The EFL Championship is one of the most competitive and thrilling leagues in the world of football. Known for its fierce competition, passionate fans, and high levels of drama, the Championship serves as the second tier of English football, just below the Premier League. Every season, teams from across England battle it out to earn promotion to the Premier League, while others fight to avoid relegation to League One.
This article will explore everything you need to know about the EFL Championship games, including key stats, team performances, standout players, and the ever-important battle for promotion and survival. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this article will provide in-depth insights into what makes the EFL Championship so exciting.
What is the EFL Championship?
The English Football League Championship (EFL Championship) is the second-highest division of professional football in England. It sits just below the Premier League and above League One in the football pyramid. The league was formed in 2004 after the rebranding of the old Football League First Division, and it continues to be a key part of the English football system.
The Championship is renowned for its competitiveness. Teams in the league fight for three promotion spots to the Premier League, while three teams face relegation to League One. The league has become a vital part of English football, with some of the most famous clubs in the world regularly competing in it. The Championship is often described as having the intensity and unpredictability that makes it one of the most thrilling leagues globally.
Structure of the EFL Championship
The EFL Championship fixtures 24 teams that compete over the course of a 46-game season. The league operates on a traditional home-and-away basis, meaning each team plays 23 home matches and 23 away matches. The season typically runs from August to May, with teams fighting for promotion or to avoid relegation.
Promotion to the Premier League
At the top of the table, the top two teams automatically secure promotion to the Premier League. The third promotion spot is decided through the EFL Championship Playoffs, a mini-tournament involving the teams that finish in 3rd through 6th place. The winner of the playoffs is granted the final spot in the Premier League.
Relegation to League One
On the other end of the table, the bottom three teams are relegated to League One, the third tier of English football. Relegation is a fate dreaded by all clubs, as it results in not just a drop in league status but also a financial hit. Teams relegated from the Championship face the challenge of rebuilding and regaining promotion.
Key Teams in the EFL Championship
The EFL Championship features a mix of historic clubs, ambitious up-and-comers, and recently relegated teams from the Premier League. Some teams have established themselves as regulars in the top six, while others fluctuate between the Championship and Premier League.
Notable Teams
Sheffield United: The club from South Yorkshire has been a consistent presence in the Championship in recent years. After finishing as Championship winners in the 2022-23 season, Sheffield United returned to the Premier League. They are once again vying for promotion to the top tier.
Norwich City: Norwich has been relegated and promoted from the Premier League on multiple occasions. Known for playing an attractive brand of football, Norwich has been a constant challenger in the Championship.
Watford: Watford has seen spells in both the Premier League and Championship, with the club regularly looking to bounce back to the top tier after relegation. Their last promotion came in the 2020-2021 season.
Middlesbrough: A historically strong club in the top flight, Middlesbrough has spent time in the Championship but remains one of the favorites for promotion every season. They regularly push for a playoff position.
West Bromwich Albion: A club that has had its fair share of time in the Premier League, West Brom is often one of the favorites to gain promotion. Known for their solid defensive play, they have been a fixture in the Championship in recent years.
Sunderland: After spending several years in League One, Sunderland’s promotion back to the Championship brought hope of a return to the Premier League. Their passionate fanbase and rich history make them an exciting club to follow.
Stoke City: With a history of top-flight football, Stoke City is another team that regularly challenges for promotion back to the Premier League. Their robust style of play makes them a difficult opponent for any team in the Championship.
Player Stats and Top Performers in the EFL Championship
One of the key reasons the EFL Championship is so compelling is the presence of some exceptional football talent. Each season, the league showcases future Premier League stars, as well as players who are looking to earn their way back to the top.
Top Scorers in the 2025 Season
As of the latest information in the 2025 season, the top scorers in the EFL Championship are:
Ben Brereton Díaz (Blackburn Rovers) – 18 goals
Teemu Pukki (Norwich City) – 16 goals
Cameron Archer (Middlesbrough) – 14 goals
Isaiah Jones (Middlesbrough) – 12 goals
Michael Obafemi (Swansea City) – 11 goals
These players have not only been integral to their respective clubs’ offensive output but are also being closely watched by Premier League scouts. Players like Ben Brereton Díaz and Teemu Pukki have been linked with Premier League moves for several seasons and could soon make the leap to the top division.
