And the announcement of the schedule, which will see Sheffield United begin their new campaign on Monday, August 1 away at recently-relegated Watford, has also seen changes in the sides bookmakers are predicting will challenge for promotion and suffer relegation in 2022/23.
For the Blades, they are looking to go one better than last season, which saw them fall at the play-off semi-final hurdle after defeat to Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout.
The three relegated sides – Burnley, Watford and Norwich City – are expected to once again be strong, while Chris Wilder will fancy a crack at promotion in his first full season at Middlesbrough after some decent summer recruitment so far.
So, how do the bookmakers expect the 22/23 Championship to finish? Based on SkyBet’s odds to win the title, we compiled a predicted table … (Odds correct at time of publishing)
5. 21st Birmingham City
As are the Blues, meaning the bookies expect them to struggle at the wrong end of the table Photo: Dan Istitene
6. 20th Wigan Athletic
Following promotion last season, Wigan are 40/1 to win another league title Photo: Jan Kruger
7. 19th Preston North End
Ryan Lowe’s side are also tipped to finish in the bottom half of the table by the bookies Photo: Lewis Storey
8. 18th Blackpool
After a decent first season back in the Championship, the bookies expect the Seasiders to survive again Photo: Lewis Storey