Deadbat's Championship Season Preview 18/19

[Inter_blade83]

Gary Johnson? Did you write this years ago?

 

[Deadbat]

Gary Johnson? Did you write this years ago?

You knew who I meant.

 

[Blade56]

Can we close this thread? For some reason every time anyone adds to it I get a notification

 

[Deaneandagana]

Nice read Deadbat, found your listing of ins & outs very interesting.

Tin hat on - I’m concerned about us, saw us play Inter (ok not the best opposition to make judgments) but didn’t see us with any sort of goal threat or pace.

The non return of Coutts also troubles me, am certain neither Lundstrum or Evans are adequate replacements.

Think we will have lots of possession but ultimately toothless upfront, a slow start could prove disastrous.

Sincerely hope I’m wrong.

 

[dazzlingblade]

Pretty close I reckon but if Brentford finish top 4 I'll show my arse on the moor

 

[Roygbiv]

I don't see much wrong with that at all. Wednesday aren't as bad as a lot of us think and we so far haven't improved at all. If you go on the form on the 2nd half of games last season we got one more point than them. There isn't much in it other than the morale at Wednesday is really low and a bad start could see them approaching a crisis.

Totally agree with the 2 promoted sides. Not fully sold on Brentford as whilst they play great football they also seem a bit weak and inexperienced. It was only a few months ago we took them apart at their place and they don't seem to have improved since then. They are definitely contenders for the play offs though.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Good to see this report and agree with most of it with a couple of twerks.

Stoke will be 1st can see Etebo being star man for them after seeing him in the WC,majority of Championship midfields will get a shock when they face him.

Forest will be 2nd.

Pigs wont be anywhere near the top ten,bottom six for them.

 

[Beans]

Great effort Deadbat. Podcast preview to come but FWIW I won’t be surprised to see Brentford that high - they’re on an upward trajectory building year on year (happy to let go the players they did, because they have cheaper, potentially as good if not better replacements slotting in) and could well be this year’s Fulham.

 

[Steve Mackan]

Cheers Deadbat - I can't really argue too much for/against your league table, which has a lot to do with the lack of ins/outs at every club. For example, Millwall have made two signings, one of them a loan from Bolton? Christ!

Hard to draw any solid conclusions until after deadline day, although I would say that I don't think there is a side anywhere near as good as Wolves in this division.

I have Stoke finishing 1st, Lampard first manager sacked and QPR bottom.

 

[AWetFlannel]

I'll only say it on this thread, but regardless of whether the pork bring any in, the players they have are promotion challenging: Westwood, Bannan, Boyd, Forestieri, Hooper.
Bit embarrassing claiming DB and all the bookies have got it badly wrong.

 

[10-0 win]

1st - Stoke City

point taken

Stoke City’s full list of 2018/19 squad numbers is as follows:

1 Jack Butland

2 Moritz Bauer

3 Erik Pieters

4 Joe Allen

6 Badou Ndiaye

7 Tom Ince

8 Peter Etebo

9 Benik Afobe

10 Maxim Choupo-Moting

11 James McClean

12 Josh Tymon

14 Ibrahim Afellay

15 Bruno Martins Indi

16 Charlie Adam

17 Ryan Shawcross

18 Mame Diouf

19 Saido Berahino

20 Geoff Cameron

21 Giannelli Imbula

24 Darren Fletcher

25 Peter Crouch

26 Tyrese Campbell

27 Bojan

28 Julien Ngoy

29 Jakob Haugaard

30 Tom Edwards

31 Thibaud Verlinden

32 Adam Federici

33 Lasse Sorensen

34 Oliver Shenton

35 Ryan Sweeney

36 Harry Souttar

 

[metalblade]

I can see it being closer between the two Sheffield teams next season the pigs are far stronger than us up front we only have three who will be starters they have twice as many who they can pick all our forwards are getting on a bit too. Having said that I think our midfield is easily as good if not better than theirs and I really wouldn't want any of their defenders. Seems a bit strange for Josh noted for his defensive style having so many forwards to choose from and the more attacking Wilder having so few to choose from. I think we will finish higher than they do but the gap might not be so huge this time round.

 

[Keen Blade]

Our 3 strikers are adequate when fit but as they age they will injure more easily and we don't have Brooks to bring on for some pace. We'll be bottom half if we don't bring in some fresh blood in forward positions.

 

[bromtom]

Cheers Deadbat - I can't really argue too much for/against your league table, which has a lot to do with the lack of ins/outs at every club. For example, Millwall have made two signings, one of them a loan from Bolton? Christ!

Hard to draw any solid conclusions until after deadline day, although I would say that I don't think there is a side anywhere near as good as Wolves in this division.

I have Stoke finishing 1st, Lampard first manager sacked and QPR bottom.

I've been saying the same, don't think anyone will have anywhere near the quality and consistency of Wolves, or Fulham once they got going.

I think West Brom could do very well if they keep playing for Moore like they did in the Prem, Stoke should be up there but I can't see Swansea storming the league but they should get to the Playoffs. Karanka, Lampard and Bielsa will be the first ones in the shit if it doesn't start well.