Top Assists Leaders
In addition to goal scorers, the Championship features several players known for their playmaking ability. As of 2025, the leaders in assists are:
Sam Morsy (Middlesbrough) – 10 assists
Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough) – 8 assists
Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest) – 7 assists
Jed Wallace (West Bromwich Albion) – 6 assists
Alex Pritchard (Sunderland) – 6 assists
These players are critical in linking up the attack and setting up goals, often providing the key passes that lead to a team’s success in the league.
Important EFL Championship Matches: Rivalries and Drama
One of the things that make the EFL Championship so exciting is the unpredictability of the matches and the fierce rivalries. Several games every season generate massive attention due to the historical significance or the high stakes involved.
The Steel City Derby: Sheffield United vs. Sheffield Wednesday
The Steel City Derby is one of the most heated rivalries in English football. Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday are two of the city’s most famous clubs, and their encounters are always packed with emotion, drama, and fierce competition. The rivalry is deeply ingrained in the football culture of Sheffield, and it attracts widespread attention both locally and nationally.
The Wear-Tees Derby: Sunderland vs. Middlesbrough
Another key rivalry in the Championship is the Wear-Tees Derby between Sunderland and Middlesbrough. This north-east England rivalry features two passionate fan bases who eagerly anticipate the encounters. The two clubs are also in close proximity geographically, adding to the tension and excitement surrounding this fixture.
The Battle for Promotion: Top Six Showdowns
Each season, the top six teams in the Championship are typically involved in the race for promotion to the Premier League. Key matchups involving these teams particularly when they face each other are critical in determining the promotion race. Fixtures between teams like Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford are eagerly watched by fans, as these matches often have serious consequences for who earns automatic promotion or secures a playoff spot.
Why the EFL Championship is Must-Watch Football
The EFL Championship is a league that consistently delivers drama, excitement, and high-level football. Whether you’re watching a match between two promotion hopefuls or following the battle against relegation, there’s never a dull moment. With passionate fan bases, intense rivalries, and players striving to make their mark, the Championship has become a captivating spectacle in English football.
For fans of football who love competition, raw emotion, and unpredictability, the EFL Championship provides some of the best entertainment in the sport. As the 2025 season progresses, expect more thrilling matches, upsets, and memorable moments that make this league so unique and special.
FAQs
How many teams are in the EFL Championship?
The EFL Championship consists of 24 teams each season. These teams play 46 matches during the regular season (23 home and 23 away), with the top two teams automatically earning promotion to the Premier League. Additionally, the third promotion spot is decided through the Championship play-offs, where the teams finishing 3rd to 6th battle it out for a chance to join the top two in the Premier League.
How can I watch EFL Championship games?
EFL Championship matches are broadcast on several platforms, depending on the region. In the UK, Sky Sports holds the broadcasting rights for live Championship games. In the US, games can be streamed on ESPN+ and various other online platforms. Some games may also be available through the official club websites or through radio commentary.
How are EFL Championship teams selected for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup?
Teams in the Championship automatically enter both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) based on their league status. The FA Cup is a knockout competition open to all English football clubs, while the Carabao Cup features clubs from the top four divisions of English football.
What is the format for the EFL Championship play-off final?
The EFL Championship play-off final is a one-off match held at Wembley Stadium, typically in late May. The two teams that win their semi-finals face off in this match to determine who will be promoted to the Premier League. It is considered one of the most lucrative football matches in the world, with the financial rewards of Premier League promotion often estimated to be worth over £100 million.
How does the EFL Championship compare to the Premier League?
The EFL Championship is a highly competitive league, but it is generally considered a step below the Premier League in terms of quality, financial resources, and global viewership. The Premier League is home to some of the best footballers in the world, and its broadcasting deals make it the most financially lucrative league globally. However, many Championship teams aspire to reach the Premier League for the financial and competitive rewards it brings.
In Summary
The EFL Championship is one of the most exciting and competitive football leagues in England, serving as the stepping stone between the Premier League and the lower tiers of English football. With 24 teams battling for promotion, the stakes are high, both in terms of sporting achievement and financial rewards. The Championship’s unique playoff system, passionate rivalries, and rich history make it an enthralling competition for fans around the world.
Whether you’re a casual observer or a die-hard football fan, the EFL Championship offers plenty of drama, excitement, and memorable moments throughout the season. As teams fight for promotion and others battle to avoid relegation, it’s a league where anything can happen, and the intensity is unmatched. Whether you’re watching the top scorers, following a local rivalry, or hoping for a play-off final victory, the EFL Championship continues to capture the imagination of football lovers globally.
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