My Championship 1-24 predictions

One week until the greatest league in the world returns, with the spectacle of Huddersfield vs Burnley awaiting us. But before that, it’s that time of year again where predictions are made, gauntlets are thrown down, and most of us are looking like idiots when looking back on these same predictions we made. Instead of clogging up your timeline, or tweeting out a table with no reasoning behind my picks of why I put certain teams where, I thought I’d write an article instead so I can focus properly on each team after doing research, and speaking to different fanbases — also feel free to pull me up if I get anything wrong — I will admit if I made a mistake. Enough of all that, let’s get into the predictions.

24th — Rotherham.

Now, I really like Paul Warne, and I think Rotherham should have stayed up two seasons ago, because their performances warranted it over the course of a season — However, I originally looked at the signings they’ve made and was impressed. McCart is someone I had in my recruitment plan a few seasons back when he was at Inverness, mainly due to his ability on the ball — but you do need an experienced, dominant partner for him. Brammall has really good delivery on him and has athleticism allowing him to be an engine for 90 minutes. Washington you know what you’re going to get from him, hard work, presses from the front. Tom Eaves, the same as Washington, albeit despite his physical advantages and height, he isn’t that good at heading a football. Kioso has been impressive wherever he’s been, Humphreys was highly regarded as a youth player, and shown his quality for Zulte Waregem at times. These are all good pickups, and I can see the thought process behind them, especially when you sprinkle the likes of Barlaser, Wiles, Ogbene on top as well — It's got a decent foundation. But why I have them bottom is because of the lack of depth and quality overall, on top of not having a recognised striker that will get you 10+ in the division. I’ve also seen Warne be critical of the market so far saying he needs bodies and they’re close to a disaster. Whilst I do have Rotherham 24th, It wouldn’t surprise me also if they survived given how good a manager Paul Warne is.

23rd — Birmingham.

Birmingham being here is more or less to do with off field issues. The uncertainty around John Eustace already despite just being appointed, the takeover happening a week before the season starts, on top of a pretty thin squad. You’d hope if you’re a Birmingham fan that the new owners have things lined up, and Eustace is backed, because he is a highly regarded Head Coach within the game. Both Watford and Swansea made him a priority, but neither came to fruition due to terms not being agreed. Regarding on the field — Birmingham do have solid Championship players in their team. Hogan and Deeney have proved it at this level before, although they’re getting older now and aren’t what they once were. Bacuna and Woods are two very good midfielders, on top of highly regarded academy player Jordan James. There’s serviceable defenders in there as well. It’s the lack of depth and uncertainty so close to the season which is the issue for me. But on the flipside, the new owners could have everything under control. Birmingham are a massive club too, with a great following — similar to Everton, the home form guided by the atmosphere could be what keeps them up.

22nd — Huddersfield.

I’ll be honest, I’m not convinced myself on this one either — It’s more of a gut feeling rather than believing it myself. But the reasons are obvious really; lost one of the best managers in the league in Carlos Corberan, lost one of the best wingbacks in Harry Toffolo, and lost one of the best midfielders in Lewis O’Brien. To counter that, the signings of Kasumu and Nakayama are very good, and there’s certainly more to come in that regard. Defence is solid too, arguably the best in the Championship last season — I’m basically talking myself out of it now. However, it’s the lack of goals up top, an inexperienced manager, on top of the key losses. Given Huddersfield’s style of play last season, even a 1% drop off could be fatal. Goals keep you up, and I’m not sure Huddersfield will have enough, but again, even myself I’m doubting if I’ve gone too bold here.

21st — Reading.

Before I sat down to do my predictions, In my head I had Reading nailed on to be relegated — mainly due to Paul Ince being comfortably the worst manager in the league. If they had someone else I’d have them a few places higher. But looking at their squad, it isn’t as bad as I first thought. Ok ignoring the goalkeeping options because my word they’re awful — but the likes of Holmes, McIntyre, Moore, Yiadom, Hendrick, Hutchinson, Ejaria, Ince, Long are solid Championship players, then you’ve got the stardust up front with Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite who are both top 10, playoff level attackers providing you keep them fit. A solid defence (ignoring GKs), serviceable midfield and quality in attack, Reading *should* survive. The issue would be lack of depth and having to rely on academy players coming though over large parts of the season. But not as bad as I first thought for Reading. A tough season nonetheless.

20th — Wigan.

Leam Richardson was one of the names linked to the Watford job after winning League One last season. Whilst Wigan have only signed one player in Ryan Nyambe — I think continuity of the pre season, and every player knowing exactly what they’re doing will work for them rather than against them. Granted as I said earlier, they’ll bring ore players in anyway — But I do think there’s a lot of value of not doing business and focusing on what you’ve already been great at. Wigan for me will be good enough defensively, and just about score enough goals mainly because of their set piece threat, ability from open play crossing situations with McClean, Keane being excellent aerially too; as well as a lil bit stardust with Callum Lang.

