Predicted Championship table after deadline day business - where Millwall, Charlton, QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and rivals rank
A look at how the Championship table is expected to shake up after deadline day’s business.
It has been an interesting start to the Championship season, with Middlesbrough making the early noise by winning all of their first four games. West Brom, Stoke City, Leicester City and West Brom have also started well.
As for the London clubs, Millwall have won two and lost two, while QPR picked up their first win last time out having drawn one and lost the other two. Charlton have the same record after four games.
The Sheffield clubs are currently propping up the table with just one point between them, and it will be interesting to see if Sheffield United, in particular, turn things around given the strength of their squad.
Transfers could play a big role in the season, and we saw plenty of recruitment over the course of the summer, including on deadline day, on Monday. Here we take a look at how the late recruitment has impacted the predicted Championship table based on the oddsmakers’ favourites.
Predicted Championship table after deadline day
Ipswich Town - 9/2
Coventry City - 13/2
Southampton - 13/2
Birmingham City - 7/1
Middlesbrough - 17/2
Leicester City - 11/1
West Brom 12/1
Norwich City - 25/1
Stoke City - 25/1
Millwall - 33/1
Sheffield United - 33/1
Bristol City - 40/1
Wrexham - 50/1
Swansea City - 66/1
Derby County - 80/1
Watford - 100/1
Preston - 100/1
Charlton Athletic - 125/1
Portsmouth - 125/1
QPR - 150/1
Hull City - 150/1
Blackburn Rovers - 150/1
Oxford United - 750/1
Sheffield Wednesday - 2500/1
Millwall’s late business
Millwall signed Will Smallbone on loan from Southampton in the final stages of the window. “Will is a very good player – an experienced central midfielder with real quality,” Millwall chief Steve Gallen told the club’s website.
“It’s a position we’ve been looking at throughout the summer, exploring both permanent and loan options to find the right fit. The lads who’ve played in that area have done really well, but with a couple of injuries in midfield, we knew we needed to bring someone in to strengthen that area.
“Will is a current Republic of Ireland international who has played in both the Premier League and The Championship. He’s strong, technically good, gets around the pitch and offers that box-to-box presence we were looking for. He ticks a lot of boxes. He’s actually someone we didn’t think would be available, but we stayed patient and were able to bring him in on deadline day. We’re really pleased to have him with us.”
Charlton make late signing
Charlton also signed a Southampton player on loan on deadline day, snapping up James Bree. Nathan Jones said: "I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring in James. It’s a position we’ve been trying to fill for a long time. I signed him at Luton and he did wonderfully, and I bought him at Southampton to play in the Premier League. He’s someone I have real faith in.
"It’s a real coup to get a player of his quality, athleticism and pedigree. The signing of James finishes off a wonderful window where we have added real quality to the squad."
Alemayehu joins QPR
QPR wrapped up the late permanent signing of 18-year-old midfielder Isak Alemayehu from Djurgärdens.
The youngster said: “This feels very good. It's a big step in my career and I'm very happy to be here. When I was told QPR were interested I really wanted to come. I was aware of the club before and when I heard of the interest I dug a little bit deeper to learn more. I am very happy to be at a fantastic club, a big club in England. It's going to be fun!”