The Real EFL sat down with former Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parlour this morning to chat all things EFL.
Starting with the Championship, Parlour believes it is going to be a competitive season, with plenty of sides vying for the top two spots.
“It’s going to be such a tough Championship this season and I think it’s wide open,” said the 51-year-old, speaking courtesy of Netbet Online Casino. “I know Leeds United are favourites, but Luton will be ready to go again after their first season in the Premier League.
“Chris Wilder at Sheffield United will look to get them going again and I like Scott Parker as Head Coach of Burnley. He has experience at this level and the break could have done him good as Burnley play excellent football. You also have Middlesbrough, West Brom and Norwich who believe a year of stability last season can mean they can push on this season. Hull City are spending big as well.”
Parlour turned out for the Tigers at the tail end of his career, making 15 appearances for them in the Championship. Last season, they narrowly missed out on the top six, but sacked manager Liam Rosenior as a result. Former Hamburg boss Tim Walter has now taken over, but pre-season has been difficult, as Parlour explains.
“Some of their pre-season results have been a bit indifferent, so they will need to ensure they don’t take this into the start of the season. With a new Head Coach who looks a lively character, they will need to start on the front foot, given play-offs is the target for them. They are still looking to invest in the squad and be a real force if everything does click.”
The key question for Parlour, who won ten England caps and three Premier League titles during his career, is who he thinks will win the Championship. There’s one firm favourite in his eyes, and they are not one of the clubs that have just come down.
“Leeds United will have too much for the rest of the division. It won’t be easy, but I do expect them to win the League. They have a lot of good quality and with good young players as well and a good spine of the team, this can help them win more games than others.”
Outside of Leeds, it is two of the relegated clubs that Parlour believes can get back into the Premier League,
I think Luton will follow Leeds United up. I was very impressed with Rob Edwards’s team, and they have a couple of good strikers who will look to get the goals for them. Plus, Luton will look to hold onto their top players and they can get automatic promotion. I think Burnley can get the final place via the play-offs. I like Scott Parker and believe he has a good squad at Burnley to get them up.”
Ray Parlour believes that Leeds United, Luton Town and Burnley will be promoted, but what do our pundits think? Is the former Arsenal man in agreement? You can find out by reading our Championship predictions here.
Editor In Chief
