My English Championship predictions

The English Championship starts this weekend and it promises to be a fascinating campaign.

The league seems wide open this season. Last season Newcastle United ran away with the league title but this season the Championship is harder to predict.

I don’t like making predictions but for what they are worth here they are.

Teams to watch

I recently wrote an article about Middlesbrough and I believe they will be the team to stop this season.

They have added to an already good squad and I can see them topping the table.

This may surprise some people but the other team I believe could be promoted are Leeds United. The Whites were promoted from League One last season but have the momentum and manager to take them on even further.

They have lost main striker Jermaine Beckford but have retained talented boss Simon Grayson. They have the quality to make a surprise promotion bid.

My outsiders for promotion are Preston North End. I rate Darren Ferguson as one of the top up and coming British bosses. He has obviously learnt a lot from his father. He showed great promise at Peterborough before getting fired just a few months into last season.

I think under Ferguson Preston can excel and sneak promotion through the play-offs, even though some are predicting a relegation fight for them this season.

Bargains Buys

Kris Boyd (Middlesbrough)

The 26 year-old arrived from Scottish champions Rangers on a Bosman free transfer. He was a prolific scorer in the SPL and has now decided to try his luck in England. I thought a Premier League club would have snapped him up but he has instead ended up in the Championship.

He could be the bargain of the season. If Middlesbrough does achieve promotion then I’m sure Boyd will have had a big hand in it. I’m sure he will be as successful in the Championship as he has been in the SPL.

Kasper Schmeichel (Leeds United)

I couldn’t believe it when I heard that according to reports Leeds managed to sign the youngster on a free transfer. The young keeper is highly rated and is the son of Denmark and Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel.

I was shocked when Schmeichel Jnr joined League Two Notts County last summer. He was obviously playing far below his level. However he gained some first team experience at Meadow Lane. Schmeichel is the sort of keeper that can win you games and points.

Leon Britton (Sheffield United)

The midfielder has the creative ability to inspire his team.  Britton is another player that has arrived at his new club on a free transfer and is still relatively young at 27. The West Ham United youth product is a good player at this level.

David James (Bristol City)

The England keeper may be 40 but he still has a lot to give and City will be hoping he can help them mount a promotion push. The club are ambitious and they have showed it by making this shock signing.

Strugglers

At the bottom end of the table there are a few clubs that I think will struggle next season. Former physio Nigel Adkins has done a sterling job at Scunthorpe United to get them promoted and keep them there.

However this summer he has lost three of his best players in Paul Hayes and star striker Gary Hooper. They have also lost midfielder Grant McCann. I can see a season of struggle for Scunny.

Another side I can see struggling are Watford. The club are in major financial trouble and haven’t been able to strengthen to any extent. They will rely heavily on striker Danny Graham producing the goods up front. Although I don’t believe they have enough around him to keep them up.

Crystal Palace are another club in financial difficulties and haven’t been able to strengthen their squad. The club has struggled to survive in recent months and I’m sure the fans would be more than happy just beating the drop.

One bright spot for the Eagles is the fact that they have managed to keep star midfielder Darren Ambrose. After avoiding the drop on the last day of last season, I fear the club won’t be so lucky this time around.

Unpredictable

The Championship is unpredictable and footballs a funny old game. You only have to look at the example of Blackpool from last season. They went from relegation favourites to Premier League in less than a year. Who knows Scunthorpe may shock us all and claim the Championship title! Unlikely but that’s what football’s all about, the shocks, surprises and upsets.

How will your team fare in the Championship this season?