19th — Blackpool.

Losing Neil Critchley in a somewhat bizarre move to Aston Villa is a big blow, however the appointment of Michael Appleton is smart to me given he’s not too dissimilar from Critchley. As I mentioned with Wigan, the continuity within the playing squad to me will again benefit them. A solid spine and a few strikers that can contribute to 8+ goals each as well. Not to forget Blackpool have Keshi Anderson, Josh Bowler to add more goals and creativity to the attacking line. The addition of Lewis Fiorini from Manchester City, who Appleton had at Lincoln last season is also a smart addition, and will add that extra bit of quality. I don’t think Blackpool will be as good as last season, but I still think they’ll be safe and comfortable of any relegation scrap.

18th — QPR.

QPR is just an unknown to me, especially with the appointment of Michael Beale. Granted at Villa he was more or less the manager, but the aura of Gerrard behind him won’t be there. I’m also not that keen on the squad, especially in the 9 position. Will Tyler Roberts play there? possibly, but Dykes and Bonne aren’t starting calibre strikers for me, but QPR do have top end level players in Willock, Chair, Clarke-Salter, Dickie. Dunne is a solid defender, but questionable with the ball at his feet. I also like the addition of Paal from a creative standpoint, but they have to add a striker to fully get what you’re paying for. Taylor Richards has the ability to be a game changer, so they’ll hopefully get that one over the line — but lack of depth/quality in key areas is the main reason behind having QPR this low.

17th — Sunderland.

Would Sunderland fans be happy with a 17th placed finish on their return back to the Championship? genuine question. Either way, they have a very good manager in Alex Neil who did a superb job at Preston on a limited budget, which was getting even more limited as each season went by. I’d imagine the aim would be to consolidate, then push for playoffs next season. Regarding the team, I think they’ll have a solid home record and a patchy away record, with Ross Stewart being one of the top scorers in the league. I think they’ll rely on him for those goals, but be just about alright defensively. A hard working team with the quick nippy wingbacks/wingers in Clarke, Roberts and Gooch, a playmaker in Pritchard supplying the striker. A solid return for Sunderland I reckon.

16th — Blackburn.

Jon Dahl Tomasson was offered to every English club going it seems — My club Watford turning down an interview with him *allegedly*. I did manage to watch a few Malmo games, notably against Rangers. It was very much a counter attack style, but in the league they were dominant, so JDT is adaptable in that regard. I think the loss of Lenihan is huge for them — a captain and consistent performer in a younger backline. Blackburn have a lot of good younger players that could hit their stride this year, but I think it’ll be a transitional season given the sounds are not too much business is going to be done. Saying that, the spine of the team is still strong. Kaminski is consistently good, Ayala when he wants to be is good, Travis is one of the best in his position in the league, same with Brereton Diaz (If he plays central). I may have underestimated Blackburn slightly, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they finished higher — but the lack of quality in depth is the concern for me, especially with the five sub rule.

15th — Stoke.

Every time I predict Stoke to finish in the playoffs, they have a stinker and finish midtable, so this is the reason why I have Stoke 15th, because they should be higher up, but for whatever reason they crumble. The signing of Dwight Gayle will add what they’d hope goals from a central position, but it remains to be seen if he’s still got it after not playing football for nearly two years. But players like Campbell, Brown, Baker, Powell, Tymon are exciting — Souttar when fit being one of the best centre backs in the league, and the addition of Laurent to the middle. As a Watford fan I like Etebo as well, but I’m not sure he’ll hang around. The squad looks good, but they still need a keeper for me, as well as an upgrade on Fox, and there’s question marks over Michael O’Neil too. Again, Stoke should be higher, but will they finish higher?

14th — Hull.

Hull is another team where I honestly don’t know. They’ve got some really good players like Baxter, Greaves, Figueredo and Seri. Added Estupinan who *should* be good at this level. Sayyadmanesh has hype around him, but I’m not particularly convinced yet, but still only 21. I do really like Longman, he should be playing in a wide left position rather than a wingback. The manager too I haven’t seen enough of to make a definitive opinion on him, so It could be lazy on my half. Lastly, I honestly don’t get the signing of Tufan — that brother retired from football years ago, his fitness levels are the worst I’ve probably ever seen, so they’ll need another midfielder with the loss of Honeyman to replace the legs. I just don’t know with Hull.

13th — Cardiff.

