It’s not all about the top flight – time for some predictions on what is always a very tough league to call.
It’s something of a cliché now but the Championship really is a lottery, making pre-season predictions a seriously hazardous task. Nonetheless, we’ve donned our hard hats and done our best to come up with some ideas of who might be sealing promotion, and who could be playing League One football in 12 month’s time.
Again, we’ve gone all trendy and kept responses to a succinct 140 characters or less.
TOP OF THE LEAGUE
Matthew Snelling:
1. Bolton Wanderers
Coyle’s still a good manager isn’t he? Strong squad at this level with plenty of experience. Lee & Holden top class but do lack prolific scorer
2. Blackpool
Best team I saw live last year who only *just* didn’t make it up. Lovely passing game backed up by talented if rather eccentric squad (sort of like their manager)
Playoff winner: Cardiff City
Could they? Finally? Always the bridesmaids but momentum seems to be building. New owners, talented young squad, driven manager and Bellamy on the books
James Platt:
1. Cardiff City
This league notoriously hard to predict so what the hell - Cardiff. Surely they’ll get promoted one day? Red kit might just do it...
2. Bolton Wanderers
Predictable choice by there is stability by keeping Coyle + still possess some pretty decent players. Lee is quality if fit
Playoff winner: Leicester City
Seem to be tipped every year but it feels more settled this time. Pearson really does need to finally deliver. Squad looks strong
BOTTOM OF THE LEAGUE
JP:
22. Peterborough United
Not exactly many signings to note & I wouldn’t want to pin my hopes on George Boyd. Very hard not to see them struggling to stay up
23. Bristol City
Just doesn’t seem to be much quality there & difficult to see many goals being scored. Tough ask for McInnes despite decent job last season
24. Barnsley
Worrying when you’re banking everything on Mido. Can’t see him fancying Peterborough away on a cold January evening. Squad looks very light
MS:
22. Ipswich
A controversial one, but relegation to League 1 happened to Norwich. Jewell’s squad looks weak and have developed habit of going on bad losing streaks
23. Barnsley
Write them off at your peril…but here I go again. Small squad and budget and will need to punch above their weight (which in Mido’s case is quite a lot)
24. Bristol City
Talented manager McInnes helped break malaise last year but not sure Jody Morris the answer. Never trust a side with Jon Stead as main striker
PLAYER TO WATCH
JP:
Wilfried Zaha
Few signings for Palace so much will depend on Zaha. Big bonus he wasn’t sold. Massive talent – now time to go to next level & lead the team
MS:
Thomas Ince
Already started making a (famous) name for himself but all round goal scoring midfielder could be creative fulcrum of attractive Blackpool side
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