The fight for promotion is tough every season, with each club out to prove their worth. Of course, no-one can know how the final outcome is going to look, and every game promises excitement and uncertainty. But, if you’re interested in gambling on who is going to the top of the table, we worked with Infogol to work out who we think will be getting promoted at the end of the season.
The Championship
With a reputation for being the most exciting and competitive division outside the Premier League, the outcome of this season’s Championship seems even more unpredictable than usual. There’s a distinct style of football in this division and, with the opportunity for ascending to the Premier League, every match matters.
There are several teams in a great position for climbing the table at this stage. Norwich City have been on a good unbeaten run and are on good form. Meanwhile, there’ll be a handful of teams eyeing the promotion via the playoffs, with Middlesbrough and Sheffield United good outside bets to make it through to the coveted position.
The top prediction for promotion has to be Leeds United though – they’ve performed well so far and have arguably made the most notable managerial appointment in securing Marcelo Bielsa the 2018/19 season at Elland Road, giving them everything they need to climb the ranks.
Portsmouth are on great form at this point in the season and are likely to build on an incredibly promising star, with ultimate aspirations of once again working their way to the Premier League. Barnsley could be slipping under the radar but with German manager Daniel Stendel developing the team to play with a more attacking style, they could be ones to watch. Other contenders are Peterborough United who, under the guidance of new manager Steve Evans, could be delivering a more aggressive game.
However, topping the list of contenders is Sunderland who as a Premier League team just a brief 18 months ago, are adding a definite dose of interest to this year’s battle for promotion. With a new manager and a desire to bring an alienated fanbase to the core of what the club’s about, they’re the betting favourite to round up the season as top dogs.
League Two
As one of the lowest tiers of the league system, League Two is a chance to climb to higher leagues for many clubs and a last stop between non-league for others. With everything to play for, the competition is heated, and the final weeks of this season can be extremely tense. Lincoln City have things heading in the right direction and with some significant signings to their team, namely the addition of John Akinde, they have great potential to rise into League One. Milton Keynes Dons are in a stronger position though, with Paul Tisdale coming in from Exeter, so they should make a swift return after being relegated from League One last season. MK Dons have a great squad this year and should bounce back easily.