OUR magnificent EFL Championship supplies an exhilarating pathway for promotion towards huge Premier League riches.
But there is also a hotly contested annual battle to avoid relegation to League One.
Last season was particularly exciting whereby Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle all escaped the drop in a frenetic final day scramble.
Football betting activity was immense! With rock bottom Rotherham United already doomed, the Championship subsequently said goodbye to Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City.
Odds To Finish Bottom Of The Championship:
- Oxford United - 5/1
- Plymouth Argyle - 13/2
- Millwall FC - 8/1
- Preston North End - 9/1
- Blackburn Rovers - 10/1
- Cardiff City - 10/1
- Bar - 12/1
So which clubs will go down in the upcoming 2024/25 campaign kicking off this weekend?
Here are the main candidates in my opinion alongside pointers to assist your Championship betting…
Oxford United
To finish bottom odds: 5/1
Having attained League One’s fifth place during 2023/24 some 15 points shy of automatic promotion, Oxford United surprisingly beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.
The U’s therefore reach English football’s second tier for the first time since 1998/99. It was so long ago that the Championship was called Division One back then! Oxford United even had spell in Non-League circles between 2006 and 2010.
I still possess vivid memories of being present for the greatest day in their history lifting the 1986 Milk (League) Cup convincingly overcoming Queens Park Rangers 3-0 in a Wembley final.
Bringing the story up to date, head coach Des Buckingham has prepared for strenuous Championship encounters by making several experienced additions.
Poland international wide man Przemyslaw Placheta underwent a free transfer from Swansea City before Hull City goalkeeper Matt Ingram was recruited for an undisclosed fee. Then last Thursday, the acquisition was completed of West Bromwich Albion released winger Matt Phillips.
Oxford United will definitely look to consolidate at this level whilst they push on plans to build a much-needed new stadium at the Triangle in Kidlington.
Plymouth Argyle
To finish bottom odds: 13/2
I like Wayne Rooney’s demeanour. He has always remained extremely polite and courteous whenever I’ve asked him for radio interviews. But I believe his high profile summer appointment in becoming Plymouth’s head coach is a risky gamble.
After dodging relegation by one point to finish 21st, Argyle installed the ex-England captain to succeed Ian Foster who was fired on 1st April in light of an unsatisfactory run of results.
Incidentally, former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom had actually been the bookies’ favourite to take charge at Home Park.
Yet it was Rooney receiving the nod and he has brought in Pete Shuttleworth as his assistant. The pair previously operated together at Derby County, DC United in America and Birmingham City.
It is the ill-fated spell with Birmingham which concerns me. Rooney got sacked on 2nd January 2024 following just 83 days in command.
Blues were sixth in the Championship table when he originally took over on 11th October. However they drastically slipped to 20th once Rooney suffered nine defeats in a poor 15 game tenure.
Glancing ahead to the new campaign, I am certain Plymouth’s fortunes will depend on whether or not Rooney can retain the services of star man Morgan Whittaker.
The 23 year old notched 20 goals in League and Cup throughout 2023/24 and deservedly made our EFL Championship Team of the Season. Scottish newspapers are currently reporting increasing interest involving Glasgow Rangers.
The Ibrox outfit initially had an offer of more than £7 million turned down for Whittaker although Rooney has unequivocally stated he wants to keep the player unless “a crazy bid” materialises.
Portsmouth
To finish bottom odds: 18/1
Pompey were outstanding League One champions cavorting 10 points clear of third spot. Their old school Fratton Park stadium hasn’t graced Championship matches beyond 2011/12.
I love the striking mock Tudor façade on display there as fans approach entry turnstiles plus the loud bell-ringing typically accompanying attacking passages of play. The spirited ‘Play Up Pompey, Pompey Play Up’ chant is totally unique amongst football crowds too.
On the pitch, winger Josh Murphy arrives from Oxford United where he most recently scored both goals to topple Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the League One Play-Off Final.
Furthermore, Monday saw a deal penned for ex-QPR midfielder Andre Dozzell after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City. Dozzell brings assorted versatile options because he can adequately fill the holding role as well as pushing forward in number 10 mode.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
