Preston

Saturday 29th October

Norwich v Blackburn

Both Norwich and Blackburn were expected to be fighting relegation this season but the Canaries are riding high in the top half whilst Rovers are currently propping up the foot of the table, they meet at Carrow Road tomorrow.

Paul Lambert is as astute as they come. He has worked under some fantastic managers during his playing career in the shape of Ottmar Hitzfeld and Martin O’Neill. The fact he sat his coaching badges whilst he was still playing meant that he could take a managerial job earlier than most. He has steadily progressed since taking the Livingston job in 2005 and he’s yet another Scottish manager plying his trade in the Premier League. Norwich has to wait until September to get their first win of the season but they have barely looked back since.A battling 2-0 loss at Old Trafford against Manchester United is their only loss in their last five matches so they seemed to have adjusted well to life in England’s top flight. Last weekends 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield would have been a massive boost as it proved to everyone connected with the club that they do deserve to be in the Premier League and they are capable of competing against the better sides, even away from home.

Blackburn have struggled for much of the campaign and manager Steve Kean has been under intense pressure from his own fans. Kean, however, does have the backing of the owners and a 4-3 extra time win over Newcastle in the League cup during the week would have helped his case and he will hope that his players can push on and carry their cup form, which has taken them to the quarter finals, into league duty – starting this weekend. Rovers have won just once from their first nine games, losing six of them, so they need to be harder to beat so that when they don’t play well, they can still pick up the odd point, especially on their travels. Last time out against Tottenham they lost an early goal but Kean will be satisfied with their immediate response as they got back into it only to lose it in the second half. Their last away match was their second draw on the road this season when they played another of the promoted clubs, QPR. A repeat of that wouldn’t be the worst in the world but Kean knows they need to start winning games to move off the bottom of the table.

Norwich have already seen off Sunderland and Swansea at home and look to be getting stronger as the season goes on. It can’t be underestimated how important it is for sides who have been promoted to get points on the board early so the fact they are coming into their own after a few games will be pleasing for Lambert who is sticking to his principals and playing attractive football with plenty of width in the side.

It may be to early to say this is a must win for Steve Kean but he is under pressure to deliver results. Managers rarely last long when the fans have turned against them and the only way to win them back is to get instant results. A bad result tomorrow and the knives will be out again.

Norwich are the side in form and were worth a point last week. It will be a different type of game tomorrow as the last couple of home matches will mean the crowd will be expecting them to go at Blackburn and gain another three points. Confidence is high at Carrow Road and I can see them being victorious again.

My Selection: Norwich to beat Blackburn

Best odds available: 21/20 available with PaddyPower

English Championship

Birmingham v Brighton

There were two divisions between Birmingham and Brighton at this stage last season but one relegation and one promotion means they meet tomorrow in the Championship and St Andrews.

Chris Hougton had an unenviable task when made manager of Birmingham City in the summer as the club had to get rid of their best players to pay large debts which so many clubs suffer as a result of a relegation from the Premier League. A shaky start to the season was to be expected such was the turnover of players and with the quality of some of those who left. However things are definitely looking a lot brighter for the Blues both at home and in Europe. Birmingham have actually won their last six matches in all competitions, four in the league and two away victories in the Europa League. The four wins in the league have been even more impressive as they have come against some of the bigger clubs in the league such as Leeds, Leicester and Nottingham Forest. Hougton will be demanding that his players continue to give their all and improve the chances of promotion challenge come the end of the season. Tomorrow’s match takes on significant importance despite being so early in the season as they can move into the play-off positions with a win and would have at least one game in hand over most sides as well.

