Only a fool would write off those who dropped down from the Premier League! Cardiff and Fulham especially have squads that will be the envy of other clubs in the Championship.
Birmingham struggled last season and it looks like another season where the blues are going to be up against it for me. A lack of cash to improve the side means I see them possibly sliding down to League One. The loss of Chris Burke hasn't helped their case at all.
Blackburn, Gary Bowyer steadied the ship last season and got them playing some better football. Less interference from the owners could see them mount a promotion bid. I certainly think that they should be looking at top eight at the very least.
Blackpool will do well just to field a side on opening day. There's been very little investment from the owners and fans are rightly getting very frustrated. From the Premier League two seasons ago to a relegation season in my eyes. Only a change of policy and some good investment will stop the slide.
Bolton are the divisions under achievers. With a massive wage bill they need promotion ASAP. Dougie Freedman hasn't had the success that many were hoping for and at present I would say around mid table is where they're likely to finish.
Bournemouth were a surprise package last season and although they have lost Lewis Grabban, Eddie Howe will keep them up in the top half of the division. He's proven to be a very tactically astute manager. They impressed me greatly both times we played them last season.
Brentford are a new name to the Championship and were promoted playing some very attractive football. Like Yeovil last season though, they will find the going very tough and I tip them to go straight back down again.
Brighton reached the play offs last season and there's no reason that they shouldn't have them in their sights again this time round, although there's been a big change in the playing staff. That in itself might hinder them, but Hyypia should be able to steer them upwards.
Cardiff have a very strong squad and a very expensive one too. It's time for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to prove himself as a manager. Anything less than promotion will be seen as failure. Surely will be top six.
Charlton struggled last season and haven't really strengthened during the summer. Last season Chris Powell was fired and Bob Peeters will be looking at a similar fate unless he can stop the rot. Lower half of the table.
Derby I will have to amend my original prediction as we have now added Leon Best and Omar Mascarell to the squad. A lot will depend on the form of the young spainard. Quality midfield, dangerous attack, defence dodgy at times. Tighten up at the back and it's top six.
Fulham are some peoples favourites to bounce straight back into the Premier League. They've shown intent by splashing out on Ross McCormack, however we all know that this league is as tough as any. I certainly see them challenging to make a quick return to the Prem, but they're not bankers for me,
Huddersfield I can't see as promotion challengers, however I don't see them dropping either. They've got enough experience in their squad to survive another season. They would probably finish higher if a James Vaughan could avoid injury. On his day he's as good as any striker at this level.
Ipswich are dark horses for me. Mick McCarthy has steadily rebuilt the side and I can now see them edging towards the play off zone. It's been evolution rather than revolution and they just might reap the rewards this season.
Leeds have sold Ross McCormack to Fulham and seem set for yet another season of mediocrity. We all love to hate the team that we call 'Dirty Leeds' but their fans deserve better. Once a major European force they now struggle in the second tier. I don't see things changing very soon.
Middlesbrough are dark horses with some, but they just lack a little to sustain a real challenge in my opinion. They have a decent squad, but just lack cutting edge! A prolific goalscorer is a real need.
Millwall struggled last season and lack quality to be much different this season. Survival will again be the name of the game. Ian Holloway is experienced and tactically astute enough to stop the slide, but turning them into a top six side will be beyond even the likes of him.
Norwich like the other relegated clubs will be amongst the favourites to go up. I though don't think that they will find it easy. I'm not convinced that they have the self belief and depth to achieve it. Neil Adams will have hIs work cut out to getromotion.
Nottingham Forest will be looking towards club legend Stuart Pearce to guide them back to the top tier. They've spent millions the past few seasons and have disappointed their fans, they have a squad filled with quality, but also injury prone players. Assombalonga is a gamble at 5.5m+ but if they go up! who will care. I see them as play off material if players stay fit.
Reading under the leadership of Nigel Adkins will be a team to watch. Can Adkins take another side up? I'm not sure that Simon Cox will be the striker to score the goals that are needed to them to the next level, but they'll be top eight for sure.
Rotherham make a return to the championship after many years away. Steve Evans, the manager a lot of fans love to hate has done a good job and they'll not be whipping boys! Survival will be the name of the game and I fully expect them to survive as well.
Sheffield Wednesday are a club that's underperformed for years. A good club, well supported by fans, but not well supported financially. The sale of Antonio for 1.5m will see them needing to invest in at least another wide man. They'll stay up, but need some cash to move up to the next level.
Watford didn't manage to make the play offs last season and I don't see them doing this time around either. They'll be safe enough away from the drop zone, but just lack that little extra to be chasing promotion.
Wigan disappointed last season. Expected by many to go up automatically, but fell in the play offs to QPR. Roster turned them round and they had a decent run in to clinch a place in the top six. They'll surely be top six material!
Wolves bounced straight back after being relegated to League One for a season. Kenny Jackett making success of his switch from Millwall. I don't expect them to struggle, but feel it will be a season too early for them to be looking at a return to the top flight.
So there it is!
I'm far from being an expert predictor and one of my tips for struggle always shows me up!
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