What do the four promotion-chasing sides in the second tier – Leeds, Burnley, Sheffield United and Sunderland – need to do to battle their way into the top two?
Leeds United
What business have they done so far?
Nothing yet.
Expert view: Expect Leeds to get the job done, but goalkeeper is an issue
Sky Sports’ Don Goodman on Championship Catch-up on the Essential EFL podcast:
“Anything other than a top-two finish will be categorised as a failure. I have no real doubts about them. I don’t think they can get worse, I just think they’ll get better and go from strength to strength and they may do a bit of business in this window.
“With Illan Meslier after the mistake at Sunderland you saw how they all rallied around and defended him. But you saw the reaction of Joe Rodon, for instance, after what happened at Hull. For his own sake Daniel Farke may remove him from the firing line. It’s not like they’ve got a kid on the bench with no experience.”
Sky Sports’ Gary Weaver:
“Leeds are amazing at Elland Road but the away form could cost them. There will be bumps in the road for any team in the Championship, though. Just when you think you’ve got in sorted you can get a slap from anywhere.
“It will be interesting to see how Meslier deals with another mistake. Does Karl Darlow now get a chance?
“No 10 will be an interesting one to keep an eye on because they wanted one in the summer. They went for Emi Buendia, James McAtee and Gustavo Hamer. So they may revisit that and try and strengthen that position. But they should still have enough from where they are.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Leeds United.
Fan view: What do Leeds need in January?
“Looking at someone to challenge Meslier is crucial. I’m not usually one for swapping goalkeepers in January, but finding the right replacement should be there.
“We may also need to look at a centre-back to help with squad depth, in case Rodon or Pascal Struijk get injured, or just to challenge them. Andrew Omobamidele from Forest would be my choice.
“No 10 is where we need to strengthen the most. As much as I hate to say it, we can’t rely on Brenden Aaronson for the full season – he has been dispossessed the most out of everyone in the league. Bringing in someone more suited to that role again and looking into the loan market with an option to buy would be my choice, just in case it doesn’t work out.
“Finally, with Joe Gelhardt going out on loan and with Patrick Bamford’s injury problems, we should look at bringing in a striker to challenge Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph to help get us over the line.
“Joe Hugill is a possibility, even though most of the fans wouldn’t be happy with that choice and would rather someone more experienced. Emmanuel Latte Lath would be the dream, but I don’t see that happening.”
Burnley
What business have they done so far?
Fan favourite Ashley Barnes returned to the club on a free transfer on January 2 – 18 months after leaving for Norwich – after his contract at Carrow Road was terminated by mutual consent.
The Clarets have also signed Danish-born Peru international right-back Oliver Sonne from Silkeborg for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Turf Moor.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast panel look at Burnley’s promotion push and what they may need to add in January.
Expert view: Burnley’s defensive record – ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’
Sky Sports’ Don Goodman:
“I’ve been covering and playing in this league for as long as I can remember and I’ve never seen a defensive record like it at this stage of the season.
“It cannot be a fluke. It’s not just down to the goalkeeper and the back four, it’s a team responsibility now. They are very disciplined and efficient in how they’ve been winning games.”
Sky Sports’ Gary Weaver:
“Single figures! They’re not even a defensive team it’s just how they’re playing. CJ Egan-Riley’s passes from the back are brilliant, and Maxime Esteve is a class act. It’s one of the tightest defences anywhere in Europe.
“Creating chances has been a problem and I know Scott Parker has put a lot of emphasis on that. He’s shifted from a 4-3-3 to playing with a No 10 in Josh Brownhill to try and help break teams down.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley.
Fan view: What do Burnley need in January?
Natalie Bromley from the No Nay Never podcast:
“The one thing Burnley fans definitely do not want is a repeat of the chaos of the summer transfer window, with what felt like the entire squad leaving for very last-minute replacements. We have recently found some stability in the squad and the first team, and we need to continue to build now, rather than risk further upheaval.
“With that in mind, we are not expecting any players to leave, as it is unusual for promotion-chasing teams to sell their best assets. The only threat to that is the continued interest of Newcastle in James Trafford. Given that Scott Parker has cultivated the meanest defence in the country, and with Trafford playing a huge role in that, selling him now would be a huge mistake.
“What we are desperately short of is an attacking threat, but it is hard to analyse whether bringing attacking players in would make a difference. Parker’s football is not creative at times, but it is effective.
“Would he adapt his famous system if we brought more front men in? After all, he has done an incredible job of making us hard to beat, but we do lack goals and have struggled to break teams down at the bottom of the table.
“We only really have two recognised wingers and have not yet found a ruthless No 9. Indeed, we have yet to see Zian Flemming and Lyle Foster on the pitch long enough to pass to each other, let alone form a credible partnership.
“As a minimum, two wide men and one striker would make a real difference to our goal threat. Start scoring more, and turning draws into wins, and Burnley could well position themselves as the team to chase, not the team chasing.”
Sheffield United
What business have they done so far?
Nothing yet.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast panel look at Sheffield United’s promotion push and what they may need to add in January.
Expert view: Injuries could cost Sheff Utd, but January comes at perfect time
Sky Sports’ Don Goodman:
“Injuries have hit them really hard and their bench is full of young players. The timing of this window couldn’t be better.
“The best news for Chris Wilder is it’s January and he will hopefully have some support from the new owners in terms of recruitment to address the shortage of numbers.
“He always felt the lack of genuine depth would be an issue beyond the first 15 or 16 he had. Modern football is about the squad and rotation, and you need that to complete at the top of this league.”
