29 Jul, 2022
According to Bet365's research, Norwich and Derby are the two most favoured teams to promote.
Many punters think Norwich will win the Championship again and secure promotion to the Premier League, with Burnley following in their footsteps. Meanwhile, Middlesborough (who, according to the numbers, will only miss out on automatic promotion), Sheffield United, West Brom, and Watford will be in a dogfight for play-off berths.
Moreover, it is expected that Birmingham, Preston, and Reading will be dragged into the dreaded relegation dogfight, along with Preston, Blackpool, and Rotherham, all of which will be relegated to the second division.
"We're now just a matter of hours away from another hugely anticipated EFL season," bet365's Steve Freeth said in anticipation of the new English football season. While the opening weekend may not make or break any hopes or expectations, it will give us a decent idea of how certain clubs will fare by the conclusion of the season.
Furthermore, bet365's analytics forecasts Derby will win League One after having a disastrous season both on and off the pitch last time out, with Sheffield Wednesday finishing as runners-up. While Morecambe, Cheltenham, and Burton Albion are relegated to the second tier of English football.
Fans' betting patterns also indicate that Harrogate, Grimsby, and Colchester will battle it out for the relegation spot, while Bradford and Northampton will be promoted to League One.
