Derby

Saturday 20th August

English Premier League

Everton v QPR

Everton’s start to the season was delayed due to the riots in London whilst QPR would have been wishing for such a circumstance as they crashed 4-0 at home to Bolton last Saturday. The two sides go head to head in the hunt for their first points of the campaign.

Goodison Park has probably been the quietest of grounds in the Premier League when it comes to transfer business in the close season. There has been virtually no movement either in or out of Everton since the end of last season. The most pleasing thing for manager Davie Moyes will have been that, to date, the club have managed to be keep hold of their star players including Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Mikel Arteta. There is, of course, still time between now and the close of the window but it’s doubtful that Everton would sell with so little time left to reinvest the funds gained from the sale in replacements. The Toffee’s finished seventh last term, just four points off their city neighbours Liverpool. A repeat of that finish would surely be considered a success for the fans, management and players. Heading into tomorrow’s game they will be hoping that they can get off to a better start than what they did last season. They had to wait until October, a run of seven games, before recording their first win. The slow start is what killed them in their quest for a European spot so Moyes and his players will be under no illusions as to how important getting that first win on the board really is.

QPR were torn apart by Bolton in the second half last Saturday despite starting the game quite brightly. A Gary Cahill goal just before the break knocked the stuffing out of last season’s Championship winners but they will have to learn quick that the Premier League is not only a tough league physically, it’s also extremely draining mentally as well. Since that defeat, the club have been bought over which, for Neil Warnock’s sake, will hopefully mean that more transfer funds become available to sign the players they desperately need. A bid for Scott Parker has been rejected by West Ham but it does signal some sort of intent on Rangers’ part. What Warnock will have to avoid is another trouncing tomorrow as it will not only drain the players of confidence and motivation, but also make it more difficult for he himself to avoid suffering as a consequence. With a new owner on board, it doesn’t take much for them to throw their weight about and start looking for their own people.

Everton are normally strong at home and will look to use that form from the off tomorrow. They have not lost at home this year which bodes well. However, they are notoriously slow starters and they usually perform better when they are underdogs. They will be expected to go for it from the first whistle against a newly promoted side and there is cause for thinking that it may well play into QPR’s hands. Warnock will be looking to hit on the counter attack and with a new air of optimism surrounding the Hoops, I can see this being an entertaining game.

Everton with Louis Saha and Tim Cahill will always be a threat whilst QPR have plenty of options going forward and were a tad unlucky to to score in the first half last Saturday. Two bets I fancy are both teams to score and for their to be more than two goals in the game.

My Selection: Both teams to Score at a best priced EVENS with Skybet
            Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 5/6 available with Victor Chandler

English Championship

Derby County v Doncaster Rovers

Derby have surprised many with their 100% start to the new season whilst Doncaster too have a 100% start to their season – unfortunately for them however, it’s 100% of losses as they have failed to grab a point from their first three matches.

Nigel Clough is now into his third season in charge of County and know’s that time is fast running out for him to convince the fans and the board that the can lead Derby back into the Premier League. They’re a massive club with an excellent stadium but have done nothing of note fore over four years. Their fans will be bouyed by the start to the season but will also be well aware that it is just the start, there is still over 40 games to go. Their most recent win, a 1-0 over Blackpool, is their most impressive to date as they too had a 100% record going into the match. They looked resolute and determined from the outset and come the end of the season, I can’t see too many teams going to Bloomfield Road and leaving with all three points. Craig Bryson got the winner in the second half of the season and his signing has brought energy and drive to what was a pedestrian midfield at times last season. Clough also has a lot more options upfront than he did last season with the signings of Chris McGuire and Nathan Tyson. As yet, both have yet to play any part but it makes the squad a lot stronger and once they do get fit and get games under their belt, they will score goals.

Donny have been likened to Arsenal because of their style of play but like Arsenal, they may need to sacrifice part of their philosophy and attempt to put a run of results together in order to prevent them from being cast adrift at the bottom of the table. Admittedly, Rovers have not had the easiest of openings to their league campaign as they have faced Brighton, West Ham and most recently Nottingham Forest. They have also not been hammered as they have lost by the odd goal in each of their matches. A 3-0 cup win over Tranmere also shows that they are capable of scoring goals which they have struggled to do in the league thus far, with just one goal for. Part of the reason for that is the absence of Billy Sharp who is injured. Their top scorer from last season has not played since the opening day of the season when he got stretchered off after opening the scoring earlier in the match. He is likely to be out for several months which deals a massive blow to Sean O’Drisscoll who has delved into the transfer market in an attempt to soften the blow of losing his star striker.

Derby were the last team that Doncaster beat in the division back in March. It means that the away side have won just once in 22 games, and the match was also their only away win in the last nine months. Could it be that they can record their second win in that time at the same ground? Possibly, but not for me. The vibes coming out of Derby County after their success in midweek were very positive and I feel than can continue their excellent start to the new season.

