The English Football League (EFL) got underway this weekend, with the action in the Championship kickstarting a weekend of action-packed soccer.
England’s second tier is one of the most exciting leagues in the world, and the 2024/2025 edition of the Championship features a host of former Premier League teams.
Below, World Soccer Talk writer Conor Martin takes us through what you need to know and his predictions for the 24 Championship clubs this season.
EFL Championship preview
Blackburn Rovers
Formed: 1875
Home Ground: Ewood Park
Manager: John Eustace
Last season’s final Championship position: 19th
Predicted 24/25 Championship position: 17th
Key Player: Sammie Szmodics
The former Premier League winners found themselves in a relegation dogfight last season and had just enough about them to keep them up.
Rovers have had a mixed transfer window, in all honesty, but the signing of Makhtar Gueye could be a stroke of genius. They also have a solid manager in the form of John Eustace, who can do a lot more with this team should he and his recruitment team be allowed to spend a bit more cash.
The influence and ability of Sammie Szmodics is going to be crucial. He scored 27 times last year in the Championship and naturally, has a few Premier League clubs sniffing around him. They will do well to keep him, but if he does leave Edwood Park, Blackburn must ensure they strengthen their attacking options; otherwise, they could be in trouble.
Bristol City
Formed: 1894
Home Ground: Ashton Gate
Manager: Liam Manning
Last season’s final Championship position: 11th
Predicted 24/25 Championship position: 6th
Key Player: Max O’Leary
After a midtable finish last year, the Robins need to kick on this season and challenge for a top-six finish at the very least.
Managed by Liam Manning and after some good attacking recruitment this summer in the form of Fally Mayulu and Sinclair Armstrong from Queens Park Rangers, their attack could cause issues for any…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/efl-championship-preview-and-predictions/
Author : Conor Martin
Publish date : 2024-08-10 15:50:12
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