EFL Championship: 5 Things we learned from the opening weekend

#5 No guaranteed play-off spots

Fulham had to do with a draw in their opening game against Norwich

Traditionally, when the Championship season starts, it’s the relegated trio from the Premier League coupled with last term’s playoff teams who are favourites for Premier League promotion but very seldom do events unfold in such a way. The nation’s second tier is comprised of eleven or twelve sides who genuinely have a shot at promotion but narrowing that down to three is a task for a very brave individual.

The opening weekend echoed this, with practically every match proving tight and often being settled by one goal margins. The existing three favourites for promotion, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Fulham all drew their opening games, outlining that it’ll be more challenging than ever for clubs to bulldoze their way through teams in the division.

Clubs such as Wolves and Aston Villa have invested extraordinarily well and are up for the fight, whilst the likes of Norwich City and Fulham are likely to continue their good form from last campaign and prove awkward customers. Even towards the lower end of the table, clubs such as Burton, Bolton and Millwall will be tricky sides to visit and snatch points from.