Personally, lots of assumptions at this stage, but if we play like we did last season, and we get a striker, then fitness permitting we should be in with a shout of the playoffs. We looked a lot more assured at the back to me against Inter with Egan on, if we can concede less we might get away with Leon and Billy not having the seasons of their lives again.

My biggest fear for us is the board kerfuffle getting worse and Wilder walking.

Top 6 in no particular order

Stoke, WBA, Derby, Boro, Swansea, Villa

'In with a shout'ers

Us, Forest, Brentford, Leeds, Norwich

'In the shit'ers

Notlob, Reading, Millwall

 

[Stretch]

Sorry deadbat I think that’s the worst bit of analysis you’ve done on the forum.

Brentford will get nowhere near the playoffs, the pigs will be lucky to get top half and Swansea are in free fall. I also expect Ipswich to do quite well with Paul Hirst while I think Rotherham will make a stronger fight of staying up this time as well.

I was also surprised by a few predictions, especially the S6 mob who I am convinced don't have enough depth in key areas to manage this league. However having just realised that Swansea have Graham Potter as manager [I am a bit behind the news it seems] I think they will do well. He looks to have a bit of Wilder about him, if you know what I mean.

 

[Stretch]

Lower mid table.

No decent full backs, missing a leader at centre half. Bannon the only decent midfielder, the rest being crocks. Hooper is in and out up front and FF will be out on strike.

Exactly how I see it, and for what it is worth many of their fanbase, based on a few scans of Porktalk. I really do think they are up against it in many ways.

 

[Stretch]

I'll only say it on this thread, but regardless of whether the pork bring any in, the players they have are promotion challenging: Westwood, Bannan, Boyd, Forestieri, Hooper.
Bit embarrassing claiming DB and all the bookies have got it badly wrong.

Westwood is looking likely to leave, Boyd seems to have lost his legs, Hooper is a great player but constantly injured so can't be relied upon.....not just my opinion but those who watch and support them based on what is being said online and from the conversations I have had.

Bannan is a good player no doubt, but I still think a little over rated and there are many better midfielders in the league. He'll do a job for them though. That seems to put an awful lot on FF's shoulders, and as talented as he is I wouldn't trust him to stay focussed or loyal if things start going a bit Pete Tong.

Lastly I would add that whilst pre season matches can't be completely relied upon as a barometer of how a team will do, they do at least give a clue about formations, tactics and fitness. By all accounts the pigs have been quite poor, with many of their brethren saying the players look somewhat lost.

We'll see I guess.

 

[Bellypork]

The mistake which many Blades are making - which DB isn't - is to use Wednesday's last season as a yardstick.
It wasn't.
I think the average finishing position the following season after losing a play-off is tenth.
Add to that the loss of almost the entire first-team squad for most of the season and it's not difficult to see why Wednesday struggled.
A fairer appraisal would be Chansiri's first two full seasons, and the closing stages of last season when some of the better players returned.
However, Hunt and Venancio are gone, and as yet nobody has come in to replace them, which does change things.
Also, can Wednesday keep their players fitter this season than last?
As for the Blades, will this season be a repetition of the first half of last season, or a continuation of what has happened since Xmas?
For me, that depends on Coutts.
I don't care what anybody says, he's the hub of the team.
Blades fans think that FF is the key player at S6, but he isn't.
Hooper is the one who makes the team tick, but even he isn't as influential as is Coutts at S2.
United simply have to keep him fit at all costs.

 

[Bellypork]

I can see it being closer between the two Sheffield teams next season the pigs are far stronger than us up front we only have three who will be starters they have twice as many who they can pick all our forwards are getting on a bit too. Having said that I think our midfield is easily as good if not better than theirs and I really wouldn't want any of their defenders. Seems a bit strange for Josh noted for his defensive style having so many forwards to choose from and the more attacking Wilder having so few to choose from. I think we will finish higher than they do but the gap might not be so huge this time round.

Yes, spot on. IMO Lees is the only decent defender which Wednesday possess, now Venancio is gone.
OK, Villarreal are a top side, and much better than Wednesday, and the third goal was top drawer, but the first two were very bad goals to concede. Unless the Owls strengthen at the back then they'll be in trouble.

 

[bromtom]

The mistake which many Blades are making - which DB isn't - is to use Wednesday's last season as a yardstick.
It wasn't.
I think the average finishing position the following season after losing a play-off is tenth.
Add to that the loss of almost the entire first-team squad for most of the season and it's not difficult to see why Wednesday struggled.
A fairer appraisal would be Chansiri's first two full seasons, and the closing stages of last season when some of the better players returned.
However, Hunt and Venancio are gone, and as yet nobody has come in to replace them, which does change things.
Also, can Wednesday keep their players fitter this season than last?
As for the Blades, will this season be a repetition of the first half of last season, or a continuation of what has happened since Xmas?
For me, that depends on Coutts.
I don't care what anybody says, he's the hub of the team.
Blades fans think that FF is the key player at S6, but he isn't.
Hooper is the one who makes the team tick, but even he isn't as influential as is Coutts at S2.
United simply have to keep him fit at all costs.

