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Well football fans, after what’s felt like the longest summer in living memory, not to mention the drama of the 2026 World Cup, the wait is finally over. Championship football is back. What a time to be alive.

For many, the EFL Championship is more exciting and competitive than the Premier League. The football is scrappier, the fans tend to sing louder, the players are more passionate and loyal, and there’s always the element of anticipation and excitement over who will be promoted to the big time, who will reach the playoffs, and who will be resigned to League 1.

Following last weekend’s Carabao Cup First Round, the 2026/27 Championship season is due to kick off, so if you’ve not yet started your accas, or decided who you’re going to back for the title and automatic promotion, now is the time.

Need a little help? No worries, here’s what the top UK bookmakers think.

West Ham

To begin with, not surprisingly, it is newly relegated West Ham United whom the bookies are tipping to do an Alan Partridge and bounce back.

Last season, it felt as if The Hammers had everybody other than Spurs fans willing them to stay up and avoid the drop, and they came incredibly close to doing so. Ultimately, Spurs were safe and West Ham dropped down to the Championship for the first time in many years.

But can Nuno’s men secure the Championship and promotion back to the top? Well, Bet365 and BetVictor certainly think so. BetVictor have The Hammers at 6/4, whereas Bet365 are offering 7/4 odds.

Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers, another team relegated from the EPL at the end of last season, are also being heavily favoured by the bookies. Bet365 will give you 11/2 odds if you fancy backing Wolves, whereas BetVictor have them at 5/1.

Following the disastrous conclusion to last season, Wolves have appointed Cesar Peixoto as the man to take them back to the top.

Following last week’s decisive EFL Cup victory over Port Vale, in which they came out with a 3-0 win, Wolves they’ll start the season with a lot of confidence. It’ll also be nice for them to see striker Adam Armstrong on the scoresheet nice and early.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough are another team to watch this season, particularly after coming painfully close to promotion in the play-off final.

With young manager Kim Hellberg guiding Boro to 5^th place in his first season, along with the play-off final,, the 38-year-old is quickly silencing critics claiming he was too young and too immature for the job.

Bet365 are currently offering 9/1 odds for Boro, whereas BetVictor have them at 10/1.

Sheffield United (Dark Horses)

Finally, considered somewhat outsiders, but with a very real chance of securing the title and promotion, it’s Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.

Last season was incredibly turbulent for the Blades, with Wilder being dismissed, then brought back months later in a bid to undo Ruben Selles’ damage. Despite noticeable improvements under Wilder, those dropped points at the start of the season came back to bite them in a big way.

With Gus Hamer now heading for Coventry, The Blades will need more signings if they wish to challenge for the title, even with Patrick Bamford looking as sharp as ever and getting on the scoresheet for their 3-0 EFL Cup victory over Mansfield.

Bring some players in, namely Kalvin Phillips and Harry Souttar, and they could be serious contenders once more. Currently, Bet365 have Wilder’s men at 16/1 to win the title, whereas BetVictor are offering Sheff Utd 20/1 odds.