As the new Championship season looms on the horizon, the race for promotion promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.

Clubs up and down the country are gearing up for a gruelling campaign, each with aspirations of reaching the promised land of the Premier League.

In this article, we delve into the dynamics of this highly competitive league, analysing the sides best poised for a promotion push.

From recently relegated sides eager to bounce back to perennial contenders fine-tuning their squads, join us as we dissect the contenders and pretenders in the race for Championship glory.

Leeds United – 11/10

Leeds United flirted with a return to the Premier League last season, but as the popular song amongst rivals goes, the Yorkshire fell apart again.

Daniel Farke’s men were in a prime position for automatic promotion but won just one of their last five games and ultimately fell foul to Ipswich Town and Leicester City.

Their promotion hopes remained intact going into the play-offs, but they went down in flames when they lost 1-0 to Southampton at Wembley.

Having failed to return to the Premier League, Leeds are in danger of being raided of their best players by the top-flight clubs, but they remain favourites in the Championship promotion odds 24/25.

Burnley – 5/2

Burnley were one of the most disappointing performers in the Premier League last season, finishing rock bottom despite high hopes of staying up.

Vincent Kompany completely changed the club’s philosophy, instilling a more attractive style of play, and the consensus was that they would see them secure safety.

However, the Clarets struggled to make their fresh tactics work in the top flight and relegation back to the Championship looked likely from the off.

Kompany has since left for Bayern Munich, and Scott Parker has been drafted in to replace the former Manchester City captain. He has plenty of experience in gaining promotion.

Luton Town – 3/1

Luton Town’s fairy-tale promotion to the Premier League made plenty of headlines ahead of last season, as they climbed up the Football League in such a short period of time, while Kenilworth Road’s uniqueness was often highlighted.

However, due to their lack of squad depth and small budget, there was always a sense that the Hatters’ stay in the top flight was never going to be long-term.

Rob Edwards built for the future with his strategic transfers, including Tahith Chong from Birmingham City and Mads Andersen from Barnsley.

Luton should have a squad capable of competing at the top of the table, and they have successfully navigated the play-offs before, so that won’t be too much of a concern if they do miss out on the top two.

Middlesbrough – 7/2

Middlesbrough fans will be desperate to see top-flight football return to the Riverside, having spent just one season in the Premier League in the last 15 years.

Boro fans will be disappointed that they dropped down from fourth to eighth last season, but the bookies clearly think that Michael Carrick’s men are going to be back in contention this term.

The signings of Aidan Morris from MLS side Colombus and Delano Burgzorg from Mainz, alongside the arrival of the experienced Luke Ayling for free from Leeds United, should bolster Carrick’s options.

There are plenty of positives to take from the former Manchester United’s time in the northeast, including a run to the semi-finals of the League Cup last season, and if luck is more on his side this season, then they could be in the mix in the Championship betting odds