Once we got our JTW players in we weren't bad. Inconsistent but we got wins. I worked it out for another thread, if we had the form post Wednesday home game for a full season we'd end up with 58 points.

Fewer stupid goals conceded with our new highly rated GK and Egan, and we might be reyt.

I think if we can muddle through until October/November and stay in touch, Coutts could have a positive effect as strong as the negative effect of him being injured, even if he's not as good. Just having him around will give us a kick up the arse.

I'd be happy with a mirror image of last season, start inconsistent, have an absolute shocker in January and then finish strong and climb the table.

I'm looking forward to it anyway.

 

[AWetFlannel]

Westwood is looking likely to leave, Boyd seems to have lost his legs, Hooper is a great player but constantly injured so can't be relied upon.....not just my opinion but those who watch and support them based on what is being said online and from the conversations I have had.

Bannan is a good player no doubt, but I still think a little over rated and there are many better midfielders in the league. He'll do a job for them though. That seems to put an awful lot on FF's shoulders, and as talented as he is I wouldn't trust him to stay focussed or loyal if things start going a bit Pete Tong.

Lastly I would add that whilst pre season matches can't be completely relied upon as a barometer of how a team will do, they do at least give a clue about formations, tactics and fitness. By all accounts the pigs have been quite poor, with many of their brethren saying the players look somewhat lost.

We'll see I guess.

All true, but you could make them comments about any club's players at this level really.
Mawson looling likely to leave?
Are Billy/Leon past their best?
Will Grealish leave if things go south for Villa?
Are Assombalonga/Traore overrated?

 

[nopigfansintown]

I'll only say it on this thread, but regardless of whether the pork bring any in, the players they have are promotion challenging: Westwood, Bannan, Boyd, Forestieri, Hooper.
Bit embarrassing claiming DB and all the bookies have got it badly wrong.

Can they afford to keep them though? The next week or so will be interesting.They may have to sell the ones they don't want to sell.

 

[nopigfansintown]

What do you mean miraculous? I am not sure it is a bad season if we finish below them necessarily. If we finish middle that would not be a disaster. We expect us to better 10th but we have not improved the side really (Egan, McGoldrick and Henderson for Blackman, Brooks, Donaldson is a bit of a trade off and the best player in the 6 we have lost).

The Pigs wage bill still is much bigger than ours and for all the talk of the crap they are in; they have managed to keep Bannan, Forestiri, Hooper, Lee and quite a few more. they have 5 or 6 decent and quite effective strikers - the likes of Fletcher and Joao are prob 5th/6th choice behind Forestieri, Hooper, Nuhiu and Winall. We dont even have a 4th choice striker currently. If they were in so much mess surely they would have offloaded these players to the first suitor that came in? However, they dont have players like Basham, Baldock, Freeman, O'Connell, Fleck, Coutts who give us energy and passion and no little skill. It is a shame we have not built on these players really this summer.

I think both clubs are a bit of a mess off the field at the moment. They have an owner that has spent a load but now realises he can't spend anymore (FFP) and we have two owners that are going to be fighting in court for the next 12 months +. Neither are solid platforms for the season ahead.

I think Blackburn and Wigan are two I maybe put a bit low if I had to say....Can see both of them top half with a decent start.

There are a few reasons not to overrate Wednesdays's returning "best players" impact on the team next year.

1) Many had serious injuries last season. Are they not just injury prone? I see Hooper is already injured, and Lee and Hutchinson have chronic injuries that will have to be managed.

2) FFP: Do Wednesday have to offload more this window? Hearing Sparks' interview the other day leads me to the conclusion that they are trying to offload Westwood to get out of a transfer embargo.If nobody wants what you want to sell, you may have to sell what you don't wish to.

3)The contractual situation with Wedneday's best players is absolutely dire. The only better players who have two years are Lees and Forestieri.Everybody else of real quality and resale value has one year remaining . They cannot afford to extend deals so may cash in now.

4)Wednesday's defense is dire and worse than last year with the loss of Venacio and Hunt.The midfield isn't much better.

 

[Ricky]

1st: Stoke City

Strongest squad. Reliable manager. Loaded. Have the be the outright favourites, and I expect them to deliver. They've only lost Shaqiri, and that was to a relegation release clause. Keeping the rest is a huge sign of intent. They have top quality players like Butland, Shawcross and Allen who appear to have committed to staying and getting the club back up. Despite their relegation, there's a feelgood factor among the fanbase and I don't think they'll suffer any hangover.

Best signing: Peter Etebo. Looked impressive in the World Cup for Nigeria and with his energy and athleticism, should be the type to do well in the Championship.

Key player: Joe Allen. If he stays, he'll ensure they have the possession and platform for their attacking players to shine.


