West Ham, Burnley and Wolves face a difficult attempt to return to the Premier League after relegation, with last season showing that parachute payments do not guarantee an immediate promotion. The Championship’s competitiveness means each club’s recruitment, management and ability to retain key players will be crucial.

West Ham are bookmakers’ favourites for the title after a 14-year absence from the second tier, despite ending last season with four defeats in five matches. Captain Jarrod Bowen’s retention and Nuno Espírito Santo’s previous Championship title with Wolves are seen as major advantages, but uncertainty over ownership and allegations against co-owner David Sullivan, which he denies, may distract the club; their 62,500-capacity London Stadium would be the division’s largest ground.