League One preview, predictions and ins and outs 16/17

[Boxer Blade]

Interesting reading deadbat, God knows how long it took but I appreciate it, as far as the lottery of predicting I will leave that to the experts, but I agree with your thoughts on us and that it will be fairly open but I may put a bit on us to win automatic, by the way are you from the dinno area deadbat?

 

[Boxer Blade]

1. Charlton
2. MK Dons
3. (P)Peterborough
4. Bolton
5. Bradford
6. Oldham
7. Walsall
8. Millwall
9. Sheffield United
10. Port Vale
11. Gillingham
12. Coventry
13. Southend
14. Wimbledon
15. Northampton
16. Chesterfield
17. Scunthorpe
18. Oxford
19. Bristol Rovers
20. Rochdale
21. Swindon
22. Bury
23. Shrewsbury
24. Fleetwood
(It's hard picking the sides at the bottom)

Top goalscorer: Billy Sharp


Premier League:

1. Man Utd
2. Tottenham
3. Chelsea
4. Man Utd
5. Arsenal
6. Leicester

Relegated:

18. Burnley
19. Swansea
20. Hull

Top goalscorer: Vardy


Championship:

1. Newcastle
2. Sheffield Wednesday
3. Norwich (P)
4. Derby
5. Aston Villa
6. Wolves

Relegated:

22. Rotherham
23. Burton
24. Huddersfield

League Two:

Don't care.


Champions League: Barcelona

pommpey

If Wendy spent ten million I could never predict them for any success, i just couldn't have pressed that number 2 key pomps.

 

[Boxer Blade]

Talking to one of my drivers today ,a Forest season ticket holder ,he says they will adrift at the bottom by Xmas.

Nice one DB ,love owt like this.

Talking to one of my drivers today, one of my drivers? How many you got? I've got 1 and the only time I talk to it is when I've put the ball in the water,useless fuckin driver.

 

[fuerstenberger]

Very interesting reading people's predictions. Being out of the country I don't see teams play, so find it hard to make decent predictions. That, and I'm shit at this anyway. Importantly, I think the Blades' promotion will be next season, this season will be mid table. I just hope they/we give Wilder next season. I will stick my neck out and say Leicester will be relegated this season.

 

[Champagneblade]

Some nitpicking...


Hutchinson is Beevers' replacement at Millwall, not Upson's. He's a centre half.

Nicky Maynard has had serious knee injuries that have ruined him, it's not really a case of not 'kicking on'. Shame, as he was a top Championship striker.

Paul Downing's not a veteran, he's about 25.

Mark Davies is very likely to leave Bolton although I agree he'll be very good in L1 if he stays.

Billy Clarke is never in a million years Bradford's key player and only scored four goals last season.

I'd say Rochdale are more defined by their attacking intent and playing with freedom than being well drilled, fit, organised etc. They often win convincingly in games you expect them to lose, always post some really eye catching results. Not saying they aren't fit and well organised too though.

I'll add a key player for Peterborough, Chris Forrester. Central midfielder, playmaker, and their captain.

Don't think Simeon Jackson will be Walsall's main man, like Maynard, I think his best days are behind him, albeit for different reasons. I'd have Oztumer as their key man, he's got a lot of ability and they typically get the best out of players like him. Moussa could be a massive asset if he can stay fit. The same could even be said of Cuvelier. They've gambled signing those three, that's for sure.
They lost Anthony Forde who's a winger, David Forde is the keeper.

I'd definitely expect Lyle Taylor to be Wimbledon's key player, I think he'll do well in L1.

I'd have Anthony Grant as Vale's key player if he stays.



Overall I think your predictions are fairly logical, although I think Peterborough will be a fair bit higher than 14th, they've got a good squad. I'll post some of my predictions on this thread, because I know you'll bump it at the end of the season.

I think there is also the question of how you define 'key'. It doesn't necessarily mean best.

Jackson is a case in point at Walsall.

This is the first season they have had to cope without Tom Bradshaw. Regardless of how well the midfielders behind him play, how well Jackson replaces Bradshaw is very much the key to them having a successful season or not.

Hin adjusting could be the difference between 6th and 16th for them. In that sense he's very much key to how well they do.

 

[cooperblade]

Interesting how highly everyone rates Charlton. Their fans are moaning like mad on twitter as they've lost both of their goalkeepers and haven't signed a replacement yet. They're also saying that so many players have left that they will struggle to fill the subs bench on Saturday.