2nd: West Brom

Like Stoke, they don't strike me as a club in decline and I think their fans will be relishing this fresh start after many stale years in the PL. Much of that is down to Darren Moore's appointment as manager. He might not be proven but I think he has the strength of character and backing to do well at a club he knows inside out. They have a strong squad and have adequately replaced who they've sold, and they look particularly strong at the back.

Best signing: Dwight Gayle. Top striker at this level who guarantees they'll have enough goals in the squad.

Key player: Craig Dawson. Along with Sam Johnstone, he'll form a very solid foundation for them and could get into double figures goals wise.


3rd: Leeds United

Marcelo Bielsa is a huge appointment and I think a very good fit for Leeds. I think they could be this season's pace setters if Bielsa has them playing the high energy game he's known for. He's apparently watched every single game of theirs from last season so there's no doubt he's fully prepared. Much still depends on the signings they make but they're in for high quality players. The Leeds fans will be excited about what's in store and desperate for Bielsa to succeed, so they could also be a big asset for their team this season. I expect Elland Road to be a fortress this season.

Best signing: Barry Douglas. £3m is a steal for the best left back in the division last season. Will create a lot for them.

Key player: Patrick Bamford. Excellent player with good technique and under rated athleticism who is due a big season after being in the wrong place for the last few seasons.


4th: Middlesbrough

I'd be surprised if anyone amasses more 1-0 wins than Boro. They've lost Ben Gibson but with Aden Flint arriving their defence remains a real strong point, and with a proven dinosaur like Pulis in charge they should grind most teams down. They've lost Bamford and Traore but have brought in Hugill and more reinforcements throughout the squad are on the way. I don't think they'll be quite ruthless enough to claim an automatic spot but should be nailed on for the top 6.

Best signing: Aden Flint. A perfect Pulis player who will make a big difference in both boxes.

Key player: Britt Assombalonga. He needs to deliver. If he does, there's no doubt they'll be right up there.


5th: Nottingham Forest

They've spent a fortune and have a reliable manager so I expect them to do well, without troubling the automatic spots. Karanka's teams are usually solid, add to that the firepower they now have and they have no excuses for finishing outside the top 6. However, they need to offload a lot of players as their squad is too big.

Best signing: Lewis Grabban. Guaranteed goalscorer at Championship level, in any team.

Key player: Lewis Grabban. £6m isn't bad value in this market. Would expect him to be their talisman. Diogo Goncalves will also be expected to deliver having cost £13m.


6th: Brentford

They've been thereabouts for a while now, and have a good manager in Dean Smith. They've replaced who they've sold and kept their best players. Ryan Woods is still there, and they even had the fortitude to reject £12m for their top prospect, which helps. They'll keep and build on their footballing style, and I expect a number of their players to improve, Watkins and Maupay for example. If they can avoid the sort of bad start they had last season they should have a great chance of an overdue top 6 finish.

Best signing: Ezri Konsa. Looks likely to replace Egan at centre back, although he can also play in midfield. Has been a good prospect for a while at Charlton and Brentford have done well to get him.

Key player: Ryan Woods. As long as he's there, they'll continue to be an excellent footballing team.


7th: Aston Villa

Despite their financial rescue, Steve Bruce is still manager, which will always handicap them. They've also lost Sam Johnstone and John Terry, who were rocks for them last season. Jack Grealish is still a Villa player though, at least until January, which is a bit of an unexpected bonus. They've also made some decent signings when it appeared they'd struggle to make any, with John McGinn the pick of them. They should certainly be competitive at the top end of the division but I have doubts over Bruce and don't think they look as strong as last season.

Best signing: John McGinn. Excellent young midfielder, a real all rounder and very similar to John Fleck. Will improve their midfield without doubt. For around £3m it's an outstanding signing. That he cost that from Hibs with only a year left on his contract speaks volumes.

Key player: James Chester. Defence was a strength of theirs last season and without Terry he'll need to be on top of his game for that to remain the case.


8th: Swansea City

Probably the most unpredictable team in the division this season. Good squad, but how's their mentality? Graham Potter's done well in Sweden, but can he carry that over to the Championship? It's hard to know. They really could go either way. They have a multi national squad and I suspect a lot of them really don't want to be there, but many are now likely to leave on loan deals. They could easily challenge for the top 2 but an 8th place finish would still be better than what many expected.

Best signing: Bersant Celina. Very talented young attacking midfielder, getting him permanently for about £4m is a great piece of business.

Key player: Ollie McBurnie. Getting him on a new contract was the best business they'll do all summer. A real all round centre forward capable of at least 20 goals at Championship level. They'll be reliant on him.


9th: Derby County

Lampard is unproven but he's a smart guy and I think he'll do OK as manager, in a demanding first job. They've made good signings with two excellent loanees in Mason Mount and Harry Wilson, along with Jack Marriott who should make the step up. Their squad is significantly stronger than last season, even though they've lost Vydra. Despite this, I feel they'll lack consistency. They have a huge squad and need to move certain players out, but may struggle to do so. The number of signings could work against them, as they have too many players to keep happy.

Best signing: Mason Mount. Very highly rated goalscoring midfielder who you'd expect to do well under Lampard.

