James Buttler assesses the candidates for promotion from the Championship to the Premier League as the new football season gets underway on Friday evening.
Can the Hatters, Clarets or Blades show bouncebackability?
Usually, when looking for Championship promotion hopefuls, we tend to start with the three teams relegated from the Premier League last season.
Luton Town have the best claims for an immediate return of the teams coming down from the Premier League. The Hatters have Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo up front and a squad accustomed to the challenges that the Championship poses. It's a long old season.
Luton are 10/30 to be promoted. I was really impressed with Adebayo in the Premier League. If he stays fit, he's far too juicy at 20/1 to be the Championship top goal scorer.
Burnley are now under Scott Parker management. He gained promotion with both Fulham and Bournemouth previously. They are certainly candidates, and they're well run. I just don't think they're going to have quite the same flair that they did under Vincent Kompany. Burnley are 11/5 to be promoted.
I'm discounting Sheffield United, sorry Blades fans. They were promoted previously under Chris Wilder, but have financial constraints, they're in a bit of turmoil off the pitch and will be bruised from a tough Premier League campaign where they conceded an unwanted record of 104 goals. I think they may end in mid table this season at best.
Are Leeds United justified favourites to top the Championship?
Away from the relegated sides, Leeds United who got 90 points last season before losing to Southampton in the playoff final will be an interesting possibility under Daniel Farke. They have lost young starlets Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, but they've recruited Jayden Bogle and Joe Rothwell. Despite Summerville's departure, goals shouldn't be a problem. Leeds should certainly be in the mix again and they're 5/4 to be promoted.
Playoff hopefuls
Three other sides also appeal when I'm looking for the promotion candidates.
Coventry City just missed out on the playoffs last season under Mark Robbins, but they could be in contention this time despite the loss of Callum O'Hare. Coventry are 5/1 to be promoted.
West Brom, under Carlos Coboran, will be looking to build on a good finish last time around. They're also 5/1 to be promoted too. And Middlesbrough, under Michael Carrick, also finished strongly and they're in a position to build on that good form. Boro are 7/2 to be promoted.
James's 2024/25 Championship Tips
I've got a few bets for you here. You can take your pick.
Leeds Utd to be the champions of the Championship @ 7/2
Luton Town to have a top two finish @ 5/1
Coventry City to make the playoffs @ 3-1
West Brom to make the playoffs @ 3-1
Middlesbrough to make the playoffs @ 5/2
Elijah Adebayo to be the Championship top scorer @ 20/1
Enjoy the football season and please gamble responsibly.