 

[1889]

Just as a matter of interest Deadbat, Do you live alone?

 

[sitwell]

1. Sheff Utd
2. MK Dons
3. Millwall
4. Bolton
5. Bradford P
6. Gillingham
7. Peterboro
8. Bristol r
9. Scunthorpe
10. Southend
11. Coventry
12. Oxford
13. Charlton
14. Rochdale
15. Northampton
16. Chesterfield
17. Shrewsbury
18. Swindon
19. Oldham
20. Walsall
21. Bury
22. Wimbledon
23. Fleetwood
24. Port Vale





Premier League:

1. Spurs
2. Man utd
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Man City
6. Liverpool

Relegated:

18. Watford
19. Bournemouth
20. Hull




Championship:

1. Newcastle
2. Villa
3. Derby
4. Brighton
5. QPR
6. Norwich P

Relegated:

22. Barnsley
23. Rotherham
24. Notts Forest

League Two:

1 Doncaster
2 Portsmouth
3 Cambridge
Play off Plymouth

Fucked
Yeovil
Barnet


Sitwell

1. Sheff Utd
2. MK Dons
3. Millwall
4. Bolton
5. Bradford P
6. Gillingham
7. Peterboro
8. Bristol r
9. Scunthorpe
10. Southend
11. Coventry
12. Oxford
13. Charlton
14. Rochdale
15. Northampton
16. Chesterfield
17. Shrewsbury
18. Swindon
19. Oldham
20. Walsall
21. Bury
22. Wimbledon
23. Fleetwood
24. Port Vale





Premier League:

1. Spurs
2. Man utd
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Man City
6. Liverpool

Relegated:

18. Watford
19. Bournemouth
20. Hull




Championship:

1. Newcastle
2. Villa
3. Derby
4. Brighton
5. QPR
6. Norwich P

Relegated:

22. Barnsley
23. Rotherham
24. Notts Forest

League Two:

1 Doncaster
2 Portsmouth
3 Cambridge
Play off Plymouth

Fucked
Yeovil
Barnet


Sitwell

 

[Deadbat]

Interesting reading deadbat, God knows how long it took but I appreciate it, as far as the lottery of predicting I will leave that to the experts, but I agree with your thoughts on us and that it will be fairly open but I may put a bit on us to win automatic, by the way are you from the dinno area deadbat?

What makes you say that (dinno area)? Originally from South Anston but left for Uni when 18 and via Leicester, London; I came back to Sheffield but never been back to Anston to live.....still got some family that way though.

 

[Deadbat]

Just as a matter of interest Deadbat, Do you live alone?

No; I have got a wife and a child believe it or not. Wife is 7.5/10 but quite inconsistent. Loses marks for her cooking. 8 year old son ranges from a 1/10 to a 9/10 depending on the mood he is in.

 

[Boxer Blade]

What makes you say that (dinno area)? Originally from South Anston but left for Uni when 18 and via Leicester, London; I came back to Sheffield but never been back to Anston to live.....still got some family that way though.

I live in south anston and I was talking to someone a few months ago, discussing one of your reports,possibly Rochdale away and someone said something about living in the area thats all.dont worry I'm not stalking!

 

[Boxer Blade]

1. Sheff Utd
2. MK Dons
3. Millwall
4. Bolton
5. Bradford P
6. Gillingham
7. Peterboro
8. Bristol r
9. Scunthorpe
10. Southend
11. Coventry
12. Oxford
13. Charlton
14. Rochdale
15. Northampton
16. Chesterfield
17. Shrewsbury
18. Swindon
19. Oldham
20. Walsall
21. Bury
22. Wimbledon
23. Fleetwood
24. Port Vale





Premier League:

1. Spurs
2. Man utd
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Man City
6. Liverpool

Relegated:

18. Watford
19. Bournemouth
20. Hull




Championship:

1. Newcastle
2. Villa
3. Derby
4. Brighton
5. QPR
6. Norwich P

Relegated:

22. Barnsley
23. Rotherham
24. Notts Forest

League Two:

1 Doncaster
2 Portsmouth
3 Cambridge
Play off Plymouth

Fucked
Yeovil
Barnet


Sitwell

Now this is somebody who knows what he is talking about, good knowledgeable insight, looked long and hard at all aspects of every team, and guess what? The blades to be champions and Wendy? Nowhere. Thanks for taking weeks to come up with that sitters,very,very impressive work.