My Selection: Derby County to beat Doncaster Rovers

Best odds available: 5/6 available with Totesport

Sunday 21st August

English Championship

West Ham v Leeds United

A match that wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League takes place at Upton Park on Sunday as recently relegated West Ham look to continue their good form when Leeds, fresh from a resounding 4-1 over Hull, come to visit.

Sam Allardyce suffered a defeat in his first league match in charge when Cardiff scored in the last minute to win on the opening day of the season. Since then however, West Ham have looked far more accomplished and are getting the results that many expected of them before a ball was kicked. Still with Scott Parker onside, Allardyce is looking to galvanize a support who were disillusioned with many at the club, from the owners down to the players on the park. The only way he will succeed in doing that is by winning games. Tuesday’s emphatic win over Watford will have done no harm at all but consistency is the key. There’s no point in winning two matches on the road if they are unable to get maximum points in their home games. Key to that is Kevin Nolan who Allardyce worked with at Bolton, which is arguably the main reason why the former Newcastle midfielder dropped down a division when he left the Tyneside club. Nolan is forming a formidable relationship with Scott Parker, Jack Collison, Mark Noble and Matty Taylor in the West Ham midfield. There is a mix of everything and is the envy for all the other Championship managers.

Leeds lost their first two league games in a whimper before thrashing Hull on Tuesday night. It will have boosted everyone’s confidence and giving some belief back to the players who were so close to finishing in the play-off’s last season. Simon Grayson has refused to make wholesale changes during the summer instead trusting the players who have done so well for him and the club. Darren O’Dea is arguably their biggest transfer of the summer coming in on loan from Celtic. The defender has slotted straight into the first eleven and will make an impact at the club. Last weekends defeat to Middlesbrough will have hurt Grayson in more than one way. Not only did they lose the match, but certain players lost their discipline as well resulting in two yellow cards. This will be a worry for Grayson as Leeds were dogged with suspensions through all of last season. In order to have the best possible campaign this time around, Grayson and his players must keep their heads and concentrate on playing football.

It’s sure to be a fiery match as there is not much blood loss between the two sets of fans. Both are massive clubs and will be hoping that this season is just a stepping stone for better things in the near future. Leeds have been soundly beaten on their only away game to date when they lost 3-1 to Southampton, whilst as mentioned, West Ham lost their only home match thus far. Something has to give and with the form West Ham are in at the moment, I’m siding with Big Sam’s boys to do the business.

My Selection: West Ham to beat Leeds United

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

Scottish Premier League

English Championship

Coventry City v Middlesbrough

The big freeze has hit British Football earlier than normal with a whole host of games already called off. One game to survive the cold, for now, is one taking place at the Ricoh Arena as Coventry host a struggling Middlesbrough side in desperate need of points.

Aidy Boothroyd took over as manager of Coventry during the summer and has looked to imprint his own style at his new club. He’s very much an innovative manager in the sense that he’s always looking to try different things and look for that extra edge no matter how it comes about. It seems to be doing the trick at the moment as the Sky Blues are in the lofty position of 6^th which brings with it a play-off spot. That is, of course, a long way off as we’re still not halfway through the campaign, but the signs are positive. Boothroyd led Watford to the Premier League when no-one thought they would come close, so he has proven he can work wonders under the right conditions. Like every successful manager, he has managed to blend experience with youth in order to strike a balance. Veteran’s such as Lee Carsley and Marlon King have both played at a higher level whilst the likes of Aron Gunnarsson and Ben Turner are providing enthusiasm and arrogance of sorts which comes with younger players.

Middlesbrough have endured a horrific season to date, so much so that they’re on to their second manager before Christmas as Gordon Strachan was one again replaced in a job by Tony Mowbray. Currently sitting second bottom of the table, three points off bottom, they are in real danger of dropping to English football’s third tier. Mowbray is in an unenviable position as he is working with some players who he sold to the club from his previous employers, Celtic. The likes of Barry Robson, Stephen McManus and Scott McDonald were considered to be surplus to requirements then but he has to rely on them once again. Another problem facing the former ‘Boro player is their shocking form away from home. From nine games on the road they have managed just one victory whilst losing seven. They have scored the fewest number of goals on their travels in the league which is something that simply has to turn around if they are to survive in the Championship this season.  

Coventry have been pretty solid, if not spectacular, at home thus far. Five wins and a draw from nine is decent enough but they must continue in a similar vein if they wish to stay amongst the promotion contenders come May. After a run of three straight defeats they have recorded back to back victories in the league without conceding a goal in the process. It will have pleased Boothroyd as it shows there is resilience within his squad and a determination to succeed.

Middlesbrough go into tomorrow’s match knowing that a defeat for them and a win for Preston on Saturday would result in the Teesiders being at the foot of the table heading into the Festive period. That should be reason enough for them to go into this match all guns blazing but it looks as though there is a lack of belief and commitment at the moment. Coventry have been impressive and powerful for a lot of the season, especially at home, and because of the lacklustre attitude that plagues ‘Boro at times, I believe the home side will triumph.

