It's All going to Turn Out Alright

[davieG]

TEAMtalk predicts - The Championship

This year's Championship is the most open league in years, so TEAMtalk's Mark Holmes gets his crystal ball out and makes a few predictions.

With just three points seperating the top four and 14th place Sunderland just ten points behind Birmingham in first, you could forgive the betting man for steering clear of the Championship this season.

Here, TEAMtalk takes a quick look at each side from the top of the table down and predicts what lies ahead.

Birmingham - In mid October the Blues lost 1-0 at home to Norwich and fans were calling for Steve Bruce's head. Roll on two months and Bruce's men sit proudly on top of the pile - it will be a shock if they drop out of the top two again. Prediction: 1st

Preston - Experienced play-off campaigners, former Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has continued the Lilywhites' fine trend of challenging at the top, only surrendering first place after the weekend defeat to Luton. A lot rests on if they can hold onto David Nugent, but if the likes of Simon Whaley stay on top form, then they'll be up there. Prediction: 4th.

Cardiff - Even the most ardent Bluebirds fan would not deny Dave Jones' side have performed above themselves this season and their recent poor form has highlighted this. Michael Chopra holds the key but do not be surprised to see them miss out this time around. Prediction: 8th.

Derby County- The Rams finished a disappointing 20th last term but Billy Davies arrived from Preston and the Scotsman has the players to keep the Midlanders at the right end of the league. Prediction: 5th.

Southampton - After an indifferent start to the season the Saints are currently on a seven-games unbeaten run and pushing hard for automatic promotion. Their forward line is enough to worry any defence and should fire them to promotion. Prediction: 2nd.

Burnley - With one of the smallest squads in the division, Steve Cotterill has done a fantastic job to lead the Clarets into the top six. Unfortunately, injuries could wreck their season and with top scorer Andy Gray ruled out until around February, Cotterill will need to perform wonders to keep his side near the top. Prediction: 10th.

Stoke - After a dreadful start, many pundits predicted a long hard season for the Potters. However, add in a clutch of impressive loan signings including Lee Hendrie, Andy Griffin and Salif Diao to name but three and suddenly they are promotion favourites. A lot depends on what magic Tony Pulis can work in January but if he can keep hold of the loan stars or replace them with similar quality, they will push for the top two. Prediction: 3rd.

West Brom - The Baggies have arguably the best squad in the division, but are undergoing a transitional period after replacing Bryan Robson with Tony Mowbray. They may struggle with consistency but their quality should shine through. Prediction: 6th.

Wolves - The perennial under-achievers will yet again challenge for promotion as Mick McCarthy knows what he's doing at this level. Strong home form is key if they are to mount a serious challenge. Prediction: 7th.

Colchester - The Us were tipped as dead certs for relegation when Phil Parkinson left for Hull, but former assistant Geraint Williams has stepped in and performed above all expectations. A small squad and lack of money is likely to stand in the way of promotion, but they should steer well clear of the bottom three. Prediction: 17th.

Plymouth - Tony Pulis established the Greens in the Championship, then Ian Holloway came in and added some flair. Now they are a match for anyone on their day, a mid-table finish is the least they can expect. Prediction: 14th.

Coventry - Micky Adams splashed out £2million on Elliot Ward and Leon McZenzie alone in the summer and were many people's favourites for promotion. It hasn't quite happened so far but Adams will have City up there in May. Prediction: 9th.

Sheffield Wednesday - Many Owls fans were sad to see Paul Sturrock go, but Brian Laws has come in and done brilliantly, leading Wednesday to the edge of the play-offs. However, a few bad results could see them get dragged back into trouble. Prediction: 15th.

Sunderland - Roy Keane's first job in management is one of the toughest in football. Fans will expect Keane to take the Black Cats up at the first attempt, but a season of consolodation is more realistic. Prediction: 11th.

Norwich - The Canaries were another side expected to launch a big challenge for promotion, but a poor start to the season cost Nigel Worthington his job and Peter Grant has experienced mixed results since taking control. The likes of Robert Earnshaw will ensure City a mid-table finish at least. Prediction: 13th.

