The new Championship season looms, and as ever, the second tier promises drama, upsets, and stories that capture the imagination. With squads reset, new managers in the mix, and waves of optimism sweeping clubs across England, here’s our take on how 2023/24 might play out.

Title & Automatic Promotion

Champion: Ipswich Town

Automatic Promotion: Leicester City

I backed Ipswich to win it outright. They have momentum from recent campaigns, a strong squad blend, and the ambition that often tells at this level. Leicester, despite some turbulence, will be too solid to miss out, they’ll dust themselves off and claim second automatic slot.

Playoffs

I foresee the following teams locking in playoff spots:

• Sunderland
• West Bromwich Albion
• Leeds United
• Norwich City

Then, in a tight, nerve-racking playoff, I’m going with Sunderland to come through and take the final promotion spot. They’ve got the grit and history, and perhaps that extra edge when it matters.

Relegation

Sadly, the Championship’s unforgiving. Our picks for the drop are:

• Swansea City
• Huddersfield Town
• Rotherham United

I think Swansea will struggle to find consistency, Huddersfield may lack the attacking spark, and Rotherham, as ever, may just run out of steam against deeper squads.

Top Scorer

Jamie Vardy is going to clean up in the Championship. He will love the battles, a return to the more physical and intense battles that he loves, and despite his age playing a factor, he has the experience of coming from non-league football so won’t shy away. I expect a 20+ goal season from Vardy and think he will lead the way for Leicester’s return.

Player of the Season

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a quality player and with Leicester fighting to return to the top-flight, I think he will be a standout throughout the season, providing goals, assists and a season that can see him step up to the next level which may even see a move up the league in the not too distant future.

Manager of the Season

Kieran McKenna (Ipswich) will deservedly walk away with this. Transforming that club, keeping them steady under pressure, and pushing for the title, it’s a manager’s dream job well done.

Overachievers

Norwich City will surprise a few. Perhaps they’ll fly under the radar early, then mount a push to the playoffs with young talent and a cohesive system. They’ll be fun to watch and will exceed expectations.

Underachievers

Leeds United. With their history and resources, anything less than automatic promotion may feel like underwhelming. Even if they reach playoffs, I think many will view that as a disappointment. Injuries or managerial instability could hamper them.

Final Thoughts

The Championship is rarely predictable, and midway through the season these guesses will look laughable. But that’s part of the fun, supporting the underdog, watching players emerge, and feeling the swings of joy or despair across 46 matchdays.

So, hold onto your scarves, brace yourself for shocks, and let’s enjoy what’s sure to be a rollercoaster of a season. May the best (and most consistent) team win.