Once again England‘s Championship has proven to be one of the most competitive leagues Europe has to offer.
While the likes of Fulham and Bournemouth lead the way at the top of the standings, the rest of the teams in the top half of the table will harbour hopes of finishing in those all-important play-off places.
Big Names Seeking Top Flight Return
There are teams in the mix for the play-off places that have enjoyed previous Premier League status and even one former winner of the competition. Having been relegated from the top flight in the 2011-12 season, Blackburn Rovers are pushing for a return to the head table of English football. Rovers, who are 4/1 to finish in the top six in the English Championship betting odds, will need to overcome a dip in form over the early part of April to reach the play-offs. At one stage of the season there were mentions of Blackburn in the Championship outright tips, but frontrunners Fulham showed their class in the end. Manager Tony Mowbray does have a wealth of experience to call upon and the Lancashire outfit, who won the Premier League title in 1995, look like they will have a big part to play in the battle for the top six.
Middlesbrough are another former Premier League regular pushing for a return to the first tier. Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has shown his quality once again after losing his position at Bramall Lane and is now impressing at the Riverside. Boro are again a team that will need a strong end to the season to push hard for a top-six finish.
Nottingham Forest are another former Premier League stalwart that are seeking promotion, as are former top-flight outfit Coventry City. Two midlands clubs that have had too long outside of the top flight, both teams are striving for those high-pressure play-off games.
A Chance For Some New Faces
While there are some former established Premier League clubs in the play-off mix, the top flight could be set to welcome some new faces to the competition next year. Luton Town have been the surprise package of the Championship this season and find themselves firmly in contention for a top-six finish. Manager Nathan Jones has done a remarkable job at Kenilworth Road and the Hatters have put themselves in the position to do something special this season.
Likewise, Millwall are a side that have never featured in the Premier League since its inception in 1992 but the Lions are hoping this could be their year. The southeast London outfit have punched above their weight this season and manager Gary Rowett has proved again his ability to put together a competitive side.
It all makes for what is set to be an intriguing end to the Championship, with many twists and turns in the regular season still to come.
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