I’m higher on Cardiff than most it seems, and we’ll see who’s right in the end. But I really like what ideas Steve Morison has, and whilst they didn’t pick up the points and performances towards the back end of last season that Cardiff fans would have wanted, I liked what I saw; specifically against Middlesbrough at the Riverside. Even though they lost that game, I thought Morison out-manoeuvred Chris Wilder with his midfield play, and how to get around the press. Vaulks pass selection that night was awful, if he knew how to pass forward, Cardiff would have been in a lot more because the set up was on point. Which is why it’s no surprise to me to see the likes of Sawyers, Adams, Rinomhota come in as they’re alot more positive on the ball. Add that to Ryan Wintle who covers every blade of grass, and Ralls who adds goals. Going back to Adams, he’s a unique player because he can play 6, 8, 10 comfortably, whilst being able to set the press, as well as score goals — a lot from set pieces. They’ve got a lot of players that can score different types of goals. Collins and Ng as full backs is run, run, run. I think they need another 9 along with Watters, but a lot to like with Cardiff.

12th — Preston.

I really like Ryan Lowe, and I think they’ll be one of those teams that might shock a few of the bigger teams in the division. I don’t think they’ll get playoffs due to lack of quality in the forward areas (Riis not included) — However, Whiteman has a shout for top 5 midfielders in his position, Ledson, Browne, Johnson, McCann is a solid department too. I think they’ll miss Iversen, as I don’t think Woodman is an upgrade, but what he is better at is playing out from the back. Defensively they worry me slightly as Bauer is a bus at times, but I’d imagine first choice will be Hughes and Diaby? Brady a nice addition too, especially from creating in those deeper wide areas for Riis, who for me, is one of the best in the league, Gyokeres gets more hype, but for me the former is the better player. But like I said, I think they need more goals, because penalties from Johnson, and wonder finishes from Riis isn’t enough to push higher for me.

11th — Millwall.

There’s an argument to say Millwall have had the best window so far (there’s no such thing) — But the additions of Cresswell, Shackleton, Honeyman and Flemming is an exciting one. The signings of Shackleton and Honeyman especially says to me Millwall will be continuing with their high press aggressive approach like we saw on the final day of the season against Bournemouth. Flemming who arrived from Fortuna Sittard has drawn comparisons to Swansea’s Joel Piroe due to his stature and ball striking ability, is on paper; an upgrade on Jed Wallace. I think Millwall will just fall short of playoffs because I don’t think Afobe or Bradshaw will get you enough as a pair, but they’re certainly a dangerous side and I could easily be wrong on this.

10th — Luton.

9th — Coventry.

Coventry have one of the best recruitment teams in the country, so if they do lose O’Hare, I back them to replace him well. They’ve already did this with the loss of Clarke-Salter and replaced him with Panzo on loan from Forest. Despite what I said about Gyokeres earlier, he’s still very good at this level, but he’ll have to go again and prove it wasn’t just a purple patch in terms of scoring ability. Hamer too is one of the best players in the league, along with a solid defence, good delivery from the wingbacks, and having one of the best managers in Mark Robins. Teams from 12th down could easily get playoffs, but I think the slight drop off in quality and depth means they just fall short. I’ve been backing O’Hare to have a breakout season in terms of goals for three seasons now, because he’s amazing at pretty much everything bar finishing.

8th — Bristol City.

I’m super high on Bristol City this season — I think they’ve got real quality as well as depth in midfield and forward areas. They’ve also got a manager that’s able to get promoted, and isn’t stuck in the prehistoric times. Signings like Naismith, who in my opinion was the best centre back in the league last season, Kane Wilson who just won League Two player of the season — much needed quality in a leaky defence. But with those two players, they can both contribute to what is already a very good attack — with the likes of Semenyo, Weimann, Scott, Martin, Wells, Sykes. Whilst they might not all be amazing, they’re at a similar level to one another, so changes won’t effect the quality of the team too much. They’re strong in the midfield too, Williams, Massengo, James, King. For me they’re this years dark horses. The question will be whether they can actually sort out their defensive troubles.

7th — Burnley.

Could maybe file this under bold? I’m not sure. Burnley will certainly be up there, possibly even higher, but to me they’ll be a naive team. Peacock-Farrell isn’t good enough for this level, If Verbruggen joins he’s a gamble at his age; as well as inexperience in the backline, specifically central defence. You’ve got Kevin Long, but is he good enough to start? McNally who I think is excellent, but won’t start. Then you’ve got Hardwood-Bellis, Egan-Riley, and Bobby Thomas who are 21 and under. They’re all really good footballers, but that’s not enough. Roberts and Taylor are excellent for this level, as well as Cullen being a bargain for the price they got him for. Will be interesting to see what happens with Twine and where he plays in a 442/4222, especially if O’Hare arrives too, because they both operate in the same zones of the pitch. I think it will take a year for Kompany and the team to adapt, because whilst Kompany did a good job overall for Anderlecht, they did struggle to break teams down at times, and were easy to counter against. In 40 games, only 8 times did Anderlecht have an xG of 1 or more from an even game-state. To conclude with Burnley, a very good team with big potential that will probably smash it next season. Oh, and I think they need a striker.