 

[Deadbat]

Just as a matter of interest Deadbat, Do you live alone?

...and never mind my marital life; lets get back to the topic in hand, who is Fleetwood's key man?

 

[Deadbat]

I live in south anston and I was talking to someone a few months ago, discussing one of your reports,possibly Rochdale away and someone said something about living in the area thats all.dont worry I'm not stalking!

I am intrigued. PM you!

 

[Boxer Blade]

I am intrigued. PM you!

Fred, anston cricket club maybe?

 

[Bladey McBladeface]

I'm posting this mainly because I want to look back on it at the end of the season:

1. Charlton
2. Millwall
3. MK Dons
4. Peterborough
5. Sheffield United
6. Bristol Rovers
7. Bradford
8. Bolton
9. Scunthorpe
10. Gillingham
11. Oxford
12. Walsall
13. Northampton
14. Chesterfield
15. Rochdale
16. Southend
17. Swindon
18. Coventry
19. Shrewsbury
20. Fleetwood
21. Oldham
22. Port Vale
23. Wimbledon
24. Bury

Prem:

Man City
Man Utd
Chelsea
Arsenal
Tottenham
Liverpool

Bottom 3:

Swansea
Watford
Hull

 

[coaxingstar71]

Top post Deadbat and love your response as to your family status - take a bow sir!

 

[Bladepicker]

1 Sheffield United

Well, why the fucking hell not?

Key Man: William Henry Foulkes - if he re-appears doing ten minute clips of half decent shots that go just over the bar to back up why Leon Clarke is having a good seson then we are in trouble.

2. MkDons

Hate these fake, plastic bastards with a passion so fully expect them to walk automatic

3. Millwall

Did alright last year, expect them to do alright again

4. Bolton

Think they'll do better than a lot of people think - have experience and made some decent signings and Parkinson is a decent manager at this level with recent success.

5. Scunthorpe

Looked a very good side at the end of last season and Alexander is very much an up and coming manager who (as his own longevity of career suggests) knows what it takes to get the best out of himself and others. Expect them to be right up there but fall off towards the back end.


6. Bradford City

Will be a bit of a gamble appointing McCall - he has had mixed fortunes to say the least within management but, as something of a local hero, he will be given the full backing of fans and think they can repeat last year's play off finish.

7. Bristol Rovers
8. Northampton Town
9. Chesterfield
10. Peterborough
11. Walsall
12. Charlton
13. Rochdale
14. Oxford
15. Gillingham
16. Swindon
17. Shrewsbury
18. Coventry
19. Southend
20. Wimbledon
21. Bury
22. Oldham
23. Fleetwood
24. Port Vale


To note:

In reality I would swap us and Millwall but honestly - it is such a close league that you could probably make a case from any of those from 15 up finishing in the top 6. Also IF Ched is found not guilty and can get his match sharpness back - then Chesterfield will have a big chance of sneaking into the top 6 as he WILL score for fun at this level. Fully expect to be proven fully wrong - pretty certain on that bottom 5 though

 

[Leonardo Green]

Some of you predicting us to finish outside the top 3 must be on a wind up.

 

[robbiez666]

1. Millwall
2. Charlton
3. Sheffield United
4. Bradford
5. Bolton
6. MK Dons *
7. Oxford
8. Scunthorpe
9. Peternorough
10. Bristol Rovers
11. Northampton
12. Gillingham
13. Southend
14. Wallsall
15. Rochdale
16. Swindon
17. Chesterfield
18. Oldham
19. Shrewsbury
20. Fleetwood
21. Wimbledon
22. Bury
23. Port Vale
24. Coventry

 

[Bladepicker]

1. Millwall
2. Charlton
3. Sheffield United
4. Bradford
5. Bolton
6. MK Dons *
7. Oxford
8. Scunthorpe
9. Peternorough
10. Bristol Rovers
11. Northampton
12. Gillingham
13. Southend
14. Wallsall
15. Rochdale
16. Swindon
17. Chesterfield
18. Oldham
19. Shrewsbury
20. Fleetwood
21. Wimbledon
22. Bury
23. Port Vale
24. Coventry

*Plastic Fuckers

?

 

[robbiez666]

*Plastic Fuckers

?

Plastic fuckers/play-off winners

 

[Barry Blunt]

I think there is also the question of how you define 'key'. It doesn't necessarily mean best.

Jackson is a case in point at Walsall.