Brighton were the opposite to Birmingham as they had a very positive close season after running away with the League One title last season Moving to a new Stadium added to the Euphoria whilst the signing of quality players such as Craig Mackail-Smith and Vicente was the icing on the top. This good feeling carried over to the start of the season as they were unbeaten in their first eight matches in all competitions, a run of form which yielded seven wins a draw. With form like that they had many people thinking of a second automatic promotion (something Norwich achieved last season), including their own fans. Unfortunately for the Seagulls fans things have tailed off in recent weeks as they haven’t won in their last eight matches – losing five of them. Poyet’s problems were further increased after influential midfielder Gary Dicker was carried off in their most recent defeat against West Ham on Monday night.

Birmingham have played five games at St Andrews in the league and have won four of them. The only team who have come away with anything were Barnsley who were only denied by a late Chris Burke goal. Home form is always important in the Championship so Hougton will be pleased that his side are difficult to beat on their own ground and will be determined to continue that tomorrow.

Brighton will be hoping that their good football and excellent passing game can provide something this week. They had an incredible amount of possession on Monday night but chances were few and far between for having so much of the play. West Ham got an early goal and basically sat on their lead inviting their opponents on to them. Brighton were not up to the challenge that night so Poyet must decide whether he changes something or sticks with what has gotten them so far over the last 12 months.

Birmingham have a bang in form striker with Chris Wood scoring four goals in his last five matches and he will be up against a side he was on loan at last season. Brighton may well be wishing they still had him as they have scored just three goals in their last five games. A team that can’t score can’t win games so I’m taking Brum to notch their seventh successive victory tomorrow.

My Selection: Birmimgham to beat Brighton

Best odds available: 11/10 available with Ladbrokes

English League One

Preston v BournemouthTen points and 12 places in the table seperate Preston and Bournemouth but there are few easy games in League one and the away side will be hoping to upset the odds tomorrow at Deepdale.

Phil Brown is one of the more colourful characters in the game and there’s rarely a dull moment when he’s around. He can also produce a team to challenge in both League One and the Championship which is what he’s doing with Preston North End. He couldn’t save them from relegation last season but he’s been charged with the task of getting them straight back into the Championship at the first time of asking. A run of six straight victories and seven out of eight was enough to put them into contention for automatic promotion but things have stalled of late and they are without a win in their last five league games. It means they currently sit out of the play-off zone but their is a long way to go and recent performances have certainly not been terrible – they have also played two of the current top four so although there is plenty of room for improvement to get to that stage there has been enough shown thus far to be optimistic. Their home form is pretty strong as they have won four of their seven matches at Deepdale and are scoring plenty of goals with an average of more than two goals per game at home.

Bournemouth are in their second season in League One and as is common in these leagues, they are finding the second season more difficult than the first. Eddie Howe, who led them to the division, has obviously left for pastures new and the role of manager was handed to Lee Bradbury who was a player at the time. His side currently sit in the relegation zone but with the league being so tight throughout, a couple of wins could see them leap right up the table. It’s trying to find consistency which is the problem for the Cherries as they have won back to back games just once this season. They are difficult to beat however as they have lost just one of their last six matches which will definitely be a source of comfort for Bradbury and the Bournemouth supporters who will both be keen to move away from the relegation picture as soon as possible.

Bournemouth have performed better on the road this season compared to at home so the visit to Preston will not hold too many fears for them. Wins against Leyton Orient and Exeter will have bolstered their confidence when playing on their travels and Bradbury will be hoping for more of the same.

Preston’s only other defeat other than Sheffield United was against Colchester back in August so it promises to be an entertaining game for those attending. Neil Mellor and Iain Hume have forged a good partnership and will be hoping their goals can get their side back on to the winning trail.

I don’t think there will be much in it but I’m going for another home win here.

My Selection: Preston to beat Bournemouth

Best odds available: 10/11 available with Skybet

Saturday 19^th September

Preston North End v Coventry City         

PNE entertain Chris Coleman’s Coventry on Saturday looking to maintain their above average start to the season.

I’ve tipped Preston twice already this season and find myself bored of repeating the reasons as to why I’m tipping them. They’re direct, aggressive approach to the game is very affective, especially against lesser sides in the Championship. Rather than repeat myself, regular readers are able to look back at why I like Alan Irvine’s side and why his tactics will be successful in such a league.

