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Five things in the EFL: New year, new hopes and fears

Five things in the EFL: New year, new hopes and…</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="aft-post-thumbnail-wrapper"> <div class="post-thumbnail full-width-image"> <img width="976" height="549" src="https://investorshubforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/91e17760-e58c-11f0-b67b-690eb873de1b.png.webp" class="attachment-covernews-featured size-covernews-featured wp-post-image" alt="Five things in the EFL: New year, new hopes and fears" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /> </div> </div> </header> <div class="entry-content"> <p><!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Five things in the EFL: New year, new hopes and fears

Five things in the EFL: New year, new hopes and fears

The English Football League (EFL) season is well underway and there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on. Here are five things to look out for as we head into the new year:

Promotion contenders: The race for promotion to the Premier League is heating up, with several teams vying for a top-two finish or a spot in the playoffs. Clubs like Fulham, Bournemouth, and Sheffield United are among the favorites to make the leap to the top flight.
Relegation battles: On the flip side, there are also teams fighting to avoid the drop to a lower division. Derby County, Barnsley, and Hull City are currently in the relegation zone and will be looking to turn their fortunes around in the second half of the season.
Managerial changes: The EFL is known for its managerial merry-go-round, and this season has been no exception. Clubs like West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest have already made changes in the dugout, while others could follow suit if results don’t improve.
Emerging talent: One of the joys of following the EFL is seeing young players break through and make a name for themselves. Players like Michael Olise, Max Aarons, and Ivan Toney have been lighting up the Championship this season and could earn moves to bigger clubs in the near future.
Fan return: With COVID-19 restrictions easing, more and more fans are starting to return to stadiums across the country. The atmosphere at matches is starting to improve and players are feeding off the energy provided by the supporters.

As we head into the new year, there are sure to be plenty of twists and turns in the EFL. Whether you’re rooting for a promotion push, a relegation escape, or just some good old-fashioned football drama, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in English football’s lower divisions.