Daniel Farke’s Whites are heading for a consecutive season back in the country’s second tier following defeat to Southampton in May’s Championship play-off final. The bookies think that Leeds will bounce back in the ultimate style by going up as champions, Farke’s Whites clear 7-2 title favourites ahead of second favourites Burnley at 8-1.
Yet as the countdown continues to the new campaign, EFL pundit Gabriel Sutton has offered a different view in his annual predicted final finishing positions in conjunction with Bet Victor. Sutton was right with many of his predictions this time last year, forecasting Leicester City to win the division and Leeds to finish in fourth-place – only missing out by one spot on the latter.
One year on, here is how he sees the 2024-25 Championship campaign unfolding in reverse order from positions 24 up to number one. A full verdict on each team’s prospects can be read on Bet Victor’s website HERE. EFL pundit Gabriel Sutton can be followed on social media platform X via the handle @GabSutton.
1. 24th: Blackburn Rovers (relegated)
Verdict: There’s already a palpable sense that locals feel more strongly about off-field matters than on-field ones, and that won’t change if Rovers suffer the slow start that inadequate preparation renders a likelihood. Photo: Ed Sykes
2. 23rd: Plymouth Argyle (relegated)
Verdict: Argyle’s summer managerial vacancy was crying out for a safe pair of hands, after last season’s final day survival. With the quality of coaching in the Championship at an all-time high, though, Wayne Rooney was the gamble Argyle probably couldn’t afford to take. Photo: Dan Istitene
3. 22nd: Oxford United (relegated)
Verdict: Having spent a combined 21 years in the top two divisions of English football, out of 64 under the name Oxford United, the 1986 League Cup winners are by no means Championship minnows. Despite a proud history, however, this return to the second tier, after a quarter of a century away, is a big step up for all concerned, including head coach Des Buckingham. Photo: Cameron Howard
4. 21st: Derby County
Verdict: Outsiders could be forgiven for thinking Derby expect more than survival in 2024-25, following promotion from League One last season. A dogfight feels highly likely, though – this could be a close shave. Photo: Michael Regan
5. 20th: Watford
Verdict: Watford fans, we imagine, must be sick of hearing about managerial turbulence at their club, almost as much as the managerial turbulence itself. It’s a theme at Vicarage Road that predictably continued into 2024, as rookie Tom Cleverley becomes the 14th different boss to start a season in the last… well, 14 seasons. After a lowest finish since 2009-10, Watford could find themselves in the wrong alley once again. Photo: Alex Pantling
6. 19th: Millwall
Verdict: Millwall turned to club legend Neil Harris in their hour of need last season and he delivered. Improving on last season’s flattering 13th-placed finish could be tough but, when it really comes to the crunch, Millwall have a man who knows what to do. Photo: Ed Sykes