I’ve yet to comment on the away side this season so let’s look a bit more closely at them. Coventry have started the season reasonably well with 11 points from their opening 7 matches. It may not sound or look impressive, but their points haul find themselves in 10^th position just a solitary point outside of the play-off’s. What should be noted is that Coventry have managed to accumulate 8 goals from their first 7 matches. What is even more interesting is the fact that Leon Best and Clinton Morrison have notched 7 of those 8 goals between them, with Martin Crainie getting the other.

Preston’s impressive home record (2 wins and 1 draw from 3) will be halted at some point but I can’t see it being on Saturday. Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Neil Mellor are very effective at this level and will pose numerous problems for any defence. Coventry have shipped 8 goals thus far and I can see that being added to come Saturday evening.

My selection: Preston to beat Coventry City

Best odds available: 5/6 with several bookmakers including Coral

English Championship

Barnsley v Swansea

Both these sides find themselves at the bottom end of the table after poor starts which has even resulted in Barnsley appointing a new manager in Mark Robins.

Barnsley had a total of 1 point after 6 games under former manager Simon Davey. Their single point came away to Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of August. As they lost every other game, they sacked Davey and brought in Robins as his replacement. His appointment had an immediate effect on Tuesday night as the Oakwell side notched their maiden victory of the season with a 3-2 success at Derby.

Paulo Sousa’s Swansea are struggling to emulate Roberto Martinez’s Swansea. He may have the same philosophy and thoughts on the game but he has unable, as yet, to translate them on to the park. Sousa has had to contend with injuries and suspension to key players but will have the likes of Gary Monk, Ferrie Bodde and Angel back this week, whether it is enough to stop the slide is another matter. The Swans are suffering a massive hangover after such a good first season in the Championship. The loss of Martinez, as well as Jordi Gomez and Jason Scotland, to Wigan has been monumental.

I highlighted Swansea’s shortcomings last weekend when they face Preston and I feel they’ll fall short once again with a weak backline up against the likes of Andy Gray and Jon Macken. Both strikers are proven at this level and have simply been lacking confidence in recent weeks. Their strength and direct style of play is very similar to North End’s attackers who Swansea failed to deal with. As a result, I think Robins will continue his successful start by guiding his new club to their 2^nd successive 3 points haul.

My Selection: Barnsley to beat Swansea

Best odds available: 6/4 with several bookmakers including  Skybet

Scottish Premier League

Hibernian v St Johnstone

The home side will be looking to make up for a dismal performance last  time out against Hamilton by taking all 3 points at home to newly promoted St Johnstone.

John Hughes had a bright start to his reign as Hibs manager, taking 6 points from his first two matches before being narrowly beaten by Celtic. This makes last Sunday’s defeat at New Douglas park all the more surprising. They were very poor all over the park and never looked liked getting anything from the game.

St Johnstone have started the season in a positive manner with their only defeat coming against the green and white half of Glasgow on the 2^nd day of the season. They may, however, consider themselves to be unfortunate as they have only picked up 3 points. Without a win, their impressive performances against Motherwell, Hearts and St Mirren have all resulted in stalemates which may prove to be their downfall in the long run.

Hibs have talent and quality in abundance. The likes of Derek Riordan, Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are excellent players at this level. This is highlighted even further by the fact Celtic have had two of them on their books and offered £2m for Stokes 3 years ago. The problem they have, however, is they lack real leadership since the departure of Rob Jones in the summer.

Derek McInnes has adopted an expansive style of football in his first season as SPL manager. If he chooses to go this way on Saturday I can see a home win. The ability of Miller and Riordan allied with Stokes’ pace and strikers instinct should see the home side prevail in an entertaining and attacking match.

My selection: Hibernian to beat St Johnstone

Best odds available: 4/5 with  Bet365

Saturday 14^th September

English Championship

Preston North End v Swansea

The home side have started where they left off last season whilst Saturday’s visitors are still coming to terms with the loss of former manager Roberto Martinez who left for Wigan during the summer.