My selection: Coventry to beat Middlesbrough

Best odds available: 13/10 available with William Hill

English Championship

Derby County v Norwich City

Both Derby and Norwich have enjoyed a run of good form of late so something will have to give as they face each other at Pride Park tomorrow afternoon.

Nigel Clough has all but transformed Derby County since taking over as manager just under two years ago. After a sticky first year in charge, things have really came together for the son of Brian, and he’s starting to fulfil some of the promise he has always threatened to deliver. Derby’s form this season is very surprising for most as they have underachieved of late. Fourth position after 19 games and just six points off an automatic promotion place, everything bodes well for the next six months. Their home form has been the main reason for their position to date as they have been successful in six of their nine matches at Pride Park. In actual fact, they have won their last six games at home, albeit against some of the weaker teams in the league. Those wins, however, breed confidence as they head into matches against more difficult opponents in the coming weeks, starting tomorrow.

If Nigel Clough has done a very good job at Derby, then Paul Lambert has been even better in his quest to return Norwich to former glories. Appointed manager last season when bottom of the League One table, Lambert has guided the club to fifth place in the Championship after winning the league last year. It really is remarkable and testament to the hard work and nous of the former Celtic captain. They head in to tomorrow’s match on the back of a 4-1 mauling of arch rivals Ipswich last Sunday. It was a match they completely dominated and the score probably flattered Town as it could have been so much more. Man of the match and hat trick hero Grant Holt was at the centre of everything and is proving to be a massive player for the Canaries despite this being his first season at Championship level. Two defeats in 11 is pretty solid form and shows how hard to beat they are at the moment. Tomorrow’s game represents a stiff task but they have already been away to Millwall, Reading and QPR and managed to avoid defeat in recent weeks.

One thing this match should produce is goals as both teams are very offensive in their set up and look to win games, home and away. Norwich have failed to score in just one match away from home all season, against QPR, whilst Derby have a similar record at home as only Sheffield United have prevented them from netting this term. Goals have flown in at Pride Park all season as seven of their nine home games have included more than two goals in them.

Derby may just have the edge come the end of the game but I believe there is more value in siding with the goals than either of the teams tomorrow.

My selections: Both teams to score at a best priced 3/4 available with BlueSquare

                             Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 5/6 available with Betfred

Saturday 18^th September

English Premier League

Blackburn Rovers v Fulham

Both Blackburn and Fulham will have aspirations of a top half finish at the very least this season so tomorrow’s clash at Ewood Park will be a good indicator for both managers.

Sam Allardyce has completely transformed Blackburn Rovers since replacing Paul Ince. He has brought in a flux of players and has reverted to building from the back in order to make his side hard to beat, especially at home. They have started this season pretty well with a win on the opening day against Everton which was then followed by an unlucky defeat away to Birmingham despite taking the lead in the second half. A home reverse against Arsenal, where they more than held their own, was trumped by a very good away point against Manchester City last time out. In every game they have played this season, they have caused their opponents big problems, which is a compliment to Allardyce, as every one of their games has been against a completely different style of play.

Mark Hughes was the man the Fulham board chose to replace Roy Hodgson after he departed for Liverpool during the summer. Hughes has sought to use the majority of Hodgson’s players and pretty much his 4-4-1-1 system. Carlos Salcido and Moussa Dembele have been the two most notable additions with the former replacing Paul Konchesky who followed Hodgson to Anfield. The new manager, however, has recently been dealt a blow with the news that their talisman, Bobby Zamora, will be out for five months after breaking his ankle last weekend in a challenge with Wolves captain, Karl Henry. Zamora has been in phenomenal form for the best part of two seasons which culminated in an England call up last month. Fulham will almost certainly have to change their style with his continued absence.

 Before losing to Arsenal last month, Rovers had only lost one match at Ewood in the whole of 2010. It’s testament to how hard to beat they are now when the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton have all come away with either a defeat or a draw. Fulham, on the other hand, have a horrendous away record in recent times. Their last win on the road in the league was August 2009, a total of 20 fruitless, away trips. That being said, they are still unbeaten this term with three draws and their win over Wolves last weekend. Two of those draws have been earned on the road against both Blackpool and Bolton so it’s another trip North to see if they can end their away day hoodoo.

Mark Hughes had a successful spell in charge of tomorrow’s opponents in the middle of the decade taking them into Europe and on several domestic cup runs as well as a couple of finishes in the top eight. He will be well aware of what his new club will be faced with on Saturday from Allardyce’s Blackburn. With Zamora out, it will be no surprise to see Dembele as their sole striker with a packed midfield behind him. Blackburn may well recall their star player, David Dunn, who has been struggling for fitness after injury. Dunn has a bit of quality which can light up a lot of dour matches and it may just be that his creativity is needed against Fulham tomorrow who have proven to be stuffy opponents thus far.

