Middlesbrough- After the mass signings from north of the border Gordon Strachan appears confident he’s found the right mix for a promotion tilt. Kris Boyd is the biggest of those new names, along with Nicky Bailey, the tricky midfielder from Charlton.
Nottingham Forest- Billy Davies’ men have lost very few of the squad that took them to the play-offs last season and appear set for a similarly high finish this term. Only James Perch has departed to Newcastle while the likes of Rob Earnshaw and Lee Camp have amid speculation over their future.
Playoffs:
Reading- Perhaps a surprise inclusion but after their amazing turn around during the second half of last season under Brian McDermott Reading could be ready for a return to the Premiership. Gylfi Sigurosson might be the big game player in the team but keep an eye out for Shane Long, conqueror of Liverpool.
QPR- Have at last got the right man at the helm in Neil Warnock. The no nonsense manager is still looking to bring in Darren Ambrose from Crystal Palace, while the return of Adel Taarabt is still not yet assured. Expect a more resolute Rangers team this season, a factor that should result in a top six finish.
Burnley- Worked on a low budget in preparation for relegation, from the Premiership and they look better equipped than they did two years ago at winning promotion. Brain Laws has recruited former player Lee Grant in goal, while Ross Wallace’s signing is a real feather in the cap for Laws.
Norwich City- Paul Lambert turned Norwich around last season after a poor start under Brian Gunn, and I expect more heroics from the Scot this season as well. It’s crucial the club re-signs Fraser Forster in goal, while the combination of Andrew Surman and Wes Hoolahan in midfield could be devastating.
Watford- Relied mainly on young players and loan signings last season as they finished 16th, but without those same player who Malkay Mackay has failed to re-sign you have to worry for a thin Hornets squad. Long season ahead.
Barnsley- Appear to have released a number of their finer players without bringing in proper replacements and that spells doom for Mark Robins’ side. One of those, Liam Dickinson, has limited championship experience, but will nevertheless be the main goal threat.
Scunthorpe United- Survived by five points last season but without Paul Hayes and Gary Hooper relegation seems a certainty. Chris Dagnell will be left to fight on his own up front, and the step up from League Two should be too great for him.
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