This is the first season they have had to cope without Tom Bradshaw. Regardless of how well the midfielders behind him play, how well Jackson replaces Bradshaw is very much the key to them having a successful season or not.

Hin adjusting could be the difference between 6th and 16th for them. In that sense he's very much key to how well they do.

Our main forward is yet to sign (might happen today), and Jackson will be fighting for a place with our next player to break through from youth - Amadou Bakayoko who has scored 5 goals in 3 games in pre-season. People said we'd struggle to replace Fryatt, Deeney, Grigg, Westcarr before Bradshaw, but we didn't. We even got Westcarr scoring in good numbers.

On paper our squad has more quality and excitement than last season - IF they all stay fit and motivated. Whether they can be as disciplined and keep their shape as well as the departing players remains to be seen.

Anyway, my prediction....

1. Millwall
2. Sheff Utd
3. Charlton
4. Bradford
5. MK Dons
6. Bristol Rovers
7. Bolton
8. Walsall
9. Scunthorpe
10. Peterborough
11. Southend
12. Oxford
13. Northampton
14. Coventry
15. Rochdale
16. Gillingham
17. Chesterfield
18. Shrewsbury
19. Fleetwood
20. Bury
21. Swindon
22. Wimbledon
23. Oldham
24. Port Vale

 

[Ricky]

Going to have to amend my L1 table, can't have Charlton winning it when it's unlcear whether they're going to spend any of the money they've got, and they've not got a keeper a week before the season.

1. MK Dons
2. Millwall
3. Charlton (P)
4. Sheffield United
5. Bolton
6. Bristol Rovers
7. Scunthorpe
8. Peterborough
9. Bradford
10. Oxford
11. Gillingham
12. Rochdale
13. Southend
14. Shrewsbury
15. Northampton
16. Bury
17. Chesterfield
18. Port Vale
19. Coventry
20. Walsall
21. Swindon
22. Fleetwood
23. Wimbledon
24. Oldham

Everybody seems to have Bury going down, but look at their squad, they've somehow managed to suddenly assemble a pretty competitive one... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_F.C.


Will also do full PL and Championship tables while I'm at it...


Premier League:

1. Man City
2. Man Utd
3. Chelsea
4. Tottenham
5. Arsenal
6. Liverpool
7. Everton
8. West Ham
9. Stoke
10. Leicester
11. Southampton
12. Watford
13. Sunderland
14. Middlesbrough
15. Crystal Palace
16. Bournemouth
17. West Brom
18. Burnley
19. Swansea
20. Hull



Championship:

1. Newcastle
2. Derby
3. Norwich (P)
4. Sheffield Wednesday
5. Wolves
6. Aston Villa
7. Brighton
8. Leeds
9. Ipswich
10. QPR
11. Birmingham
12. Cardiff
13. Reading
14. Preston
15. Brentford
16. Nottingham Forest
17. Fulham
18. Bristol City
19. Blackburn
20. Wigan
21. Barnsley
22. Huddersfield
23. Rotherham
24. Burton

 

[Shalalalafenoughty]

Racing Post 72-page pullout is published today.

They recommend Millwall each-way at 11/1 and Scunthorpe each-way at 20/1.

This is what they say about United: "This season, with a decent manager in place and yet more heavy investment, the Blades have to be as confident as ever of finally achieving their title dream. However, their recent history of crumbling against supposed lesser sides and this division's wretched record for coughing up favourites - just one has topped the table in the last 21 years - means they are still to be swerved with nine months to go until payday. United are perennial proof that there is more to winning League One than having the best-looking squad on paper...It's Sheffield United's to lose once again with Wilder, based on how he managed to inspire Northampton, a shrewd appointment....Keeping the talented Che Adams could be the key while Leon Clarke adds to the goal power."

 

[cooperblade]

Racing Post 72-page pullout is published today.

They recommend Millwall each-way at 11/1 and Scunthorpe each-way at 20/1.

This is what they say about United: "This season, with a decent manager in place and yet more heavy investment, the Blades have to be as confident as ever of finally achieving their title dream. However, their recent history of crumbling against supposed lesser sides and this division's wretched record for coughing up favourites - just one has topped the table in the last 21 years - means they are still to be swerved with nine months to go until payday. United are perennial proof that there is more to winning League One than having the best-looking squad on paper...It's Sheffield United's to lose once again with Wilder, based on how he managed to inspire Northampton, a shrewd appointment....Keeping the talented Che Adams could be the key while Leon Clarke adds to the goal power."