Blackburn currently sit a couple of points behind tomorrow’s opponents despite playing pretty well. They will know that a loss tomorrow and they will be cast adrift of that top ten pack already. Allardyce will be targeting these sort of games as ones which should deliver three points and it is my belief that they will succeed in doing this

My selection: Blackburn to beat Fulham

Best odds available: 11/10 available with several bookmakers including Skybet

English Championship

Barnsley v Derby County

Barnsley have made a flying start to the season and will look to continue their good form with another home win at the expense of visiting Derby at Oakwell.

Mark Robins came in during the season last year and although his arrival was not spectacular, there was enough about it to suggest that this season Barnsley would be a different proposition for the other teams in the Championship. He has got his new side playing attractive football which was no more evident than in their excellent 5-2 victory over local rivals Leeds on Tuesday night. Despite trailing early on, Barnsley came roaring back and completely dismantled their more illustrious opponents in a breathtaking manner. It was their third home win of the season in the league after getting the better of Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace. Key to their good form has been winger Adam Hammill. The former Liverpool trainee has been in excellent form with three goals already. He was subject of much interest over the summer but he has remained at the club where his stock will only grow higher.

Derby started the season very brightly with a good away win at Elland Road over Leeds. That, however, is their sole victory to date whilst they have only managed one other point in a draw at home to QPR. Nigel Clough will be disappointed as he was expecting his side to challenge for the play-off’s this term. Of course that expectation is not dead, but the signs look ominous. A disillusioned support is growing increasingly impatient and two defeats against Sheffield United and Hull City without even managing a goal, has only heightened that. The next six games may will make or break their season and Clough’s reign as manager. The first of those is obviously tomorrow and it’s not exactly been a happy hunting ground for Derby, they have only won once of their last six visits.

Barnsley have further strengthened their attacking options with the loan signing of Gary O’Connor from Birmingham. The Scotland striker was surplus to requirement s at his parent club with the arrival of several new attackers over the summer so he has moved temporarily. He scored on his debut against Leeds and will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday. Derby will once again look to Kris Commons for a spark to ignite their season. The little midfielder is their main source of goals, both scoring and providing, so a lot rest’s on his shoulders.

I think Barnsley have a great chance of gaining a fourth home win of the season against an indifferent Derby side. The visitors have used 6 strikers already this season with only one goal between them, and funnily enough, that striker was Rob Hulse who has moved on to QPR. With that kind of drought upfront, added to Barnsley’s confidence, it ‘s a home win for me.

My selection: Barnsley to beat Derby

Best odds available: 23/20 available with 888Sport.  

Monday 19^th January

English Premiership

Liverpool v Everton

The first of two Merseyside derby’s in the space of a week, see’s Liverpool entertain their city rivals in the Premiership leg of the double header.

 There has been a lot of talk regarding the home side in the past 10 days, most of which concerns manager Rafael Benitez. Whether it is pressure or attempting to play mind games with both the board and rival managers, the Spaniard has certainly had a lot to say for himself. The Liverpool players should be professional enough and experienced enough to get on with their job and go about their business as usual tonight.

Everton are on an excellent run of form of late, winning 5 of their last 6, drawing the other game. They have crept up on the top 6 without any fuss and largely unnoticed, finding themselves 6 points of 5^th place Arsenal with their game in hand tonight. Their good form is down to sheer hard work with the obvious bit of skill and ability chucked in for good measure. Davie Moyes has had to contend with a plethora of injuries right throughout the season and has had to rely on big performances from the likes of Jagielka, Arteta, Lescott and Tim Cahill. All four will be key to getting anything from tonight’s game.

It is an intriguing match-up, not least from a betting perspective. Liverpool have been knocked off the top by Man United and will be looking to reclaim pole position as soon as possible. The away side will be looking to continue their recent good form to keep the momentum going into Sunday’s FA cup tie.

Star striker and talisman, Fernando Torres, is expected to lead the line from the start for the home side and he’ll be looking to continue his record over the blue half of Merseyside. Torres has scored all of Liverpool’s goals in the last 2 derbies including the solitary strike in the corresponding fixture last season. Fellow Spaniards, Alonso and Arberloa, are also in line to start after overcoming injury problems.

Everton will be without influential midfielder Marouane Fellaini who is suspended and will also miss the cup match. Aside from that and long term absentees Yakubu and Saha, they have a fully fit squad to choose from which means Joseph Yobo is set to make his return and partner Jagielka in the centre of defence.

Derby games are always difficult to call which is why I would advise everyone to keep their stakes to a minimum for a bit of added interest in the game. Everton have failed to win at Anfield since Kevin Campbell’s winner in 1999 but have picked up 5 draws since then. Add that to Liverpool’s record of 4 draws from 10 home games tonight then the most logical bet in my opinion is a stalemate. Both sides are well set up defensively and do not concede a lot of goals but at the same time, there will be enough quality on show for chances to be created however.

