With generous parachute payments, relegated clubs Burnley West Ham and Wolves aim to return to the Premier League. West Ham finished 16th last season after a 14-year Premier League absence. Their summer has been dominated by off-field drama including allegations against co-owner David Sullivan and a potential takeover by Amanda Staveley. retaining captain Jarrod Bowen will be crucial while boss Nuno Espirito Santo brings Championship experience having won promotion with Wolves in 2017.

The club is the bookmakers' favorite despite ownership uncertainty. Burnley endured their toughest Premier League season with only four wins and 22 points. New owner Pace appointed Genk boss Nicky Hayen to implement high-possession football.

Recruitment will be vital as they rebuild with young players like 19-year-old Lluc Castell and experienced defender Kyle Walker. The club has a history of rapid promotion but recent yo-yo seasons suggest sustainability concerns. Wolverhampton Wanderers sunk to the bottom under Vitor Pereira with zero wins in their first 10 games.

Rob Edwards provided brief optimism with a January victory but they finished 20th 21 points from safety. New Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves takes charge of their Championship campaign.