I have been saying it is too tight to call for a while now. If I was a betting man and a neutral then I would go for Swindon and SUFC. However, being a cynical and a United fan, I am sure we will fook it up.
Olle and I had a chat about this at full time on Saturday. I can't remember my exact prediction (damn that beer...!) but it was based on these thoughts:
Balham's prediction
1
Sheffield United
Looking at the first team, the budget and the squad depth I have to make United favourites. Yes, we've not got great depth but we do have some - and that's more than most of the sides in the top 8. Key man:
Jamie Murphy. If the new signing settles quickly he could be the difference between 1st and 4th.
2
Swindon Town
Much as it pains me to admit it, the side managed by
il Porco Fascisto looks well set for a promotion charge. As with many of the sides in the top 8 I wonder how they'll react to a couple of defeats but it's the goal difference which has tipped the balance for me. Beating the then-top Tranmere 5-0 was an impressive result. Key man:
Paolo di Canio. The maverick manager holds the key to this mercurial side.
4
Brentford
Dark horses at the start of the season - so dark that most people hadn't even considered them; Uwe Rösler has fashioned them into a skilful and hardworking outfit. Like most visitors, we were well beaten on our trip to Griffin Park - but their away form (more draws than us!) will see them fall short. However, unlike United I fancy them to win the playoffs after finishing third. Key man:
Harry Forrester. While Clayton Donaldson leads the goalscoring charts, it's the intelligent play of Forrester which will make the difference.
4
Bournemouth
The reappointment of Eddie Howe has coincided with a sea-change in the fortunes of a side dispatched 5-3 at the Lane. Currently unbeaten in 15 league games, the test (as with Swindon) will be the reaction to United's victory at Dean Court in February
)). Key man:
Brett Pitman. The returning centre-forward will be hoping to fire the Cherries to the brink of automatic promotion.
5
Doncaster Rovers
Changing manager midway through the season will impact them but it's the squad depth which I feel will ultimately cost our neighbours. Currently sitting second but with indifferent home form before the visit of Tranmere, Swindon and MK Dons I think they'll fall away to a play-off defeat. Key man:
Rob Jones. With the side struggling at home it's up to the big centre half to lead the defensive effort.
6
MK Dons
A side I expected a consistent push for automatic promotion from if I'm honest; the Dons haven't lived up to expectations. The return of Izale McLeod will provide them with goals but their form against the teams at the wrong end of the table will prove costly: they lost 4-1 at Bury, 3-0 at Scunthorpe and 4-2 at home against Walsall. Key man:
Dean Lewington. Captain and talisman, the left back is one of the only remaining link to the old Wimbledon.
7
Tranmere
I've not been as vocal as some about Tranmere but I can't see them lasting the pace, particularly if the loans of some of their key players aren't extended past January. It'll be a painful fall and I think they'll drop out of the play-offs in the last couple of games.
8
Notts County
Currently underachieving in 13th, County won't get into the play-off positions but will pick up enough points against the sides above them to keep things interesting.