My selections:

Liverpool and Everton to draw Best price available is 12/5 available with Coral

Liverpool and Everton to draw 1-1 Best price available is 13/2 with several bookmakers including bluesquare

Less than 3 goals scored in Liverpool v Everton Best price available is 7/10 available with 888sport

Good luck and happy punting

Premiership Preview by Matthew Chapple (Friday, September 12, 2008)

Top match of the week:

Liverpool V Manchester United (Saturday 13th September 12.45pm – Sky Sports 1)

There are many big derby matches in the English league but none bigger then the Liverpool v Manchester United affair. Both sets of fans will be desperate for their side to come out on top in what should be a thrilling match.

Liverpool haven’t got out of the blocks so far this season but despite not playing to their full potential they have notched up 7 points from their first 3 premier league fixtures and they find themselves in second position, level on points with leaders Chelsea.

Liverpool have already been dealt a massive blow with Steven Gerrard ruling himself out of the match on Saturday after he felt he wouldn’t have enough fitness after his Groin surgery. Fernando Torres is also battling with fitness after he limped off against Aston Villa when Liverpool dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw just before the international break.

Manchester United also made a shaky start after drawing their first league game at home to Newcastle and were slightly fortunate to win at Portsmouth 1-0. Sir Alex Ferguson will take a good omen into the game which is that Liverpool haven’t beaten United in their last 4 league fixtures with Liverpool’s last win over United coming in February in 2006.

With Manchester United splashing the cash on Dimitar Berbatov, they will be expecting him to get the goals in the absence of Christiano Ronaldo who is still out injured. Rio Ferdinand missed the world cup qualifier for England against Andorra but played last night against Croatia and looks set to face Liverpool.

Liverpool look fantastic value at 2/1 with Bet365. Manchester United have been priced up as 13/8 favourites with Coral but with the game being played at Anfield, i think the advantage has to be with Liverpool despite the probability of them being without captain Steven Gerrard.

by Matthew Chapple

With the championship season just four games old, there has already been a few surprise results with both Derby and Crystal palace occupying two of the relegation places. The biggest shock of the season so far came on the opening day with new boys Doncaster defeating Derby at Pride Park. Derby, who are widely tipped by several to be serious promotion contenders, have already given themselves a mountain to climb under Paul Jewell and are without a win after their first 4 league fixtures.

Crystal Palace are the other side who have made a dreadful start to the season. Two draws and two defeats see them lye in 22nd in the league and are also without a win from their first 4 fixtures.

Several have made undefeated starts to the season with Wolves, Preston, Birmingham, and Bristol City all yet to taste defeat. Wolves currently occupy top spot on goal difference which was largely down to their two terrific home victorys over Sheffield Wednesday which finished 4-1 and their 5-1 rout over Nottingham Forest.

Another surprise is that none of the three new clubs occupy any of the relegation places with Nottingham Forest the lowest out of three in the league in 16th. After Doncasters opening victory at Derby they went on to get 4 points from their next 3 matches.

Outright Betting: With Birmingham winning 3 out of the first 4 fixtures they are justified 10/3 favourties to win the league and judging by their early performances, they should go close. Wolves look good value at 11/2. They eased past their first few league games especially at home and look the team to beat in my opinion. Reading will be thereabouts come the end of the season and the bookies think so too and have priced reading up as third favourties at 7/1 while the new rich boys, QPR are currently 9/1 to win the Championship outright.

Relegation Odds: With both Blackpool and Barnsley not getting particularly good starts the bookies have priced them up as favourites for the drop with Blackpool 5/4 and Barnsley 11/8. The value looks to be with Derby County at 7/1. They are winless in 4 games and have just 1 point to their name. Their performances have been poor and haven’t really looked like winning any of the first 4 fixtures. Burnley lack quality and at 11/4 they look a fair bet for relegation and they should be around the foot of the table come the end of the season.

How we rate each team chances individually.

Barnsley
Players In: Luke Steele, Iain Hume, Roberto Colace, Mounir El Haimour, Darren Moore
Players Out: Paul Reid, Sam Togwell
Key player: Iain Hume
Prediction: 21st Despite making it all the way to the semi-final of the Fa Cup last season they struggled in their domestic campaign and finished 18th. They have a distinct lack of quality especially up front and they will struggle for fire-power in front of goal. We expect them to be around the bottom again this season.

Birmingham
Players In: Lee Carsley, Kevin Phillips, Marcus Bent, Kemy Agustien, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Players Out: Adam Lezgdins, Fabrice Muamba, Daniel de Ridder, Olivier Kapo, Sone Aluko
Key Player: Kevin Phillips
Prediction: 2nd They were unfortunate to be relegated last season as they got some decent results in the Premiership. They have kept the basic structure of the team while adding the likes of Everton’s Lee Carsley and West Brom’s Kevin Phillips. They have made a decent start to the season and they should be challenging for the automatic spots this season.

