Outside contenders for promotion in the Championship
Every year football pundits and fans alike discuss the unpredictability of the Championship and the difficult task of getting out of England’s second tier. Arguably the most competitive division in Europe, momentum is imperative. So often teams have had lacklustre seasons, dwindling around mid-table only for a surge of form to push them in and around the play-off places. Last season Sheffield United, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion were thrust back down from the Premier League, and will be eager to climb straight back up. However, it will take shrewd recruitment, squad depth and a lot of good fortune to get there in May, even for those predicted to achieve according to EFL Championship betting odds makers. Regardless of who the favourites are, the Championship is an extremely tough division and here are some overlooked teams who could force themselves within touching distance of Premier League football.
Queens Park Rangers
Many were shocked when Queens Park Rangers were at one point thrashing a depleted Manchester United during preseason— the game finished 4-2 — but the Super Hoops certainly turned some heads in their direction. The Rs have often gone unnoticed since losing their Premier League status in 2015, going down without a whimper and lingering in the Championship, but developing some exciting players in recent years. Eberechi Eze is a shining example of the great work the QPR academy is doing. If they can combine that youthful exuberance with the Championship experience of Charlie Austin and Albert Adomah, who have both previously tasted promotion, there is no reason they can’t be in and around the play-off places come the end of the season.
Barnsley
While Barnsley did manage to reach the play-offs last season, losing to Swansea City, they went out in a rather underwhelming fashion. With Swansea dominating proceedings and controlling possession, a 2-1 aggregate score didn’t really reflect the Swans dominance. Not many fancied them at the start of the last campaign, but Markus Schopp’s men finished last season strongly bar the two legs at The Liberty and Oakwell. They have a strong squad and if they can remain consistent throughout the duration of a season and manage their injury list well, keeping key men out of the treatment room, they can replicate last season’s success and hopefully go one step further.
Preston North End
To finish this triumvirate of outsiders, we go with the most unlikely of the bunch. Despite a 13th-place finish last season, Preston North End won four of their last five and kept four clean sheets. With a return of fans to Deepdale, the Lancashire side can surely capitalise and put together a strong start to resemble last season’s form. They face Hull City on the opening day but can optimistically look forward to a strong season under Frankie McAvoy, playing with no real pressure. With a squad surely too good to go down, the Lilywhites can look forward to an entertaining campaign.