The treasured tradition of Boxing Day football stands out in English sports, resonating deeply with fans. While the Premier League has taken a step back from this day of festivities, the English Football League (EFL) fully embraces it, with all 24 teams in the Championship scheduled to play. For those in search of action, options like Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network will offer comprehensive coverage for the events on December 26.
Few leagues are as dynamic as the Championship, set to reach its halfway mark with the upcoming fixtures. In a division where fortunes can shift rapidly, it’s understandable if you’ve lost track of the recent developments. Here’s a quick rundown of some key narratives shaping the action.
1. Coventry City on the Rise
In the unpredictable world of the Championship, there are often teams that stand out and charge towards promotion. Right now, Coventry City is making a strong case for themselves, despite a recent stretch of just one win, two draws, and a loss in their last four matches. With 48 points, they hold a six-point lead over second-placed Middlesbrough, giving them a hefty eleven-point cushion over the playoff spots. The top goal-scorers in the league are in impressive company—just four teams in all football, including Arsenal, boast a better non-penalty expected goal difference (npxGD) per game than the Sky Blues.
Coventry’s recent performances against Southampton and Ipswich Town were competitive, particularly considering that they played significant portions of the match with reduced numbers. Even in the tough environment of St. Mary’s, they displayed resilience to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Coach Frank Lampard, albeit without his usual starting defense due to illness, has instilled a fighting spirit that has seen the team persevere in challenging situations.
As they prepare to face Swansea on Boxing Day, Coventry will look to maintain that momentum. Upcoming matches against Ipswich and Birmingham could propel them firmly back toward the Premier League—a destination they’ve narrowly missed on previous occasions. Last season ended heartbreakingly in the playoffs, and they seem determined to avoid a similar fate this year. According to defender Joel Latibeaudiere, “We’ve been knocking on the door for a long time. The gaffer has come in and hit the ground running… Together, we can achieve great things.”
2. Challenges for Norwich City
This Championship season has elicited considerable concern among neutrals, particularly regarding the potential for relegated teams to bounce back quickly. While Ipswich and Southampton have shown signs of life, Norwich’s situation has taken a downturn. Their managerial changes and a series of disappointing performances leave them teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. The recent dismissal of manager Liam Manning came after a string of results that left them languishing near the bottom.
New manager Philippe Clement’s arrival offered a glimmer of hope, but the issues persist. Goals have been hard to come by, and the defense vulnerabilities could spell trouble unless improvements are seen swiftly. Despite some promising performances from players like Pelle Mattsson and midfielder Vladan Kovacevic, the overall trend remains worrisome. Currently ranked 22nd, Norwich’s npxGD is troubling, and they will need to turn things around soon or risk serious consequences as other teams appear to be picking up points.
Boxing Day Viewing Guide
All times are in U.S. Eastern Time
- Birmingham City vs. Derby County, 7:30 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Millwall vs. Ipswich Town, 8 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Coventry City vs. Swansea City, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Leicester City vs. Watford, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Rovers, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Norwich City vs. Charlton Athletic, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Oxford United vs. Southampton, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Stoke City vs. Preston North End, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
- West Bromwich Albion vs. Bristol City, 10 a.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- Wrexham vs. Sheffield United, 12:30 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
3. A Competitive Playoff Battle
The battle between promotion favorites and those fighting to avoid relegation is heating up in the Championship. Currently, only a short distance separates Blackburn Rovers from a playoff position, highlighting how one strong performance can drastically alter a team’s trajectory. Teams like Charlton, previously in playoff contention, now find themselves under threat as they slip down the ranks after a series of poor results.
Even Sheffield United, once mired in relegation, are considering a charge up the table. Birmingham City, while creating scoring opportunities, struggle with consistency on the road, raising questions about their head coach. Their ambitions to reach the Premier League are driven by both sporting aspirations and the commercial pressures of playing in front of a large expected audience.
The Championship retains its allure primarily due to the unpredictability of its teams. With clubs like Ipswich and Birmingham seemingly positioned to secure playoff places, the remainder remains tightly contested, as any team could make a run for promotion as the season progresses.
4. American Players in the Spotlight
As American talent continues to make strides in the Championship, the league provides an appealing opportunity for those aiming for the top tier. Aidan Morris has shown impressive form and, if he regains full fitness soon, he may become a key player as the season unfolds. The forward landscape is shaping up interestingly, particularly for the upcoming World Cup, notably as six Americans participate in the Championship this season.
Haji Wright looks to be leading the race for a forward spot with the national team, known for his versatility and growing goal tally with Coventry City. Yet, players like Daryl Dike face challenges with limited playtime, putting them at a disadvantage. Patrick Agyemang of Derby County has recently caught attention with his scoring ability, which could keep him on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar come March.
Meanwhile, Josh Sargent’s journey has hit a roadblock. Despite being a standout performer last season, his struggles with Norwich this year raise uncertainties about his future. As the January transfer window approaches, questions loom around whether he should stay to help revive Norwich or consider a move to a higher division where his talents could shine again.
In the weeks ahead, clarity may emerge, but the ever-evolving Championship landscape ensures that the road to the top remains fraught with uncertainty.