Key player: Curtis Davies. One of the league's best centre backs, they'll need him to hold their defence together.


10th: Sheffield United

As long as we bring in a decent striker, I expect us to be competitive in the top half of the division, but without ever truly threatening the top places like we did last time. Egan should improve the defence and I fancy Coutts to come back well from an uncomplicated injury. But we're much more predictable from the start this season and I can't see Clarke and Sharp repeating their goalscoring feats from last season. While we've brought in some good players, our transfer window can hardly be considered a resounding success. We've pursued unrealistic targets and paid the price. The loan window will now decide our season, and that shouldn't have been allowed to happen. A 10th place finish would again be respectable.

Best signing: Dean Henderson. His saves will win us a lot of points.

Key player: John Fleck. Without him we'd be very pedestrian and average. Desperately need him to stay fit.


11th: Preston North End

Perennially under rated team. Last season was no fluke. But Sean Maguire again picking up a 3 month injury is a huge blow that will rob them of a lot of their attacking spark. His injury last season cost them a place in the play offs and this time it handicaps them from the start. But they're a solid outfit and have a number of other good attacking players, so there's no reason they shouldn't once again finish in the top half of the division and push for the play offs.

Best signing: Lukas Nmecha. Top striker prospect, they've pulled off a coup to get him on a season long loan from Man City.

Key player: Ben Pearson. Brilliant defensive midfielder at the heart of their team. His impressive ability on the ball is a bonus.


12th: Millwall

It'll be different for them playing with expectation. I still think they'll be comfortable though. Neil Harris has done a great job there and he should have them very competitive again. Their home ground is a huge advantage for them, it's a genuine fortress, perhaps the only one in the league, and it proves what a part the fans can play. Ben Marshall will be a big loss for them but they'll remain solid defensively with four good centre backs to choose from.

Best signing: Jiri Skalak. Marshall's replacement. Quite a high calibre permanent signing, he's a decent winger who featured for Brighton as they got promoted.

Key player: George Saville. Excellent all round central midfielder who almost single handedly helped them bridge the quality gap from L1 last season.

 

[Ricky]

13th: Norwich City

Sticking with greasy German manager Daniel Farke and continuing their selling policy indicates they're a club simply looking to stabilise. They got good money for James Maddison and unbelievable money for Josh Murphy, but have only reinvested a small percentage. Generally this isn't the way to improve. And relying on Jordan Rhodes for goals isn't advisable these days. Another mid table season looks highly likely.

Best signing: Ben Marshall. Had an excellent spell at Millwall where he seemed to score or assist in every game he played. A snip at around £1.5m. He'll produce for them but it remains to be seen where he plays, such is his versatility.

Key player: Grant Hanley. With the goals they've lost it's important they're decent at the back, and Hanley, their captain, will be key here.


14th: Blackburn Rovers

That season in L1 was just what they needed. They weren't such a bad side when relegated and now they're back with some good additions and momentum on their side. The loan signing of Kasey Palmer will help take them up a level, and complete a dangerous attacking midfield line. They could still do with a striker, but they appear to have found money from somewhere and are in the market for high calibre additions. I can't see anything other than comfortable survival for them.

Best signing: Adam Armstrong. For a reported initial £1.75m, this is a superb piece of business. A no risk investment. He's still only 21 and has bags of ability. Will be an option up front or in attacking midfield, and will only get better.

Key player: Bradley Dack. If he can carry his performances into the Championship he'll be a huge catalyst for them and ensure comfortable survival at the very least.


15th: Sheffield Wednesday

They're stale, they're a mess, they have an overpaid squad and collectively don't have a great mentality. They're paying the price for thoughtless excessive spending and certainly don't seem like a club on an upward curve. They have quite a defensive manager but don't have many defenders. Not a great recipe. At this rate they might not even be able to make any signings either. Good times for The Massive. 15th place is not to be sniffed at.

Best signing: No Body. They're the only club in the league to sign him. How funny is that?

Key player: Barry Bannan. As long as he's in the team they should at least be able to function to some extent.


16th: Wigan Athletic

They pissed L1 last season with a comparable points total to ours and a goal difference +15 better. They definitely have momentum and I think they could in fact finish a fair bit higher. They had a very strong finish to the transfer window and their summer business has to be rated as very good. They now have a comfortable Championship level squad with a lot of depth.

Best signing: Josh Windass. A £2m deadline day signing from Rangers. An exciting attacking midfielder, this is a big signing for them following promotion.

Key player: Nick Powell. In a team where Blades legends Dan Burn and Sam Morsy provide the solidarity, it will be Powell's responsibility to unlock opposition defences and he's by far the most equipped of their players to do so.


17th: Queens Park Rangers

Swapping Holloway for McClaren might not seem a massively progressive move but it's far from a disastrous one. He should be able to keep this squad in the division fairly comfortably. They have some good players, especially in midfield with Luongo, Scowen and Freeman. The emergence of Eberechi Eze is a big plus for them because he looks a huge talent. They've not been able to make many signings but their priority was to keep the likes of Freeman, and they've done that.

