled a solid defensive structure at Birmingham, with the team conceding just 34 goals in the previous season. This defensive solidity, combined with the attacking prowess of players like Joe Pigott and Jordan Graham, could see Birmingham City make a real push for promotion.
It will be interesting to see how Birmingham City fare against the likes of Southampton and Ipswich Town, two teams that have strengthened significantly in the summer transfer window. Can Birmingham City hold their own against these top sides and stake their claim for a place in the Premier League?
2. The rise of Viktor Gyokeres
One of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming Championship season is the rise of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker burst onto the scene last season with a series of impressive performances for Coventry City, scoring 15 goals in 41 appearances.
Now, Gyokeres has earned a move to a bigger club in the form of Southampton, where he will be looking to make an impact in the Championship. The 24-year-old has all the attributes to succeed at a higher level, with his pace, strength, and finishing ability making him a real threat to opposition defenses.
With Southampton likely to be one of the frontrunners for promotion, Gyokeres will have the opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage. If he can replicate his form from last season, there is no doubt that he could become one of the standout performers in the Championship.
Keep an eye on Gyokeres this season, as he looks to take his game to the next level and help Southampton achieve their promotion ambitions.
3. The battle for promotion
As always, the Championship promises to be a fiercely competitive league, with a number of teams vying for promotion to the Premier League. Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City are likely to be among the frontrunners, but there are plenty of other teams who will fancy their chances.
Teams like Derby County, Nottingham Forest, and Sheffield United will be looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons last year, while newly-promoted sides like Blackpool and Barnsley will be hoping to make an impact in their first season back in the Championship.
With so much talent and competition in the league, it is impossible to predict who will come out on top. One thing is for sure, though – the Championship is sure to provide plenty of thrills, spills, and drama throughout the season.
So buckle up and get ready for another season of Championship action, as Birmingham City take on Ipswich Town in what promises to be a thrilling start to the campaign. With so many storylines to follow, it is shaping up to be another unforgettable season in the EFL Championship.
Millwall’s ability to master the transfer market has been evident in their recent signings. They have brought in players like Tim Ream and Tom Elliott to bolster their squad and improve their chances of competing at the top end of the Championship table. With a strong core of experienced players and promising youngsters, Millwall are a team to watch out for in the upcoming season.
Despite not having the financial resources of some of their rivals, Millwall have shown that they can compete with the best in the league. Their smart recruitment strategy and astute management have allowed them to build a competitive squad that is capable of challenging for promotion. With a solid foundation in place, Millwall will be looking to build on their recent success and push for a place in the Premier League.
While they may not have the star power of some of the other teams in the Championship, Millwall’s strong team spirit and work ethic make them a formidable opponent for any team. They have shown that they are capable of overcoming adversity and competing with the best in the league, and they will be looking to continue their upward trajectory in the upcoming season.
As they prepare to kick off the new season, Millwall will be looking to build on their recent success and continue their push for promotion. With a strong squad and a determined group of players, they have the potential to surprise many and make a real impact in the Championship. Watch out for the Lions, as they look to roar their way to success in the upcoming season.
It’s clear that Millwall’s recruitment strategy has been focused on bringing in young, talented players with potential to develop and make an impact in the Championship. The signings of Flemming, Ivanovic, Doughty, and Agyemang all reflect this approach, with each player offering something different to the team.
With the addition of Flemming on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell, Millwall have secured a proven goal scorer who can lead the line for the team. His £7 million move to Burnley is a testament to his quality and potential, and Millwall will be hoping that he can continue to find the back of the net for them in the upcoming season.
Ivanovic’s emergence as a goal-scoring threat in the latter part of the season bodes well for Millwall’s attacking options, while Doughty’s crossing ability will provide valuable service to the strikers. With manager Alex Neil looking to add a touch of possession play to the team’s style, Millwall could be a team to watch in the upcoming Championship campaign.
As for Agyemang, the American striker will have a chance to shine in the second tier with Derby County. With competition for places from the likes of Rhian Brewster, Agyemang will need to impress manager John Eustace to earn a spot in the starting lineup. Eustace’s faith in the young striker’s abilities suggests that he could make a significant impact for Derby this season.
Overall, Millwall’s recruitment strategy and the addition of talented young players like Flemming, Ivanovic, Doughty, and Agyemang signal an exciting future for the club. With a mix of proven goal scorers and promising talent, Millwall could be a team to watch in the Championship this season.
The club has made a significant investment in him, and it is crucial that we see him develop into a top striker in the next two to three seasons. His speed, strength, and power make him a valuable asset to the team, and with the right guidance and training, he has the potential to excel at the Premier League level.
However, while the club is focused on nurturing their young talent, Sheffield Wednesday is facing a bleak future in the 2025-26 Championship season. The team is grappling with financial issues, including embargoes and structural concerns at their stadium. The departure of key players and delayed wage payments have left the squad depleted, with only 16 players available for their upcoming match against Leicester.
The situation at Sheffield Wednesday has been described as dire, with fans pointing fingers at owner Dejphon Chansiri for mismanaging the club. The EFL is in talks with Chansiri’s legal advisors about his potential divestment from the club, but a points deduction and relegation seem inevitable for the struggling team.
In terms of Championship predictions, Southampton and Ipswich Town are favored to secure the top two spots, with Coventry City, Leicester City, Birmingham City, and Millwall contending for playoff positions. On the other hand, Hull City, Oxford United, and Sheffield Wednesday are predicted to face relegation.
As the new season kicks off, CBS Sports will provide extensive coverage of EFL matches, including Birmingham City vs. Ipswich Town and Leicester City vs. Sheffield Wednesday. Fans can catch all the action on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network.
It’s a challenging time for Sheffield Wednesday, but for other teams in the Championship, the season promises to be an exciting and competitive one. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the drama unfolds on the pitch.