Blackpool
Players In: Matt Gilks, Joe Martin, Alex Babtiste, Steve Kabba, Jermaine Wright, Adam Hammill, David Vaughan, Marlon Broomes, Rob Edwards, Sone Aluko, Alan Gow
Players Out: Marcus Bean, Keigan Parker, Michael Jackson, Wes Hoolahan, Kaspars Gorkss
Key Player: Daniel Nardiello
Prediction: 23rd They did extremely well to avoid any sort of relegation battle come the end of the season but with a lack of quality, we fancy them to have a difficult season this time around. With just 4 points from the first 4 fixtures it doesn’t look too good.

Bristol City
Players In: Nicky Maynard, Gavin Williams, John Akinde
Players Out: Alex Russell, Nick Carle, Darren Byfield, Richard Keogh
Key Player: Nicky Maynard
Prediction: 9th They had a fantastic season last year and were unfortunate in the play-off’s. Once again they have made a great satrt to the season and with 8 points from the first 4 games they currently lye in 4th position and look on course for another good season. They were the surprise team last season but we doubt they will beat that and we fancy them to settle in the top half of the table this time around.

Burnley
Players In:Martin Paterson, Kevin McDonald, Christian Kalvenes, Diego Penny, Remco van der Schaaf, Chris Eagles, Russell Anderson, Steven Thompson
Players Out: John Spicer, Kyle Lafferty, James O’Connor, Jon Harley, Djemba-Djemba, David Unsworth
Key Player: Martin Paterson
Prediction: 22nd Burnley finished in mid-table last term and will be lucky to surive this season in our opinion. Chris Eagles should provide them with creativity while fan will be looking towards Martin paterson for goals this season after they let Kyle Lafferty go to Rangers. With just a single points form the opening fixtures the writing looks on the cards already. They lack quality and look set to face a relegation fight this season.

Cardiff
Players In: Darren Dennehy, Ross McCormack, Mark Kennedy, Jay Bothroyd, Eddie Johnson, Peter Encklemen
Players Out: Aaron Ramsey, David Forde, Warren Feeney, Robbie Fowler, Steven Thompson, Jimmy Flyod-Hasselbaink, Trevor Sinclair
Key Player: Joe Ledley
Prediction: 7th Cardiff somewhat sacrificed their league campaign for a great cup run in the FA Cup which seen them lose 1-0 to Portsmouth in the final. They will be disappointed with the departure of Aaron Ramsey who had a lot of potential and doesn’t seem as if Cardiff have found a replacement. Joe Ledley will be key if they are to push for the play-off’s this season but we think they will just come up short.

Charlton
Players In: Stuart Fleetwood, Martin Cranie, Hameur Bouazza
Players Out: Patrick McCarthy, Darren Randolph, Chris Iwelumo, Marcus Bent, Madjid Bougherra, Osei Sankofa, Sam Sodje, Ben Thatcher, Jerome Thomas, Amdy Faye,
Key Player: Marcus Bent
Prediction: 8th We’re not impressed with their lack of incoming transfers but they do posses some decent players in the final third. I think their season will rely heavily on a good start. If they hit a win less streak then they could start struggling. 6 points from 4 games isn’t the ideal start they would have hoped for and we doubt they will make a claim for one of the play-off spots.

Coventry
Players In: Guillaume Beuzelin, Aron Gunnarsson, Keiren Westwood, Freddy Eastwood, Steven Wright, Clinton Morrison
Players Out: Liam Davis, Julian Gray, Donovan Simmonds
Key Player: Freddy Eastwood
Prediction: 10th They had a poor season last year and were lucky not to go down. A new manager at the helm in Chris Coleman and their new signing Freddy Eastwood could one of the buys of the season. The welsh international is a proven goalscorer at this level and his goals this season will be crucial for Coventry’s ambitions. I don’t think they have the credentials to push for promotion and might have to settle for a mid-table finish.

Crystal palace
Players In: Patrick McCarthy, Johannes Ertl, Darryl Flahavan, Jos Van Nieuwstadt, Jose Fonte, Simon Thomas, Nick Carle, John Oster, Leandre Griffit, Alan Lee
Players Out: Jeff Hughes, Lewis Spencer, Mark Kennedy, John Bostock, Tony Craig, Clinton Morrison, Tom Soares, Dougie Freedman
Key Player: Nick Carle
Prediction: 6th Crystal palace made it to play-off’s last season and we fancy a repeat this season despite their poor start to the season. Neil Warnock has built a decent side at Palace and his side have the ability to push for promotion back to the top flight once again. One negative for me was them letting go of Clinton Morrison to league rivals Coventry. The forward bagged 16 goals in the championship last season and will be missed.

