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How it works
Click the icon to learn the basics of football

So, the EFL Championship is the second-highest division of professional football in England, right below the Premier League. It's part of the English Football League (EFL), which also includes League One and League Two. There are 24 teams in the Championship, and they all play against each other to get to the top or avoid the bottom.

Here’s how it works:

1. League Format

Each team plays 46 matches in total — 23 at home and 23 away. The season runs from August to May. Every time a team wins a match, they get 3 points; if they draw, they get 1 point; and if they lose, they get 0 points. After all the games are played, the teams are ranked by their total points.

2. Promotion to the Premier League

The top two teams at the end of the season automatically get promoted to the Premier League. That’s the dream for most Championship teams — getting to play in the big league with all the extra exposure and money!

Then, there’s a bit of extra drama with the play-offs. The teams that finish 3rd to 6th get a chance to compete in the play-offs for the third and final promotion spot. The format goes like this:

  • 3rd vs 6th and 4th vs 5th in two-legged semi-finals.
  • The winners of those matches then face off in a final at Wembley Stadium for the chance to grab that last Premier League spot.

3. Relegation to League One

On the flip side, the bottom three teams (19th to 24th place) get relegated to League One (which is the third tier of English football). So, not only are teams fighting for promotion, but they’re also battling to stay out of the relegation zone to avoid dropping down to a lower league.

4. What’s at Stake?

The Championship is a really competitive league. The teams in the middle of the table might not get promoted, but they’re still fighting for things like better positioning, financial bonuses, or just the pride of finishing higher up. Even the teams at the bottom don’t give up because, along with avoiding relegation, there’s always the chance to have a decent cup run or improve for the following season.

5. Interesting Facts

  • The league has a ton of tradition and history, and some famous teams that have been relegated from the Premier League, like Norwich, Sunderland, or Stoke, have spent time in the Championship.
  • The matches are often high-paced and physical because the teams know they’re so close to reaching the top or falling down a division.
  • The play-off final at Wembley is one of the most exciting games of the year. The winning team can see a huge financial windfall from Premier League TV deals, sponsorships, and gate receipts.

So yeah, the Championship is full of drama, with teams playing for both glory and survival. It’s a bit like a rollercoaster with a lot of twists and turns, and fans love the unpredictability of it all!

Who to know

The EFL Championship is always packed with talented players, and the 2023-2024 season has seen some real standout performances. Here are a few of the top players who have been making waves:

Chuba Akpom (Middlesbrough)

Chuba Akpom had a phenomenal season last year, finishing as the Championship’s top scorer. He’s a clinical forward with great movement and has the ability to turn games in an instant. He’s one of the key figures for Middlesbrough’s attack this season as well.

Alex Mowatt (West Bromwich Albion)

Mowatt is a midfielder with an eye for both playmaking and scoring. He’s been a key figure for West Brom, always involved in creating chances and controlling the tempo of matches. His ability to pick out a pass and his leadership in the middle of the park have made him stand out.

Ben Brereton Díaz (Blackburn Rovers)

Brereton Díaz is a dynamic forward who has really made a name for himself in the Championship. His pace, skill, and finishing ability make him a real threat up top for Blackburn. He’s also been excellent on the international stage with Chile, further boosting his profile.

Elliot Anderson (Newcastle United, on loan at Bristol Rovers)

The young Newcastle talent has been sensational during his loan spell at Bristol Rovers. Anderson’s vision, dribbling, and creativity have earned him plenty of attention, and he looks like a player who could step up to the Premier League in the near future.

John Swift (Reading)

John Swift has been one of the best attacking midfielders in the Championship. His ability to link up play, pick out key passes, and score from midfield makes him a standout performer. Reading have relied heavily on him for creativity.

Ryan Manning (Swansea City)

Ryan Manning has been a consistent performer for Swansea, playing both in defense and as a wing-back. His work ethic, defensive stability, and ability to get forward and contribute to attacks have made him one of the Championship's most reliable players.

Tino Anjorin (Chelsea, on loan at Huddersfield Town)

Another exciting young talent on loan from Chelsea, Tino Anjorin has the ability to dazzle on the ball. His dribbling skills and flair make him a real crowd-pleaser, and he’s been one of Huddersfield’s brightest sparks this season.

Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)

Molumby is a tireless box-to-box midfielder known for his work rate and defensive contributions. He adds grit to West Brom's midfield and is crucial for breaking up opposition attacks and starting quick counters.

Of course, there are many more players across the league who shine on any given matchday. The Championship is full of surprises, with emerging talents and experienced pros delivering high-quality football week in, week out.

Top Teams

Sunderland

Sheffield United

Leeds United

Burnley

West Brom

Millwall

Watford

Middlesbrough

Swansea

Blackburn Rovers

Fixtures January 2025

Fri Jan 17

  • CH: Burnley vs Sunderland (8pm)
  • L2: Harrogate vs Cheltenham (7.45pm)

Sat Jan 18 (All 12.30pm Kick Off)

  • CH: Cardiff vs Swansea, Millwall vs Hull, Plymouth vs QPR
  • L1: Blackpool vs Huddersfield, Peterborough vs Leyton Orient
  • L2: Carlisle vs Bradford, Gillingham vs Doncaster

Sun Jan 19

  • CH: Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday (12pm)

Tues Jan 21

  • CH: Millwall vs Cardiff (8pm) | All other EFL games on Tues Jan 21 also live on Sky Sports+

Wed Jan 22

  • CH: Plymouth vs Burnley (8pm) | All other EFL games on Wed Jan 22 also live on Sky Sports+

Thur Jan 23

  • L1: Wrexham vs Birmingham (8pm)

Fri Jan 24

  • CH: Sheffield United vs Hull (8pm)

Sat Jan 25 (All 12.30pm Kick Off)

  • CH: Luton vs Millwall, Norwich vs Swansea, Stoke vs Oxford
  • L1: Cambridge vs Mansfield, Huddersfield vs Bolton
  • L2: Bradford vs Walsall, MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon

Mon Jan 27

  • CH: Burnley vs Leeds (8pm)

Tues Jan 28

  • L1: Huddersfield vs Birmingham (8pm) | All other EFL games on Tues Jan 28 also live on Sky Sports+

Wed Jan 29

  • L2: Barrow vs Doncaster (8pm)

Fri Jan 31

  • CH: Blackburn vs Preston (8pm)

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