Early Championship pressure for three managers as experts predict promotion and relegation

Three Championship managers already under pressure as promotion and relegation predictions emerge

The Championship is notoriously difficult to predict, but with the new season underway, several clubs are already facing expectations of either challenging for promotion or battling at the other end of the table.

A number of experts have already offered their predictions for the campaign, with Middlesbrough, West Ham and Wolves among the teams tipped to make a serious push for promotion.

Middlesbrough backed for Championship title

Jeff Stelling has selected Middlesbrough as his surprise choice to win the Championship.

The broadcaster believes Steve Gibson’s significant investment in the squad could finally pay off, with Boro having strengthened across the pitch.

Middlesbrough have reportedly spent around £36.5 million this summer, including moves for Will Lankshear and goalkeeper Radek Vítek.

Stelling also highlighted the quality of Kim Hellberg, who impressed during his first campaign in charge.

“I think this will be Boro’s year,” Stelling said, backing Middlesbrough to claim the title.

Adrian Clarke also expects Middlesbrough to be involved in the promotion race, although he has West Ham as his outright title favourites.

West Ham tipped to win the title

West Ham are widely expected to dominate the Championship after their relegation from the Premier League.

Clarke believes the Hammers have everything required to immediately bounce back, pointing towards their squad, manager and the atmosphere at the London Stadium.

He also suggested Jarrod Bowen’s decision to remain at the club could prove hugely significant.

West Ham’s squad contains players who have considerable Premier League experience, and their financial resources give them an obvious advantage over many Championship rivals.

Wolves also backed for promotion

Jeff Stelling has also tipped Wolves to secure automatic promotion.

He believes the club’s experience could prove decisive, although he expects them to strengthen further before the campaign develops.

With players such as Kieran Trippier and Raúl Jiménez providing experience and quality, Wolves are expected to challenge near the top of the table.

Middlesbrough among automatic promotion favourites

Clarke has also backed Middlesbrough to finish inside the top two.

He believes West Ham are the clear favourites to win the division but sees Boro as one of the strongest candidates to join them in securing automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough narrowly missed out last season and have strengthened significantly during the summer.

Clarke pointed specifically to Hellberg’s coaching, Lankshear’s arrival in attack and Vítek’s addition in goal as reasons for optimism.

Norwich City were also mentioned as another potential promotion contender after finishing last season strongly under Philippe Clement.

With expectations high at several clubs, the pressure will quickly build on managers whose teams fail to match their preseason predictions.