In terms of entertainment, the Championship is getting worse every year due to the significant economic imbalance and the general dominance of teams relegated from the Premier League, but from a prediction and betting perspective, it is becoming more predictable.
The favorite team for promotion has won the championship in five of the last six seasons, which is a great sign for Ipswich, currently well supported by bookmakers. On the other hand, with “parachute payments” allowing relegated teams to keep most of their previous season’s squad, both Ipswich and Southampton are well equipped to bounce back immediately.
Both did very well the last time they were in the Championship two years ago, and this year the overall level seems even lower. It could also be argued that they have the two best managers in the league: Kieran McKenna and Will Still. The most plausible scenario is that these two teams will dominate the league, perhaps fighting each other for the title.
Both starting lineups are simply superior to any other in the league. Ipswich has a defense consisting of Ben Johnson, Jacob Greaves, Dara O’Shea, and Leif Davis, has just spent big on Azor Matusiwa from Rennes in midfield, and still boasts players such as Omari Hutchinson (for now), Jaden Philogene, Jack Clarke, and Sammy Szmodics.
Southampton can count on Harwood-Bellis, Bella-Kotchap, Sugawara, and Ryan Manning in defense, and a very strong midfield with Flynn Downes, Shea Charles, Matheus Fernandes, Joe Aribo, and Tyler Dibling. In attack, they have plenty of choice: Adam Armstrong, Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, and new $7 million signing Damion Downs. It will be difficult for the other 22 teams to keep up. The only unknown is Birmingham, which has spent heavily in recent years and will likely be at the top of the table. But there are still doubts about Chris Jones as manager, and the top of the Championship is very different from League One. Leicester, struggling with off-field problems, the risk of penalties, and no signings in the transfer market, can safely be ruled out. As mentioned, the overall level of the league is low, and it is difficult to find a team that could realistically finish above Ipswich or Southampton. The only team that could come close is Sheffield United, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, losing another playoff final after exceeding 90 points. Ruben Selles is a good coach, and they have retained most of their squad, but they have not strengthened as they would have liked and probably still have too much ground to make up in terms of both personnel and coaching staff.
Odds comparison
Ipswich to win the championship is at 4.50 on Goldbet and Lottomatica. The best odds for Southampton to win the championship are 6.00 on Bet365.
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