Preston remain unbeaten after 5 games accumulating a total of 9 points in the process. They find themselves just inside the ridiculously early play-off picture in 6^th position, 4 points of current leaders Newcastle United. As mentioned in a previous article, North End had the most amount of home wins in the division last season and have started in a similar vein. From their 4 home games this term, 2 of which were in the League cup, they have won 3 and drawn 1.

Swansea were a somewhat surprise package when promoted to the Championship a year ago. They were in and around the promotion picture for much of last season only to lose out in the final few weeks of the season. They played an open and expansive style of football under Martinez with the likes of Ferrie Bodde, Jordi Gomez and Jason Scotland flourishing. Gomez and Scotland have since followed Martinez to JJB Stadium whilst Bodde is just coming back from a long term injury.

Preston should be able to welcome back influential defender Youl Mawene from injury whilst manager Alan Irvine will be hoping Sean St Ledger will return from international duty ready to take his place alongside Mawene. Swansea will be hoping to give debut’s to Craig Beattie and Abu Bakr whilst prodigal son Lee Trundle will be looking to start his first game of his 2^nd spell at the Swans after a deadline day move from Bristol City.

As ever with Preston, their strengths will lie upfront with a powerful duo of strikers in Neil Mellor and Jon Parkin. Swansea’s task will be made doubly difficulty with the absence of Gary Monk and Rangel who are both suspended for Saturday’s match. North End will be looking for their creative players such as Ross Wallace and Richard Chaplow to provide a bit of spark and take the game to the visitors. I really fancy Preston to have a good season this term and their home form will be key to that. Paulo Sousa, Swans manager, is still to prove himself adept at this level and I can see him and his side on the wrong end of a defeat on Saturday.

My selection: Preston North End to beat Swansea

Best odds available: 5/6 with several bookmakers including StanJames

English League 1

Charlton v Southampton

Four years ago this match was taking place in the Premier League, as it is, Charlton will be entertaining Southampton in the 3^rd tier of English football.

Charlton can boast a 100% record in League 1 so far with 6 wins from their initial half dozen games. They have adapted well to their new league and have been very impressive, especially going forward. They have brushed aside the likes of Walsall, Tranmere and most recently, Brentford. In these last 3 matches they have amassed a total of 8 goals and managed to keep a clean sheet in the same run of games. Phil Parkinson, manager of Charlton, has rejuvenated an ailing club by bringing in experienced faces to mentor and support their prodigious young talent. Deon Burton, Christian Dailly and Miguel Llera have been brought in over the summer. Add their experience to bright, exciting youngsters such as Jay Shelvey, Lloyd Sam and Nick Bailey and you have a more than decent chance of challenging for promotion.

Southampton were relegated along with Saturday’s hosts last season. Their start to this one, however, has been far different to that of Charlton’s. By going into administration they triggered an automatic 10 point deduction meaning they needed 10 points just to be on level par for the season. As yet, they have only managed 4 points, all coming from draws. They still retain several quality players in the shape of Kelvin Davis, Adam Lallana and Marius Saganowski. They have also signed Ricky Lambert from Bristol Rovers who is a prolific goal scorer at this level.   

I watched Charlton’s last match against Brentford and was very impressed with not only their style of play but their control of the football match. Their midfield was particularly good and their wide players, Sam and Bailey, were threats throughout the match – they’ll always create chances. Southampton have proven to be stubborn opponents already this term losing only two of their 6 matches. Both these defeats however have come on the road and they have looked more vulnerable on their travels.

Charlton just look to be on a roll and I can’t see their progress being halted this weekend. I can’t see Southampton edging closer to the level par mark by picking up a point or 3 on Saturday and fully expect Phil Parkinson and his troops to be chalking up another victory and making it a magnificent 7.

My selection: Charlton to beat Southampton.

