‘Thrilling, relentless, unpredictable’: why the Championship remains the league of opportunity | OneFootball

The Championship remains relentless and unpredictable, even if the peak quality is down on last season.

“I’ve never known it as close as this season,” said Neil Warnock. “If I’m honest, I don’t think the quality is quite there, compared to the past few years. But it’s as competitive as it has ever been.” He told The Athletic.

Last term Leeds United and Burnley both made 100 points, Sheffield United reached 90 but missed out via the play-offs, and with four games left every club still had something to play for.

This season leaders Coventry have lost three of their past six, so Middlesbrough are within three points. Ipswich, Hull City and Millwall are surging, and Wrexham in sixth sit only two clear of Derby County in 11th.

“The Championship has always been a demanding league,” said Simon Grayson. “It’s such an honest league. You have to be at it every game or you pay the price.”

A supercomputer projection has Coventry as champions and Middlesbrough runners-up, yet two-thirds of clubs have at least a 4.9 per cent promotion chance. Contrast that with the Premier League, where even seventh-placed Fulham are rated 3.94 per cent to reach sixth, and there is no VAR here.

“I look at the teams who might be coming down and they’ll be very strong,” Warnock said. “This is a big season in the Championship because of that. Take it while you can.”

Source: NY Times