Not picked my copy up yet. Was at the Racing Post preview evening at the start of last season and Mark Langdon (Chief Football tipster) said his kids would be eating beans on toast for a year if United didn't win it.

Interesting to compare "yet more heavy investment" with a lot of the posts on here about McCabe and the board!

 

[Slim Man]

It's tough this but I'll give it a whirl. Based on the signings clubs have made and the setups they currently have:

1. Milwall
2. Blades
3. MK Dons
4. Scunthorpe
5. Charlton
6. Oxford
7. Peterborough
8. Bristol Rovers
9. Bolton
10. Shrewsbury
11. Gillingham
12. Bradford
13. Rochdale
14. Southend
15. Coventry
16. Walsall
17. Chesterfield
18. Northampton
19. Swindon
20. Wimbeldon
21. Port Vale
22. Fleetwood
23. Bury
24. Oldham

Top goalscorer: Lee Gregory (if he stays)


Premier League:

1. Man Utd
2. Man City
3. Chelsea
4. Tottenham
5. Arsenal
6. Liverpool

Relegated:

18.Swansea
19. Burnley
20. Hull

Top goalscorer: Sergio


Championship:

1. Newcastle
2. Norwich
3. Derby (P)
4. Brighton
5. Villa
6. Pigs

Relegated:

22. Blackburn
23. Rotherham
24. Burton

Top goalscorer: Alex Mitrovic


League Two:

1. Doncaster
2. Pompey
3. Luton
4. Orient
5. Cambridge (P)
6. Colchester
7. Grimsby

Relegated:

23. Crawley
24. Newport

Top goalscorer: Shaun Miller


Champions League: Juve
Europa League: Sevilla... Again.

 

[Tray]

Premier League:

1. Man Utd
2. Tottenham
3. Chelsea
4. Man Utd
5. Arsenal
6. Leicester

Man Utd, so good they finished twice?

For me I fancy top 6 in League One to be:

Bolton
Charlton
MK Dons (Up via Playoffs)
Millwall
Peterborough
Blades

Bolton and Charlton have had trouble at board level, but I think their squads are plenty good enough in this division.

We've got a job on to finish in the top two. Still need improvements in midfield, back up in defence, possibly a keeper, even an out-and-out left winger.

I'm have been so optimistic at the start of the last 5 seasons that I don't know if I'm over analyzing this time, but right now we have a good squad, just not an automatic promotion squad. Only so far a hard-working attitude (that I feel Wilder will give us) can take a team.

Fleck will be important, and Sharp/Clarke will bag plenty of goals. What happens if O'Connell or Wilson get injured against Bolton? Who plays then?

My views on where we finish will probably change by August 31st once we've sold our usual first-teamer, and lets see if we invest that money this time...

As for relegation:

Bury
Oldham
Port Vale
Fleetwood

Hope Wimbledon can do enough to stay up but they could be in that mix I fear.

Prem (tough one to call this year):

Man Utd
Chelsea
Man City
Arsenal
Tottenham
Liverpool
Wet Spam

Down:

Sunderland
Burnley
Hull

Championship:

Newcastle
Norwich
Villa (Up via Playoffs)
Pigs
Derby
Brighton

Down:

Rotherham
Barnsley
Burton

Not the foggiest with League two. Pompey, like us, seem to be favourites every year and bottle it.

 

[mattbianco1]

it would break all tradition if the 3 relegated clubs all finish in the top 4 as you and countless bookies always predict

its rare more than one makes the top 6

I see nothing that will make the 3 thats come down all challenge
, in fact a yeovil , blackpool scenario might await one of them

I think maybe one of them might , just might make the top 6 , just

They're all stronger than Yeovil and Blackpool though.

MK Dons will be a top 8 club. Charlton should be top 3. Bolton are the unknown. People said Wigan would go straight through last season.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Good read Deadbat. Cheers for that.


I’m going to go for


1. Charlton
2. Millwall
3. MK Dons
4. Scunthorpe
5. Sheffield United
6. Peterborough
7. Bristol Rovers
8. Bolton
9. Bradford
10. Oxford
11. Rochdale
12. Gillngham
13.Coventry
14. Shrewsbury
15. Chesterfield
16. Swindon
17. Northampton
18. Wimbledon
19. Bury
20. Walsall
21. Southend
22. Oldham
23. Fleetwood
24. Port Vale


Top goalscorer: Lee Gregory (if he stays which is what Millwall’s position depends on for me- if not, Ajose).