Best signing: Toni Leistner. German centre back who played around 100 games for Union Berlin. Has immediately been made captain.

Key player: Massimo Luongo. Midfielder at the heart of their team. Primarily a playmaker, but he's become a real all rounder and captained them last season.


18th: Birmingham City

A very well deserved transfer embargo has stopped them strengthening much but with Garry Monk in charge they should have enough to keep out of trouble. They have a solid squad and a sprinkling of quality with Jota and Maghoma.

Best signing: Kristian Pederson. Left back from Union Berlin. Their only permanent addition.

Key player: Jota. Their most talented player by a country mile. He doesn't belong in that team. They need to find a way to get the most out of him.


19th: Ipswich Town

I thought they'd get relegated initially, and really regret hounding McCarthy out. They'll still struggle, but I think they should have enough to stay up. Paul Hurst should have them working hard for each other and punching above their weight, certainly if his spell at Shrewsbury is anything to go by. They've freshened up their squad with a number of younger players with something to prove who'll have the hunger to make it at this level, but they'll still do very well to get near their 12th place finish last season.

Best signing: Gwion Edwards. Versatile winger signed from Peterborough. Pacy, direct and will definitely give them something new.

Key player: Bartosz Bialkowski. One of the league's best keepers and has won their player of the season three years in a row.


20th: Bristol City

Lee Johnson is a manager who seems to have a good initial impact and then burn out. I think that's what could happen here in his second full season. It doesn't help that they've sold their three best players in Joe Bryan, Aden Flint and Bobby Reid. They are significantly weaker as a result, despite reasonable attempts to replace them with Jay Dasilva, Adam Webster and Andi Weimann respectively. As a result, I expect them to struggle.

Best signing: Adam Webster. With him, they've replaced Flint about as well as they possibly could have.

Key player: Famara Diedhiou. He needs to build on a decent first season and lead an attack that needs to replace the goals Bobby Reid scored last season.


21st: Reading

On paper, they have a squad that should be nowhere near relegation. But they've been underperforming for a while now and Paul Clement is a very unconvincing managerial appointment. They seem to lack punch in attack and their defence can't be relied on to keep clean sheets. The Madejski's also about the furthest thing from a fortress you can get. I struggle to see Clement lasting the season, but no doubt his replacement will firefight them to survival.

Best signing: Sam Baldock. Pacy and with a powerful shot, he should get into double figures. A partnership with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is surely the way to go for them.

Key player: John Swift. High quality midfielder. Has had injury issues but if they can get him in the team consistently, they could well finish a few places higher.


22nd: Bolton Wanderers

Their embargo's been lifted but they've still had very little to spend, once again having to scrape the barrel and rely hugely on free transfers. But they've actually recruited quite well. Luke Murphy is an impressive free transfer, while the loan addition of Yanic Wildschut is a surprising coup. They've definitely shaken things up and there's no doubt they'll be competitive, and give no one an easy game. But the lack of a quality striker could cost them.

Best signing: Josh Magennis. Wildschut and Murphy might be the more obvious ones but Magennis is a smart buy - their only buy, in fact. He's a very good target man who they'll get full value out of. Wouldn't be surprised to see him add more goals to his game and get into double figures.

Key player: Sammy Ameobi. Tall winger with natural athleticism and skill in abundance. Wasted at Bolton where he stands out like a sore thumb. He'll continue to be their main attacking outlet.


23rd: Hull City

Their squad is considerably weaker than last season, and I don't expect Nigel Adkins initial positive impact to be replicated over a full season. They've lost their glut of loanees, most notably Harry Wilson, who was a huge catalyst for their survival last season. They lack a goalscorer as things stand and are too reliant on Jarrod Bowen scoring from midfield. Look like relegation candidates.

Best signing: Reece Burke. Highly rated young centre back from West Ham. It was a surprise to see him move there on a permanent basis.

Key player: Jarrod Bowen. Young goalscoring winger. Was their shining light last season and they'll need more of the same after losing various important players.


24th: Rotherham United

Here to make up the numbers again by the looks of it. They almost got promoted too early. Paul Warne's surpassed expectations and done a good job there but they continue to operate as a L1 club. They simply can't compete at this level and the signings prove that.

Best signing: Clark Robertson. Centre back from Blackpool. This probably speaks volumes. They're doing their usual 'we'd rather be in League One thanks' style recruiting.

Key player: Will Vaulks. Their talisman, a decent all round midfielder who captained them to promotion.




Best transfer business: Stoke City. They've put their PL riches to good use, and only lost Shaqiri. They look far too strong for the Championship. Ashley Williams, Afobe, Etebo, Clucas, McLean, Ince. Enough said.

Best signing: John McGinn - Aston Villa. They've got a near Fleck clone for around £3m. He'll add a huge amount to their midfield and really freshen them up. It's outstanding business.

Team to watch: Bielsa's Leeds. It's a very exciting time for their supporters.

