As the EFL Championship begins this weekend, let’s dive into what this new season is going to look like for the league as it gears up for the 2025/26 season commencing this Friday! With new teams joining and big signings over the summer, this Championship season looks to be one of the most interesting yet. Read on to learn more about what’s to come.

A Look Into the Newcomers 

Who Got Promoted Into the League:

1. Wrexham

After securing automatic promotion to the Championship last season, Wrexham made history by marking their third consecutive promotion from fifth tier football to the Championship in three seasons. Wrexham haven’t played in this league since the 1981-82 season so it could prove to be a big step up for them, but they have proven their determination in recent years, showing they are more than capable of rising to the challenge.

2. Birmingham City 

Following a very successful run in the League One last season, where Birmingham City finished with 111 points and the league title, the Blues head into the new season confident they can perform well in the Championship. The club has made some smart summer signings and will rely on its strong fanbase to push for promotion. All eyes will be on how quickly they can adjust to life in the second tier.

3. Charlton Athletic 

Charlton Athletic secured their return to the Championship through the playoffs, showing grit and composure when it mattered most. After a solid season in League One, they’ll be eager to prove they belong at the higher level. With a mix of experience and youth, along with the momentum from their playoff run, the squad could surprise in the Championship. 

Who Got Relegated Into the League:

1. Leicester City 

After winning the Championship in 2023–24 and returning to the Premier League with high hopes, Leicester’s 2024–25 campaign quickly unraveled. They struggled for consistency, lacked a reliable goal scorer, and went through managerial instability. With club hero, Jamie Vardy, departing the pressure will be on them to regroup fast and push for an immediate return back into the Premier League. 

2. Ipswich Town

Ipswich’s dream return to the Premier League after 22 years quickly turned into a survival battle for them last season. While they started brightly, a lack of Premier League-level depth and experience caught up with them. Their relegation was confirmed after a 3–0 loss to Newcastle late in the season. Still, Kieran McKenna’s side won respect for sticking to their principles and fighting hard.

3. Southampton

Southampton’s return to the Premier League lasted just one year. They endured a brutal season and were relegated earlier than any other side, after just 31 games — the earliest confirmed relegation in Premier League history. After facing this disappointment, the team will look to regroup and develop in the Championship ready for if they are given a chance to redeem themselves in the Premier League in years to come.

Now we’ve looked into the new teams for this 2025/26 Championship campaign, let’s discuss the expected contender’s vs the dark horses, who could surprise us all in this coming season.

My Expected Contender’s:

Despite being relegated from the Premier League, as previously mentioned, I think Ipswich and Leicester will be expected to reach automatic promotion in an attempt to return back to the top tier of English football. Both teams displayed glimpses of strength when competing in the Premier League, so will undoubtedly look very strong against Championship opposition.

Sheffield United also enter this season as one of the front runners. They’ve retained much of their core squad from last year and possess the physicality, experience, and tactical discipline needed to grind out results in a long, demanding campaign.  After being unsuccessful in the playoffs last season, the Blades will look to challenge for a top-two finish alongside Leicester and Ipswich.

My Predicted Dark Horses of the Championship:

While the Championship is often dominated by familiar heavyweights, there are always a few sides capable of upsetting the odds. 

Derby County could be one of them. With a new manager, John Eustace who saved the Rams at the end of last season when they needed it most, driving the team and some smart business done in the transfer market, they look ready to take a step forward. If the squad adapts quickly to the manager’s style, Derby could mount a genuine push for the play-offs.

Wrexham are another team which could surprise us all. After three consecutive promotions, their momentum is undeniable. Backed by passionate owners and a fiercely loyal fanbase, they have the belief and togetherness to surprise more established Championship clubs, despite being new to the level of competition.

Finally, Coventry City will be eager to go one step further after narrowly missing out in last season’s play-off semi-final. They’ve strengthened in key positions and retained much of the squad that made them such a difficult side to beat. If their attack finds form early, they could once again be in the mix for promotion.

With plenty of predictions already building before a ball has been kicked, all eyes now turn to the opening weekend. Here are a few fixtures that could set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable Championship season.

To kickoff the season, Birmingham City will take on Ipswich town on Friday August 8^th for what will be a recently promoted vs a recently relegated matchup – an exciting one to set the tone of what to expect from both ends of the table this season. 

Onto Saturday, another recently promoted vs recently relegated match, with Southampton vs Wrexham, which will be an interesting one to witness as both teams look to start their season on a high. Following from this, two big contenders from last season, Bristol City and Sheffield United, will play each other on Saturday evening in a tense game. 

With so many exciting matchups on the horizon and plenty of teams with a point to prove, the stage is set for a thrilling start to the Championship season. Whether you’re backing one of the favorites or hoping your dark horse makes a statement, there’s no doubt this campaign will deliver drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Let the games begin.