After the highs and lows of playing in the EFL Championship in the 2020/21 season, the 2021/22 season has come, and it promises to be much more thrilling with the addition of experienced managers into the fold, as well as the return of some teams from the Premier League following their relegation.
It promises to be a battle at both ends of the table, especially with the calibre of players available to compete in the league.
PROMOTION BATTLE
Last season, champions Norwich City, Watford and Brentford all made their way into the Premier League after performing brilliantly in the Championship. Ahead of Matchday 1, we would take a look at some teams that are expected to fight for the promotion spots in the season.
- West Bromwich Albion: The Baggies were relegated from the English Premier League after just one season back, but they showed while in the top tier that they have the quality to be there. With the addition of tactically astute French manager Valerien Ismael to their ranks, betting against them returning immediately to the top flight would be unwise.
- Fulham: The Cottagers were unable to maintain their status as a Premier League club last season and were relegated under Scott Parker, with whom they have parted company. They have now employed the services of the experienced Marco Silva to guide them to successive immediate returns to the Premier League, and that would be the goal of the club.
- Sheffield United: After a disastrous 2020/21 season in the English Premier League, Sheffield United has appointed a man who knows the Championship all too well, Slavisa Jokanovic, to help steer them back to the Premier League. The team is expected to compete for one of the top six places in the Championship, at the very least.
- Swansea City: Last season’s beaten finalists in the playoffs, Swansea City has come close to completing a return to the English topflight in each of the last two seasons, losing out in the playoffs both times. They would be hoping to go further under new manager Russell Martin this season.
- AFC Bournemouth: The Cherries came agonisingly close to securing an immediate return to the Premier League last season, but lost in the playoff semifinals to eventual winners Brentford. The club has finally landed their man, Scott Parker, after a long chase. Parker takes over as manager from Jonathan Woodgate. The young manager has successfully guided Fulham to the Premier League in the past, and should not find it too difficult to replicate the same success with Bournemouth.
RELEGATION BATTLE
Last season, the trio of Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Wycombe Wanderers got relegated from the Championship, with two of the three (Rotherham and Wycombe) returning to League One after just one season in the Championship. That is expected to happen this season, as well, with the promotion of Blackpool, Hull City and Peterborough United, three teams that have not had the best of times in recent years.
- Derby County: Wayne Rooney’s Derby escaped relegation by a hair’s breadth last season as they finished one point and one place above the drop zone. Their inability to sign and register new players due to a transfer ban might be their greatest undoing this season, as a very limited squad is available for the manager to prosecute the season. The Rams are among the favourites for relegation this season, without a doubt.
- Blackpool: The Tangerines have secured a return to the second tier of English football after a six-year absence under former Liverpool U23 manager Neil Critchley. Blackpool does not seem to have the required experience and pedigree to maintain their place in the Championship or push for promotion to the Premier League. They look like good candidates for relegation.
- Peterborough United: Peterborough United are managed by Darren Ferguson, son of the great Sir Alex Ferguson. They achieved promotion to the Championship after spending eight years in League One. A look at the members of their squad reveals a lack of top-quality personnel with whom they can prosecute a gruelling season in the Championship.
PUNTERS TIPS
With the first round of matches set to hold on August 6th, 7th and 8th, here is a list of five matches you should keep your eyes on if you’re interested in betting on football.
- Bournemouth vs West Brom: This promises to be a cracker between two sides looking to make a statement of intent at the start of the season. Both sides are among those tipped to compete for the Championship title, and they will look to outgun each other under new managers. Bournemouth are favourites for the win with 2.25 odds, and West Brom has been given 3.10 odds. A draw between the two has been pegged at 3.25 odds here on NetBet.
- Derby County vs Huddersfield: Derby gets to start its season against a team that is not expected to rank among the best in the division, and it gives then a good chance to prove that they can compete. However, even with their home advantage, the Rams are underdogs in this one. A look at NetBet shows that the home side has been given 4.40 odds, and Huddersfield has been given 1.74 odds, making them the favourites for the win. A draw has been pegged at 3.65 odds.
- Bristol City vs Blackpool: Blackpool, like Derby, will face the test of a mid-table side when they go up against Bristol City. A win for Blackpool has been pegged at 3.25 odds, and a win for Bristol City has been pegged at 2.20 odds. A draw between the sides was given 3.30 odds on NetBet.
- Luton Town vs Peterborough: An important match for Peterborough against a side that finished in mid-table last season. A win for them has been pegged at 3.10 odds, a win for Luton has been pegged at 2.20 odds, and a draw has been pegged at 3.45 odds on NetBet.
- Fulham vs Middlesbrough: Fulham will look to return with a statement win over Middlesbrough, another decent side in the division. A Fulham win is likely, with their 1.90 making them favourites in the game. Their opponents have been given 4.05 odds, and a draw has been pegged at 3.40 odds on NetBet.