An Early Look at the Championship Promotion Race
It might seem that the new season is still in its infancy, but the Championship is almost already one third completed. Another closely fought battle amongst several teams is expected, but which team will emerge as the winners? Here we will look at some of the main contenders, who will be hoping to grace some of the finest stadiums of the Premier League next season.
Out in front
Matchbook favour Steve McClaren’s Derby County in most individual games after the side narrowly missed out on promotion to the top tier of English Football back in May. The Rams have bounced back in determined fashion though and currently lead the Championship – albeit on goal difference.
McClaren has used the loan market to great effect to bolster his squad numbers. Striker Chris Martin has already fired in nine goals this season, and continuation of that form will be a major pointer to the chances of Derby for the rest of the campaign.
Watford are a familiar name in the Championship promotion push, and this season looks to be no exception. Under new boss, Slavisa Jokanovic, the Hornets have made a steady start with five points from the Serbians’ first three games in charge.
Watford are another club that are bereft of funds, so the loan market is their way of improving the squad. The major success at Vicarage Road was to keep star-striker Troy Deeney away from the clutches of some Premier League clubs in the summer window, and while his scoring record is not as prolific as fellow front-man, Matej Vydra, Deeney will be a key man in the coming months.
The chasing pack
Kenny Jackett’s Wolves complete the current three-way tie at the top of the table, as the men from Molineux are looking for back-to-back promotions to the Premier League. The month of October began with a bump for the Wanderers, with a 3-1 loss against Huddersfield, but Jackett’s men have bounced back since with eight points from four games. November could be a difficult month for Wolves, with some tough looking fixtures – if they can come through those games unscathed then the promotion push for the Wanderers will be definitely on.
The surprise package of the season thus far are Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side, who have rocketed up the Championship table with four consecutive wins – including the 8-0 demolition of Birmingham at the weekend. Callum Wilson has been an instrumental part of the success with nine goals in 14 starts. The striker, signed from Coventry must be considered as one of the signings of the season thus far. Bournemouth found their feet in the Championship with a solid effort last season, and are looking good to build on that effort.
Slipping back
Other teams to consider are Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Norwich and don’t discount a charge from Cardiff. Forest began the season in blistering form, but are without a win in their last seven games.
Middlesbrough currently sit in fifth place, just two points off the summit, and with a large squad at manager Aitor Karanka’s disposal, the Teesiders will be looking at a serious push to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2008/09. Norwich have goals in their team with Lewis Grabban and Cameron Jerome, who will always pose a serious threat to the rest, while Cardiff must improve their away form if they are to challenge under new boss, Russell Slade.
The Championship is always the most difficult to predict, but a small preference is for Derby, who have a strong squad and have trodden the path before.