Top goalscorer: Ollie McBurnie. He's an excellent all round centre forward and he'll be leading the line for a decent Swansea team.
I'll take Neal Maupay as an outside bet. I strongly fancy him to have a very good season for Brentford.

Player of the season: Joe Allen. Too good for this level and should show that over the course of a full season.

 

[Deadbat]

13th: Norwich City

Sticking with greasy German manager Daniel Farke and continuing their selling policy indicates they're a club simply looking to stabilise. They got good money for James Maddison and unbelievable money for Josh Murphy, but have only reinvested a small percentage. Generally this isn't the way to improve. And relying on Jordan Rhodes for goals isn't advisable these days. Another mid table season looks highly likely.

Best signing: Ben Marshall. Had an excellent spell at Millwall where he seemed to score or assist in every game he played. A snip at around £1.5m. He'll produce for them but it remains to be seen where he plays, such is his versatility.

Key player: Grant Hanley. With the goals they've lost it's important they're decent at the back, and Hanley, their captain, will be key here.


14th: Blackburn Rovers

That season in L1 was just what they needed. They weren't such a bad side when relegated and now they're back with some good additions and momentum on their side. The loan signing of Kasey Palmer will help take them up a level, and complete a dangerous attacking midfield line. They could still do with a striker, but they appear to have found money from somewhere and are in the market for high calibre additions. I can't see anything other than comfortable survival for them.

Best signing: Adam Armstrong. For a reported initial £1.75m, this is a superb piece of business. A no risk investment. He's still only 21 and has bags of ability. Will be an option up front or in attacking midfield, and will only get better.

Key player: Bradley Dack. If he can carry his performances into the Championship he'll be a huge catalyst for them and ensure comfortable survival at the very least.


15th: Sheffield Wednesday

They're stale, they're a mess, they have an overpaid squad and collectively don't have a great mentality. They're paying the price for thoughtless excessive spending and certainly don't seem like a club on an upward curve. They have quite a defensive manager but don't have many defenders. Not a great recipe. At this rate they might not even be able to make any signings either. Good times for The Massive. 15th place is not to be sniffed at.

Best signing: No Body. They're the only club in the league to sign him. How funny is that?

Key player: Barry Bannan. As long as he's in the team they should at least be able to function to some extent.


16th: Wigan Athletic

They pissed L1 last season with a comparable points total to ours and a goal difference +15 better. They definitely have momentum and I think they could in fact finish a fair bit higher. They had a very strong finish to the transfer window and their summer business has to be rated as very good. They now have a comfortable Championship level squad with a lot of depth.

Best signing: Josh Windass. A £2m deadline day signing from Rangers. An exciting attacking midfielder, this is a big signing for them following promotion.

Key player: Nick Powell. In a team where Blades legends Dan Burn and Sam Morsy provide the solidarity, it will be Powell's responsibility to unlock opposition defences and he's by far the most equipped of their players to do so.


17th: Queens Park Rangers

Swapping Holloway for McClaren might not seem a massively progressive move but it's far from a disastrous one. He should be able to keep this squad in the division fairly comfortably. They have some good players, especially in midfield with Luongo, Scowen and Freeman. The emergence of Eberechi Eze is a big plus for them because he looks a huge talent. They've not been able to make many signings but their priority was to keep the likes of Freeman, and they've done that.

Best signing: Toni Leistner. German centre back who played around 100 games for Union Berlin. Has immediately been made captain.

Key player: Massimo Luongo. Midfielder at the heart of their team. Primarily a playmaker, but he's become a real all rounder and captained them last season.


18th: Birmingham City

A very well deserved transfer embargo has stopped them strengthening much but with Garry Monk in charge they should have enough to keep out of trouble. They have a solid squad and a sprinkling of quality with Jota and Maghoma.

Best signing: Kristian Pederson. Left back from Union Berlin. Their only permanent addition.

Key player: Jota. Their most talented player by a country mile. He doesn't belong in that team. They need to find a way to get the most out of him.


19th: Ipswich Town

I thought they'd get relegated initially, and really regret hounding McCarthy out. They'll still struggle, but I think they should have enough to stay up. Paul Hurst should have them working hard for each other and punching above their weight, certainly if his spell at Shrewsbury is anything to go by. They've freshened up their squad with a number of younger players with something to prove who'll have the hunger to make it at this level, but they'll still do very well to get near their 12th place finish last season.

Best signing: Gwion Edwards. Versatile winger signed from Peterborough. Pacy, direct and will definitely give them something new.

Key player: Bartosz Bialkowski. One of the league's best keepers and has won their player of the season three years in a row.


20th: Bristol City

Lee Johnson is a manager who seems to have a good initial impact and then burn out. I think that's what could happen here in his second full season. It doesn't help that they've sold their three best players in Joe Bryan, Aden Flint and Bobby Reid. They are significantly weaker as a result, despite reasonable attempts to replace them with Jay Dasilva, Adam Webster and Andi Weimann respectively. As a result, I expect them to struggle.

Best signing: Adam Webster. With him, they've replaced Flint about as well as they possibly could have.