Derby
Players In: Kris Commons, Steve Davies, Nathan Ellington, Paul Connolly, Ruben Zadkovich, Paul Green, Jordan Stewart, Martin Albrechtsen, Liam Dickinson, Przemyslaw Kazmierczak, Rob Hulse
Players Out: Robert Earnshaw, Kenny Miller, Michael Johnson, Lee Holmes, David Jones, Darren Moore, Jason Beardsley, Craig Fagan, Tyron Mears, Eddie Lewis
Key Player: Rob Hulse
Prediction: 12th Despite them dropping down from the premiership we reckon they will have a difficult season. They were the worst ever team to play in the Premiership last season and they haven’t strengthen enough for us to think they will bounce straight back up. Add that to their poor start to the season we reckon they will find things tougher then they first expected in the Championship. Kris Commons and Rob Hulse look decent signings but we’re not too confident of their defence. A tough season ahead predicted which could see the end of Paul Jewell.

Doncaster
Players In:John Spicer, Darren Byfield, Tomi Ameobi, Matthew Mills, Jos van Niewstadt, James Chambers
Players Out: Paul Green, Stephen Roberts, Mark McCammon
Key Player: Darren Byfield
Prediction:19th Doncaster made it into the championship via the play-offs from League one and although they didn’t go up through automatic promotion, we fancy them to do well this season. They have a solid look about them and they could give some of the bigger sides in the league a surprise when they play them. Derby have already found this out when they lsot at home to Doncaster 1-0. Going by their first few performances they should have enough to stay up.

Ipswich
Players In: Pim Balkestein, Gareth McAuley, Kevin Lisbie, Richard Wright, Ivan Campo, Ben Thatcher, Moritz Volz, Johnathan Stead
Players Out: Gavin Williams, Gary Roberts, Nick Colgan
Key Player: Johnathan Walters
Prediction: 3rd Ipswich are a team with a great home record. They were the best home side of last season with just the on defeat at Portman Road. We didn’t think many would beat them at Portman Road this season but with two straight home defeats it has certainly made us concentrate harder. Although they have made apoor start to the season by their own standards, we still fancy them to at least get one of the 4 play-off positions. A distinct lack of transfers into the club is a slight concern but we fancy them to go well and possibly sneak automatic promotion.

Norwich
Players In: Sammy Clingan, Wes Hoolahan, Ryan Bertrand, Dejan Stefanovic, Elliot Omozusi, Arturo Lupoli, David Bell, Stuart Nelson
Players Out: Matt Gliks, Andrew Cave-Brown
Key Player: Arturo Lupoli
Prediction: 14th Norwich finished 17th last season which is unacceptable for a club with their recent history. They lacked goals last season and have brought in some strikers wit h the aim of putting it right this season. However they still lack quality in the midfield and there is a lack of quality creative players in their squad. If they can provide the former Arsenal youngster, Lupoli with regular service then they may go well but they are very incocnsistent and we fancy them to have another poor season.

Nottingham Forest
Players In: Robert Earnshaw, Guy Moussi, Andy Cole, Joe Garner, Paul Anderson, Mickael Darnet, Lee Martin
Players Out: Kris Commons, Matt Lockwood, Alan Power, Sammy Clingan, Grant Holt, Junior Agogo
Key Player: Robert Earnshaw
Prediction: 17th Last seasons League two runners-up Nottingham Forest look to have enough to see off relegation for one season at least. The signing of Robert Earnshaw from Derby County is a massive positive. The welsh international has bags of pace and can score at this level. If Nottingham are to survive then his goals will play a key part. A 5-1 hammering against Wolves won;t go down too nciely with the players but their other 3 performances look good enough for us to think they should settle nicely in the bottom half of table.

Plymouth Argyle
Players In: Jason Puncheon, Karl Duguid, Yala Bolsaie, Graham Stack, Emlie Mpenza, Nicolas Marin, paul Gallagher, Chris Barker, Simon Walton
Players Out: Paul Connolly, Paul Wotton, Najim Abdou, Peter Halmosi
Key Player: Emile Mpenza
Prediction: 15th I live near Plymouth and the fans are not too optimistic about the season ahead. Plymouth have let several of their best players go over the past year with the likes of Ebanks-Blake going to Wolves in January and their most high profile of them all in Peter Halmosi who couldn’t resist the lure of the premiership with Hull City. Emile Mpenza is a fantastic signing for Sturrock and he could be crucial for Plymouth this season. After a decent season last year we fancy them to finish in mid-table this term.

Preston
Players In: Barry Nicholsen, Ross Wallace, Jon Parkin, Stephen Elliott
Players Out: Tamas Priskin
Key Player: Neil Mellor
Prediction: 13th Preston struggled for the majority of last season and spent a lot of the time near the foot of the table. The eventually finished in 15th and with the lack of activity in the transfer market this summer they won’t be too far away from where they finished last season. They have made a great start to the new season though and have 10 points from their first 4 games beating some of the favourites for promotion. Their start to the season is very good but they are a inconsistent side and we doubt they can keep it up throughout the season.

