It’s a time of the year where every football fan in the country can at least be the tiniest bit optimistic about the forthcoming season. But who will make the top 6? And who will wallow at the foot of the table? I’ve given my thoughts on how each of the 24 Sky Bet Championship teams will fair this season.
Charlton Athletic
Key player: Athletic’s captain Johnnie Jackson will be central to their success this term. In Jackson, Charlton have a central midfielder that will encourage his troops and give his all for the shirt.
Realistic ambition: It’s been a time of change for Charlton, with new owner Roland Duchatelet polarising opinions amongst The Addicks faithful. It’s probable that many would take a consistent mid-table finish to counteract their off the field uncertainty.
Predicted finish: 16th
Derby County
Key player: Talismanic midfielder Will Hughes will be important to Derby County’s hopes this season, having already attracted Premier League interest at the tender age of 19. The iconic, flame-haired attacker is a tricky customer that all Championship defences will be wary of.
Realistic ambition: After suffering heartbreak in the play-off final against QPR, Derby County will be looking to make up for it this time around, cementing an automatic promotion place.
Predicted finish: 2nd
Fulham
Key player: With big price tags come big responsibilities and Ross McCormack is absolutely no exception. The goal scoring front man will be expected to hit the ground running and if he does, I’d bet on a good year for Fulham.
Realistic ambition: Felix Magath will be looking to gain promotion at the first time of asking, though, I think this may be easier said than done in a competitive Championship league. Keeping team morale high could play a crucial role in Fulham’s ambitions, with a promotion place in the balance.
Predicted finish: 5th
Huddersfield Town
Key player: Former Bradford City star Nakhi Wells joined Huddersfield Town during the January transfer window, a move that led to a string of promising displays from the young forward. Hopefully he can build upon this and make his first full year of second tier football one to remember.
Realistic ambition: Huddersfield’s starting XI will give anyone a decent enough game in the Championship, though; beyond this is where their troubles are found. If they can steer clear of injures, they should be certain of a mid-table finish.
Predicted finish: 14th
Ipswich Town
Key player: David McGoldrick held the key to Ipswich’s fortunes last term; this was before his season came to a premature end thanks to an ongoing injury. The Tractor Boys will hope that the striker hasn’t lost his finishing touch, one that helped him net 16 goals before his spell on the sidelines.
Realistic ambition: Having lost perhaps the best left back in the league in the shape of Aaron Cresswell to West Ham, it looks as if Ipswich is taking steps back instead of forward. That said, if youngster Tyrone Mings or new signing Jonathon Parr can step up to the plate, they may have a competitive season.
Predicted finish: 13th
Leeds United
Key player: Lanky marksman Matt Smith will be under immense pressure to replace the goals that Ross McCormack brought to a rather ordinary Leeds side last year. Worryingly enough, their current squad lacks the quality of wingers that 6″6′ Smith needs to thrive.
Realistic ambition: It’s likely that Leeds United will flirt with danger this season, after the antics of new owner Massimo Cellino. The man at the top usually reflects the squad on the field, but I think they may just have enough to avoid another dreaded drop into the third tier.
Predicted finish: 21st
Middlesborough
Key player: Returning defender Kenneth Omeruo is set to have an exciting season with Middlesborough, following his loan from Chelsea. The 20-year-old centre back, who also came to the Riverside on loan last year, will be looking to gain some first team minutes in the second tier.
Realistic ambition: Middlesborough can go places under the leadership of Aitor Karanka; with an all-new passing game being implemented last season the Riverside saw glimpses of what the side are capable of. If they can secure the services of a goal scorer, they should have an impressive year.
Predicted finish: 8th
Millwall
Key player: Highly rated left back Matthew Briggs will be looking to live up to his early career potential, upon his move from Fulham; if anyone can get the best out of him, Holloway can.
Realistic ambition: It’s a sad fact that Millwall’s budget will dictate where they finish in the Championship. Even under enigmatic and infectious Ian Holloway I don’t see them surviving this year.
Predicted finish: 23rd
Look out for part 3 of my club-by-club Championship guide, coming tomorrow!
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