Key player: Famara Diedhiou. He needs to build on a decent first season and lead an attack that needs to replace the goals Bobby Reid scored last season.


21st: Reading

On paper, they have a squad that should be nowhere near relegation. But they've been underperforming for a while now and Paul Clement is a very unconvincing managerial appointment. They seem to lack punch in attack and their defence can't be relied on to keep clean sheets. The Madejski's also about the furthest thing from a fortress you can get. I struggle to see Clement lasting the season, but no doubt his replacement will firefight them to survival.

Best signing: Sam Baldock. Pacy and with a powerful shot, he should get into double figures. A partnership with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is surely the way to go for them.

Key player: John Swift. High quality midfielder. Has had injury issues but if they can get him in the team consistently, they could well finish a few places higher.


22nd: Bolton Wanderers

Their embargo's been lifted but they've still had very little to spend, once again having to scrape the barrel and rely hugely on free transfers. But they've actually recruited quite well. Luke Murphy is an impressive free transfer, while the loan addition of Yanic Wildschut is a surprising coup. They've definitely shaken things up and there's no doubt they'll be competitive, and give no one an easy game. But the lack of a quality striker could cost them.

Best signing: Josh Magennis. Wildschut and Murphy might be the more obvious ones but Magennis is a smart buy - their only buy, in fact. He's a very good target man who they'll get full value out of. Wouldn't be surprised to see him add more goals to his game and get into double figures.

Key player: Sammy Ameobi. Tall winger with natural athleticism and skill in abundance. Wasted at Bolton where he stands out like a sore thumb. He'll continue to be their main attacking outlet.


23rd: Hull City

Their squad is considerably weaker than last season, and I don't expect Nigel Adkins initial positive impact to be replicated over a full season. They've lost their glut of loanees, most notably Harry Wilson, who was a huge catalyst for their survival last season. They lack a goalscorer as things stand and are too reliant on Jarrod Bowen scoring from midfield. Look like relegation candidates.

Best signing: Reece Burke. Highly rated young centre back from West Ham. It was a surprise to see him move there on a permanent basis.

Key player: Jarrod Bowen. Young goalscoring winger. Was their shining light last season and they'll need more of the same after losing various important players.


24th: Rotherham United

Here to make up the numbers again by the looks of it. They almost got promoted too early. Paul Warne's surpassed expectations and done a good job there but they continue to operate as a L1 club. They simply can't compete at this level and the signings prove that.

Best signing: Clark Robertson. Centre back from Blackpool. This probably speaks volumes. They're doing their usual 'we'd rather be in League One thanks' style recruiting.

Key player: Will Vaulks. Their talisman, a decent all round midfielder who captained them to promotion.




Best transfer business: Stoke City. They've put their PL riches to good use, and only lost Shaqiri. They look far too strong for the Championship. Ashley Williams, Afobe, Etebo, Clucas, McLean, Ince. Enough said.

Best signing: John McGinn - Aston Villa. They've got a near Fleck clone for around £3m. He'll add a huge amount to their midfield and really freshen them up. It's outstanding business.

Team to watch: Bielsa's Leeds. It's a very exciting time for their supporters.

Top goalscorer: Ollie McBurnie. He's an excellent all round centre forward and he'll be leading the line for a decent Swansea team.
I'll take Neal Maupay as an outside bet. I strongly fancy him to have a very good season for Brentford.

Player of the season: Joe Allen. Too good for this level and should show that over the course of a full season.

Some good stuff but you waiited a few weeks into the season...that's cheating! Think Villa might be a bit higher than I pegged originally know they have cash to spend and have spent some already.....ditto for Leeds due to Bielsa affect - be intresting if they keep up intensity.

Looking at table after a week; other than Stoke the top 6 is not too far off from what I think it will be - different order maybe....expect West Brom and Stoke to push on of course.

 

[Ricky]

Some good stuff but you waiited a few weeks into the season...that's cheating! Think Villa might be a bit higher than I pegged originally know they have cash to spend and have spent some already.....ditto for Leeds due to Bielsa affect - be intresting if they keep up intensity.

Looking at table after a week; other than Stoke the top 6 is not too far off from what I think it will be - different order maybe....expect West Brom and Stoke to push on of course.

I just wanted to wait until the transfer window closed. Leaving it until the loan window closed would've been pushing it a bit. To be honest very little has changed on the basis of results/performances so far. I've just moved Leeds from 4th to 3rd and moved Swansea up a bit. Any other changes are based on transfers.

Oh and I'll say Brentford to win the play offs. If they end the season like they did last time they should at least be in them because they surely won't start this season as badly as last. Got to keep their team together though.

 

[Ricky]

Correction: It was Joao Carvalho who cost Forest £13m, not Diogo Goncalves, who is on loan - also from Benfica.

They've just signed Sam Byram on loan too, which is a top addition.

Looking at their squad, they've got over 30 first team squad players. It's bloody stupid. They shouldn't be able to afford this, surely.

I think they'll ultimately fail to get promoted this season and regret this splurge.