Don Goodman names Leeds, West Brom, Coventry and Middlesbrough as he predicts promotion “surprise” | OneFootball

Don Goodman has been discussing the promotion battle ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.

Highlights

Don Goodman is expecting a more unpredictable Championship this season and has namechecked Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough and Coventry City as potential promotion candidates.

The new campaign is a matter of weeks away, with the fixtures having already been released, and clubs are busy in the market as they look to make changes to their squad ahead of the kick-off.

Naturally, fans and pundits are making predictions, and generally those relegated are favourites for promotion due to the extra resources they have over their rivals.

Don Goodman expecting a close Championship promotion battle

That was evident last season more than most, as the relegated trio from 2022/23 finished in the top four, and Leeds, the side to miss out as they lost the play-off final, still managed to collect 90 points.

Yet, Sky Sports pundit Goodman explained that he felt the previous campaign was unusual given just how strong the Whites, Southampton and Leicester were, as he now anticipates a tighter battle.

Via OLBG, he said: "Last season was one of the easiest Championship seasons to predict in terms of who would be at the top as Leeds, Leicester and Southampton all retained a plethora of Premier League-quality players They were always going to be competing at the top end of the league.

"However this season I'm not so confident in the relegated clubs. For Burnley and Luton, it depends on what their squad looks like when the transfer window shuts. Will Burnley keep the likes of Lyle Foster, Luca Koleosho and Sander Berge? If they do, you fancy them to be a force. Will Luton keep the likes of Alfie Doughty, Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris? If they do, you'd also tip them to be competing at the top.

"But Sheffield United look like a club in disarray and are coming down from the Premier in a very weak state. A massive overhaul is required for Chris Wilder and his backroom staff. I'm not saying they can't do it, but he's up against it at the moment.”

If those clubs coming down from the Premier League don’t make the same impact, many clubs who were in the second tier last season will fancy their chances.

Leeds United backed to push for promotion once again

And, Goodman understandably highlighted Leeds as a side who will expect to be in the mix, as he also mentioned Coventry, West Brom and Middlesbrough, with the ex-striker also stating that this season could bring us a "surprise".

He said: "You'd expect Leeds to be towards the top, with the sale of Archie Gray possibly meaning they'll be able to keep hold of the attacking force that tore apart Championship defences for 80% of the season before falling at the last hurdle.

"Then, with some teams, you don't really know what to expect from them. You cannot rule out West Brom with Carlos Corberan in charge still, Coventry's FA Cup semi-final proved a hindrance to their promotion hopes last season, and Middlesbrough ended the campaign very strongly.

"The upcoming Championship season will not be as strong as last season's, which had the best top-four that I've ever seen. That's going to give an opportunity for some teams to surprise us.”

Transfer market is key for clubs in the mix

Most will agree with the teams that Goodman has mentioned here, but, as he also points out, the business that takes place before the deadline is going to have a big impact.

There are still major question marks over who Leeds will keep hold of, whilst the relegated clubs are also vulnerable as they look to balance the books. Plus, as we know, things can develop quickly, and then it’s about reinvesting the money you bring in on the right signings.

So, a lot can change, even after the season starts, but this does look like it could be an exciting Championship season.