6th — Swansea.

I was sceptical about putting Swansea in the top 6, mainly because of the red flags which I’ll talk about straight away. Centre back positions are vulnerable in aerial situations; Naughton (50%), Cabango (47%), Darling (53%), which can be worked around, as having a low win rate doesn’t mean bad. The other red flag is chance creation was fairly low last season, 19th for xG for example — but again you could put a lot of that down to Piroe being a ball striking phenomenon. Which brings me to my last red flag, will Piroe be able to sustain his shot performance? everything points to yes, which is why I’m backing Swansea to get playoffs. Another year of Martin working with players he wants, he knows will do them the world of good. Downes will be a loss, but Allen is a good replacement, especially from a build up perspective, Allen has better pass selection. Obafemi has the potential to be the top scorer in the league, and if he adds creativity to his game like we saw for Ireland, it could be a huge season for him. They still need depth in wingback areas, and forward areas, but I back them to get it right this season.

5th — Norwich.

I’m not particularly keen on Dean Smith as a manager, but the defence and having Pukki is too good to not have in the playoffs. Aarons and Giannoulis is a top 5 fullback/wingback pairing in the league, Gibson and Hanley are good at this level, with Omabamidele easily good enough to replace one of them, Byram is solid too. The issue for me is the midfield and wide areas — midfield wise I think Hayden is a poor signing, Lees Melou will he fancy it? not sure there but he, Sara, Cantwell are all difference makers in the final third — there’s nobody that can get a hold of the ball and be a controller. Rashica is good, Pukki is arguably the best striker in the league — so they should be up there. The question is can Dowell step up in the Buendia shaped hole? I’m not convinced but we shall see.

4th — West Brom.

West Brom have backed Bruce heavily, and rightfully so, but I’ve got them here because I think they’ll end up sacking him in around December when they’re hovering around 10th, and then go on a long run and finish 4th. Because the likes of Yokuslu, Swift, Mowatt, Wallace, Dike, Grant. Diangana is excellent for this level. Short but sweet on the Baggies, cheers Brucey boy.

3rd — Middlesbrough.

Chris Wilder is the best manager in the league, done. In all seriousness, whilst I’m not keen on Steffen overall, he’s a big upgrade on Joe Lumley. The signing of Lenihan to add to an already good defensive line; Giles has the potential to have the most assists in the league. The issue is depth in midfield outside of McGree, especially with the possibility of Tavernier moving on. Currently the squad as it stands isn’t good enough to finish this high, but I expect Wilder and Kieran Scott to bring in 2/3 strikers to make them a serious threat in the Championship. Another question will be can Jones keep up what he produced last season, but I’d imagine that’s the reason behind the signing of Giles. But I fully expect Wilder to have Boro near the top of the table.

2nd — Watford.

The Rob Edwards revolution baby. There’s two things here; me being bias, and me expecting Dennis and Sarr to stay, or one of them to stay until January at least. But if one of them does leave, I back Rob to bring in a quality HG striker, the main one being Cameron Archer from Villa, and if you believe the Athletic, Watford are well positioned to do that If Gerrard decides to let him leave. Anyway, we’ve finally got a Head Coach that can actually coach, and fits the players in the squad. Let me be clear, if Sarr and Dennis leave, I have us outside the playoffs providing the unthinkable happens and we don’t replace them. But I do think we have a better team than last time we got promoted, but the difference is the lack of depth in midfield and defence to a degree. I have a good feeling about Imran Louza and Tom Dele-Bashiru, but outside of that, we need to strengthen, and Rob wants to as well. Kamara and Kiko as wingback options for me is the best in the league, or certainly in the top 3, and then a front three of Dennis, Joao Pedro and Sarr.

1st — Sheffield United.

For overall squad balance, I think Sheffield United have the best level going right throughout the team. An argument to say Foderingham was the best keeper in the Championship last season, Ahmedhodzic on paper should be the best centre back in the Championship, Sander Berge arguably the best midfielder in the Championship, and then you’ve got the likes of Ndiaye who’s expected to break out, Brewster, Sharp and McBurnie have done it before. Tommy Doyle is an excellent signing too, on top of what they already have in Baldock/Lowe as a wingback pair, Egan is really good, same with Norwood and Fleck — There’s just so much to like here and it’s why I’m backing them to win the lot. What might stop them is if Brewster and McBurnie fail to do what we know they can, but I expect them to bring another striker in to replace the MGW hole, unless Jebbison can step up.

So there we have it, I’ll probably look back on this in a years time with disgust at how bad these predictions are. To save time I’ll include the table here. Appreciate anyone who decided to read this, feel free to get at me on Twitter @louorns and tell me why my predictions are so bad and all that jazz.