Queens Park Rangers
Players In: Radek Cerny, Peter Ramage, Emmanuel Ledesma, Kaspars Gorkss, Dani Parejo, Samuel Di Carmine
Players Out: Stefan Bailey, Jake Cole, Daniel Nardiello, Zesh Rehman. Simon Walton, Chris Barker
Key Player: Emmanuel Ledesma
Prediction: 4th QPR fans are confident they can win the title this season. With new investors from the world of Formula 1 they have the cash to push for promotion and a minimum of a play-off spot will be expected from the fans. They have brought in a decent keeper in former spurs shot stopper Radek Cerny and Ledesma is a classy winger who can deliver a good ball. The board have already expressed that they aim to be in the premiership within the next couple of season and we think this could be their year but it will take a lot of work.

Reading
Players In: Noel Hunt, Chris Armstrong
Players Out: Adam Bygrave, Ben Hamer, Glenn Little, Dave Kitson, Scott Davies, Ibrahima Sonko
Key Player: Kevin Doyle
Prediction: 5th Despite Reading being relegated from the Premiership they have managed to keep the majority of their best players. Leroy Lite, Steven Hunt and Kevin Doyle have all stayed at the club with their only big departure being Glen little to Portsmouth. They have started fairly well and are in 6th position after 4 games. They have enough quality to regain their premiership status and we expect them to be in the play-off’s come the end of the season.

Sheffield United
Players In: Greg Halford, Sun Jihai, Darius Henderson, Justin Haber, David Cotterill
Players Out: Chris Lucketti, Rob Hulse, Ben Starosta, Luton Shelton, Johnathan Stead, Michael Tonge, Chris Armstrong,
Key Player: James Beattie
Prediction: 11th A disappointing season last term saw them finish in 9th. They are a club expected to push for promotion each season but are very inconsistent. They did well to keep hold of James Beattie who scored 21 league goals last season. Even with Kevin Blackwell at the helm i can’t see them mounting a promotion challenge this season and will have to settle for another average campaign in mid-table.

Sheffield Wednesday
Players In: James O’Connor, Tony McMahon, Jimmy Smith
Players Out: Burten O’brien
Key Player: James O’Connor
Prediction: 24th Sheffield Wednesday seem to struggle each season and were tipped for relegation last season. They do lack fire-power in front of goal and with no recognised signings they will be in for another difficult campaign and a dogfight at the foot of the table looks inevitable.

Southampton
Players In: Chris Perry, Lee Holmes, Paul Wotton, Tommy Forecast, Morgan Schneiderlin, Anthony Pulis, Jack Cork
Players Out: Cedric Baseya, Andrew Davis
Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips
Prediction: 20th Another former Premiership club on the decline. After their stint in the top flight they have seriously struggled for results in the championships and were very fortunate not to go down last season and their survival went down to the last day of the season which saw Leicester take their place in the last relegation spot. A team who lack goals and confidence and if they get off to a bad start, their could be no way back for the Saints.

Swansea
Players In: Ashley Williams, Mark Gower, Federico Bessone, Albert Serran, Fabien Brandy, Stefan Morrision
Players Out: Kevin Austin, Kevin Amankwaah, Darryl Duffy, Darren Way
Key Player: Jason Scotland
Prediction: 18th Last season League one champions will be hoping to avoid a relegation fight but with a lack of depth within the squad they could have one on their hands. Despite manager Martinez making some signings over the summer they do lack a potent striker and could struggle somewhat for goals. Going on their first couple of performances they should have enough to pull off survival though.

Watford
Players In: Jon Harley
Players Out: Nathan Ellington, Jordan Stewart, Toumani Diagoura, Steve Kabba, Darius Henderson, Moses Ashikodi, Danni Shittu
Key Player: Tommy Smith
Prediction: 16th After a great start to last season which seen them top of the league at Christmas, they fell off the pace and only just managed to get the last play-off spot. They went out at the first hurdle to eventual play-off winners Hull City. Their does seem to be cash problems at the club also with Boothroyd being forced to sell several key players with Nathan Ellington, Steve Kabba and Darius Henderson all departing the club. With very little coming into the club they look in trouble. They are widely tipped to struggle this season and we reckon they will finish 10 places behind their position last season in 16th.

Wolves
Players In: Sam Vokes, Richard Stearman, David Jones, Chris Iwelumo, Matthew Hill
Players Out: Freddy Eastwood, Matt Bailey, Seyi Olofinjana, Elliott Bennett, Lee Collins, Jay Bothroyd, Charles Mulgrew
Key Player: Michael Kightly
Prediction: 1st Manager Mick McCarthy has made some decent signings over the summer in a bid to improve on last seasons finish of 7th. Wolves had a disappointing season last term and were fancied to at least get a play-off spot. Welsh international Sam Vokes looks a decent proposition for the future while Chris Iwelumo should be what they need to get the goals to push them higher up the league. They have made the best start to the season out of any of the championship clubs and with them currently in first place, we fancy them to remain their aslong as they keep up the good performances.