Best odds available: 8/11 with Coral

Saturday 22^nd August

English Championship

Preston v Peterborough

Peterborough have found things tough in the Championship thus far, and it does not look like it will get any easier when they head to Deepdale to take on unbeaten Preston North End on Saturday.

‘Posh’ earned their right to play in the Championship with back to back promotions and received many plaudits for playing an expansive brand of football. Aaron McLean, Craig Mackail-Smith and Adam Boyd have scored over 120 goals between them during their time at the club and have been constantly linked with moves way. Manager Darren Ferguson has made it clear that they do not want, nor need, to sell their star trio. Things have been slightly different for them this season however. In their first 3 matches, they have lost to both Derby and West Brom with their solitary point thus far, coming at home against Sheffield Wednesday. They continue to score and make chances, but it’s at the opposite end of the park where they have struggled, conceding 6 goals in 3 matches.

Preston were very close to achieving their goal of promotion last season, narrowly missing out in the play-off semi final to Sheffield United. They accumulated the most home wins in the Championship which was the foundation of their success. Manager Alan Irvine has built a strong and disciplined side who can also knock the ball about. The skill and ability of players such as Ross Wallace, Richard Chaplow and Paul Parry very much compliments the strength and impact of strikers Neil Mellor and Steve Parkin.  North End have been impressive so far, with 1 win and 2 draws. Their two draws were in fixtures, Bristol City at home and away to Doncaster, which will prove troublesome for most so when added to their excellent 3-0 victory at Oakwell against Barnsley on Tuesday, Preston can be well pleased with their start to the new season.

The result, as ever, will depend on numerous things. However, one key point will be whether or not the Posh defenders will be able to cope with the brute strength of Mellor and Parkin. Barnsley couldn’t cope midweek when both were on the scoresheet, Morecambe never managed it either when they went down 5-1 in the Carling cup and Bristol City also succumbed to the physical onslaught with Parkin netting on the opening day of the season. Craig Morgan and Gabriel Zakuani have the unenviable task of stopping the big bruisers tomorrow afternoon. Both are big and experienced lads and will need every bit of both attributes to come out on top.

At the other end, Preston will have to cope with Peterborough’s quality in attack. All three of Boro’s prized assets are off the mark already and will be determined to get their teams first win of the season as soon as possible. Their case is helped somewhat with the absence of influential defender, Youl Mawene, for the home side.

Ferguson is under no illusions as to the task facing his side this year. He knows that the Championship is a big step up from League 1 and his difficult start to the season is only going to get harder as he takes his troops to a club who won more games than anyone at home last a season. With that in mind, added to the impressive start to the season, I fancy the home side to take all three points in what promises to be a very entertaining game at Deepdale.

My selection: Preston to beat Peterborough

Best odds available: 10/11 with several bookmakers including Bet365

Other bets: I expect a few goals in tomorrow’s games as both sides have strikers in form who will be looking to add to their season’s totals.

More than 2 goals in Preston v Peterborough – Best odds available: 10/11 with StanJames

I have looked through the other matches on Saturday and I do not feel confident at any reasonable price to advise another bet. I have a fancy that I will be playing myself and have posted it below with a little explanation as to why. I would stress again that this is a fancy as opposed to a tip.

Reading v Sheffield United

Reading have lost a lot of their attacking options with the departures of Lita and Doyle as well as the loan return of Dave Kitson to Stoke City. They have also lost the services of attacking midfielder, Stephen Hunt, who moved to Hull last week.

Sheffield United are unbeaten in the league this season and look as resolute as ever. They’ve conceded 1 goals and scored 3 so it doesn’t take Stephen Hawking to determine where their strengths lie.

With Reading’s lack of firepower weighted with United’s mean defence, I cannot have a home win. It then comes down to whether or not the away side are capable of scoring and winning at what is usually a difficult place. At the prices, they are value to succeed and I will be having a play on the away win which is a best price 2/1 with Boylesports

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.