Championship 2024/25 predictions.

Championship 2024/25 Predictions: Who Will Finish First, Second, and Win the Playoffs?

Championship 2024/25 Predictions: The 2024/25 EFL Championship season is shaping up to be another thrilling, unpredictable race for promotion. Known for its relentless schedule and competitive nature, the Championship remains one of the toughest leagues in the world. However, the clubs chase the lucrative prize of a Premier League return.

As we look ahead to how the season might unfold, we’ll predict the top two teams who could secure automatic promotion. We will also examine which sides might fight their way through the play-offs.

Sunderland have been on an upward trajectory ever since their promotion back to the Championship. After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Regis Le Bris‘s side has looked stronger and more experienced. Moreover, they are ready to challenge for automatic promotion.

Key Factors:

  • Youthful Energy and Flair: Sunderland boasts an exciting mix of young talent, with players like Wilson Isidor and Chris Rigg, along with academy graduates stepping up into important roles. Patrick Roberts‘ pace and creativity down the flanks have caused issues for every team Sunderland has faced.
  • Defensive Solidity: Sunderland’s backline has tightened up, with Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien forming a robust partnership. Their ability to shut down opposition attacks while transitioning quickly into counter-attacks makes them a balanced side capable of winning the league.

Under Regis Le Bris’s experienced guidance, and with the momentum from last season’s near miss, Sunderland are well-placed to dominate the Championship and secure automatic promotion by finishing as champions.

Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on promotion last season after a solid campaign that saw them challenging for automatic promotion until the latter stages. Under Carrick’s astute management, Middlesbrough have become one of the most feared teams in the division, combining tactical discipline with attacking flair.

Key Factors:

  • Attack-minded Philosophy: Middlesbrough have been one of the highest-scoring teams in the Championship, largely thanks to their dynamic forward line. Emmanuel Latte Lath and Delano Burgzorg look good for a few goals, supported by the creativity of players like Riley McGree and Daniel Barlaser.
  • Carrick’s Tactical Maturity: Carrick has matured quickly as a manager, instilling a disciplined yet attacking system that sees Boro dominate possession while remaining clinical on the counter-attack. His experience gained as both a player and coach under elite managers, is clearly paying dividends at Middlesbrough.

With their powerful attack and Carrick’s strategic brilliance, Middlesbrough look poised to claim the second automatic promotion spot. They should be joining Sunderland in the Premier League for 2025/26.

West Bromwich Albion have spent several seasons in and out of the promotion race, but under Carlos Corberán, they look well-prepared to mount a serious challenge this season. Corberán, known for his high-energy, pressing style, has given the Baggies a clear identity.

Key Players: West Brom have attacking quality in John Swift, Jed Wallace, and a resurgent Josh Maja, who have combined to make West Brom one of the most effective teams in the final third. Their defensive unit, led by Semi Ajayi, also has the experience and resilience needed to withstand the rigours of the Championship season.

With their mixture of seasoned Championship players and an energetic playing style, West Brom are prime candidates for a top-six finish.

Coventry City, under Mark Robins, remain one of the Championship’s most stable and well-coached sides. Robins has done a phenomenal job with Coventry, turning them from relegation candidates into consistent promotion challengers.

Key Players: Despite losing star striker Viktor Gyökeres, Coventry’s recruitment has been impressive. The likes of Ellis Simms and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto have added firepower to the team. Meanwhile, midfielder Ben Sheaf continues to pull the strings in the centre of the park. Jack Rudoni‘s creativity has also been crucial to Coventry’s attack.

Coventry’s combination of tactical discipline and resilience, especially after the heartbreak of last season’s final, should see them finish comfortably in the top six once again.

Watford are a perennial promotion contender, however, recent seasons have been underwhelming. But new head coach Thomas William Cleverley appears to have steadied the ship. Known for his high-tempo, direct approach, Cleverley has Watford playing with more purpose and aggression.

Key Players: With players like Ismaïla Sarr and João Pedro now gone, Watford have had to rebuild. However, they’ve managed to hold onto some quality like Tom Dele-Bashiru and Imrân Louza. Add in experienced defenders like Craig Cathcart and Wesley Hoedt, and Watford have a solid spine capable of sustaining a promotion push.

If Cleverley can bring consistency to Watford, they’ll be in the play-off hunt by the end of the season.

Norwich City are another team with recent Premier League experience that will be eyeing promotion back to the top flight. After a turbulent start to the 2023/24 season, they seem to have found their feet under Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Key Players: Norwich still possess the quality needed to challenge for promotion. They have Josh Sargent, Ante Crnac, and experienced striker Ashley Barnes providing goals and assists in attack. In defence, Grant Hanley and Jack Stacey provide a solid base from which the team can build.

If Norwich can avoid the inconsistency that plagued them last season, they should have enough quality to secure a play-off spot.

Predicting the play-offs is always tricky given their unpredictable nature, of course. However, based on squad strength, form, and experience, we anticipate a Coventry City vs. West Bromwich Albion final at Wembley.

West Brom, while talented, might struggle to break down Coventry’s well-organized defence in a high-stakes, tense final. Coventry to return to the Premier League after over two decades of heartache for the fans would be a fitting redemption story.

The 2024/25 Championship season is poised to be another rollercoaster, with no shortage of drama.

Sunderland and Middlesbrough appear well-placed to claim automatic promotion.

We also think Coventry City, West Brom, Watford, and Norwich City look set to battle it out in the play-offs.

Coventry City’s resilience and experience could finally see them triumph at Wembley and claim the last promotion spot.

SAFC at the Stadium of Light.
SAFC winning promotion.

In a league as unpredictable as the Championship, anything can happen, of course. But one thing is for sure: the race for promotion will be as intense and exciting as ever.

I think Leeds United and Burnley will come close, due to their Premier League experience. However, I predict that its no cigar for them. But feel free to correct me!

The staff at the Football Fan Base have boldly gave predictions for this competitive league. So now its your turn. Who do you think will be promoted from the EFL Championship in the 2024/25 season? Comment below or in our massive football forum.

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