Sky Sports’ Gary Weaver:
“The timing of the takeover has been crucial for Sheffield United to get business done in this window. Chris is looking for players who are around 25-28 years old to add some experience.
“He’s also in talks for a new contract himself because he’s into the final six months of his own deal. He spoke to the new owners and they said they wanted him to be a part of this going forward.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Sheffield United.
Fan view: What do Sheff Utd need in January?
Nick Wylie from The Sheffield United Way:
“As January arrives, it is clear reinforcements are needed and the attack is one area in urgent need of attention. Names like Ben Brereton Díaz and Louie Barry have been linked with the Blades, reflecting the club’s need for firepower upfront.
“Many fans are calling for a left-sided attacker or winger to provide balance to the team. Another central striker would also be a welcome addition. Kieffer Moore’s form has been inconsistent, Tyrese Campbell unfortunately picked up an injury during a fantastic purple patch, and Rhian Brewster has struggled to find any sort of form. Bringing in a reliable goal-scorer could be pivotal for the promotion push.
“Midfield is an area where reinforcements are critical, too. Injuries to Oli Arblaster and Vini Souza have left the squad light in this department. Adding one or two central midfielders would not only strengthen the team but also ease the burden on young Sydie Peck and Tom Davies, the latter of whom has only recently returned from a long-term injury.
“In central defence, the loss of Harry Souttar is a significant blow. While Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson have formed a decent partnership, they do not appear to be a pairing capable of driving the team to promotion, for me. A replacement for Souttar, ideally someone with similar qualities, would not only solidify the backline but also help Ahmedhodzic perform at his best.
“The right-back position is another concern. Injuries to promising youngster Femi Seriki and versatile Jamie Shackleton have left us short on options, so adding cover in this position should also be a priority.”
Sunderland
What business have they done so far?
Just one loan in, but what a deal it was. Enzo Le Fee joins until the end of the season from Roma. He only signed for the Serie A giants for £20million in the summer, but found his game time limited.
The 24-year-old was keen to rejoin his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast panel look at Sunderland’s promotion push and what they may need to add in January.
Expert view: Surprise package Sunderland? You never know…
Sky Sports’ Don Goodman:
“Sunderland are the surprise package. You can’t fail but be impressed by them – how they play and how they compete.
“They have the youngest side in the league, but they also added a bit of experience over the summer. Chris Mepham in particular has been sensational. Even Wilson Isidor is 24.
“They’ve conceded 22 goals so far and that is typically a promotion-winning defensive record at this stage. But with what Burnley are doing this is not a typical season.
“I’m pretty sure if Regis Le Bris was allowed to add more bodies in that would certainly help them in their quest.”
Sky Sports’ Gary Weaver:
“We thought if Sunderland had lost against Sheffield United on New Year’s Day that they’d be out of the race, but now look at where they are! It’s all bunched up.
“Clubs will be coming in for Jobe Bellingham, Manchester United wanted Chris Rigg in the summer. And we know Borussia Dortmund have been watching. They need to hold on to what they’ve got.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Portsmouth.
Fan view: What do Sunderland need in January?
Jonny Hawley from Roker Report:
“Sunderland are in a decent place going into the January window, all things considered. Our first-choice 11 is capable of beating anyone in the Championship, our depth was enough to see us through an injury and suspension-hit November and December in touch with the top two, and key players like Romaine Mundle are nearing a return to fitness. ‘Decent’ may prove to be enough to secure a play-off berth – however, it does not guarantee promotion. We will need to strengthen somewhat if we want to cement a Premier League spot come May.
“If we are indeed targeting the top two, our January takes on a slightly more urgent complexion. We are never more than two injuries away from playing desperately makeshift full-backs, and with Dennis Cirkin’s patchy injury record combined with the fact both he and Trai Hume are likely catching top-level eyes, sticking with what we have would be asking for trouble. Left-back, then, would be the ideal position to strengthen – which would free Aji Alese to provide proper cover at centre-half – but reinforcements for either side would go a long way. Even a loan deal to tide us over until the summer would significantly ease the pressure.
“Similarly, we find ourselves with little in the way of reliable cover in the wide forward areas. Unlucky though the timing may have been, losing both Mundle and Tommy Watson out wide has laid bare the weakness beneath. Eliezer Mayenda has put in a valiant shift to cover on the left, but an out-of-position 19-year-old cannot be the answer for a promotion-chasing side.
“Ian Poveda was recruited in the summer to compete with Patrick Roberts on the other flank yet has barely strung two sub appearances together. Someone is clearly needed here, to provide genuine competition for the trio of Mundle, Roberts, and Watson as well as to allow Mayenda to share his proper central role with Wilson Isidor.
“Those are the ‘must-haves’ if you’re going for the top two, but there is more that could be done to supplement the squad in a push for the title itself. Our midfield trio of Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, and Chris Rigg, when fit, has performed superbly, but it is important to remember two of the three are still teenagers. They cannot be expected to start every game, and such a key area of the pitch demands quality options to step in when the time comes.
“Alan Browne suffered a fractured leg earlier this season, while fellow summer arrival Salis Abdul Samed is yet to take to the pitch in red and white. Either a genuine holding midfielder or a forward-thinking box-to-box midfielder could transform our midfield from a brittle trio into a strong unit, able to rotate and be tailored to fit the opposition much more easily.”
Get more EFL straight to your phone on WhatsApp!
Are you an EFL fan?
📱 Sky Sports EFL is now available to follow on WhatsApp channels.
Get messages and alerts for the latest breaking news, analysis, in-depth features, live streams and highlights from our dedicated EFL channel.