Crystal Palace - The Eagles lost both manager Iain Dowie and star player Andy Johnson in the summer and have struggled this time around. Peter Taylor has spent a lot of money since arriving from Hull and is expected to deliver results. Unfortunately it will need a mammoth push to challenge the top six this year. Prediction: 12th.

Ipswich - A struggle was expected when Town appointed former player Jim Magilton as their new boss and the writing looked on the wall after they began the season with three straight defeats. However, Magilton has steadied the ship and Gary Roberts could be a key man once he signs permanently from Accrington. Prediction: 16th.

Luton - The Hatters have struggled this time around after a top-ten finish last term but they should be strong enough to avoid the drop. Prediction: 19th.

QPR - Gary Waddock brought in Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock in pre-season but poor early form led to his sacking with John Gregory his replacement. Things have improved since but there could still be a long season ahead. Prediction: 21st.

Leicester - After steering the Foxes to safety last season, Rob Kelly took over permanent control but results must improve if he is to keep his job. City currently sit just two points out of the bottom three and are unlikely to make much of a move. Prediction: 20th.

Barnsley - The Tykes have surprised a few people this season and currently lie outside the relegation places. However, they simply must improve their leaky defence if they are to stay up. Prediction: 22nd.

Leeds United - After coming within 90 minutes of the Premiership last term, few would have predicted the mess the Whites currently find themselves in. However, new boss Dennis Wise faces a battle to drag them out trouble and with David Healy, Richard Creswell and Matthew Kilgallon expected to leave in January, he must line up replacements to save them from England's third-tier. Prediction: 18th.

Hull City - The Tigers landed Phil Parkinson from Colchester and backed him with transfer funds. However, he failed to invest in a proven goalscorer and City must now rely on the likes of key men Ian Ashbee and Craig Fagan if they are to avoid a return to League One. Prediction: 23rd.

Southend - After a promising start the Shrimpers find themselves rock bottom and Steve Tilson faces a battle to keep them from being cast adrift. However, they stand in good stead to have another go in 2008 if they go down. Prediction: 24th.

[lookwhaticando]

My monopoly on crystal balls ownership is well and truly over then.

I like how he has us down as the only team who won't move at all over the course of the next few months while Leeds will leapfrog us... even though they've been shit for longer.

[Manwell Pablo]

My monopoly on crystal balls ownership is well and truly over then.

I like how he has us down as the only team who won't move at all over the course of the next few months while Leeds will leapfrog us... even though they've been shit for longer.

Probabley something to do with Wise. He gets results.

[Wils]

20th are they being generous?

[Dr The Singh]

TEAMtalk predicts - The Championship

This year's Championship is the most open league in years, so TEAMtalk's Mark Holmes gets his crystal ball out and makes a few predictions.

With just three points seperating the top four and 14th place Sunderland just ten points behind Birmingham in first, you could forgive the betting man for steering clear of the Championship this season.

Here, TEAMtalk takes a quick look at each side from the top of the table down and predicts what lies ahead.

Birmingham - In mid October the Blues lost 1-0 at home to Norwich and fans were calling for Steve Bruce's head. Roll on two months and Bruce's men sit proudly on top of the pile - it will be a shock if they drop out of the top two again. Prediction: 1st

Preston - Experienced play-off campaigners, former Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has continued the Lilywhites' fine trend of challenging at the top, only surrendering first place after the weekend defeat to Luton. A lot rests on if they can hold onto David Nugent, but if the likes of Simon Whaley stay on top form, then they'll be up there. Prediction: 4th.

Cardiff - Even the most ardent Bluebirds fan would not deny Dave Jones' side have performed above themselves this season and their recent poor form has highlighted this. Michael Chopra holds the key but do not be surprised to see them miss out this time around. Prediction: 8th.

Derby County- The Rams finished a disappointing 20th last term but Billy Davies arrived from Preston and the Scotsman has the players to keep the Midlanders at the right end of the league. Prediction: 5th.

Southampton - After an indifferent start to the season the Saints are currently on a seven-games unbeaten run and pushing hard for automatic promotion. Their forward line is enough to worry any defence and should fire them to promotion. Prediction: 2nd.

Burnley - With one of the smallest squads in the division, Steve Cotterill has done a fantastic job to lead the Clarets into the top six. Unfortunately, injuries could wreck their season and with top scorer Andy Gray ruled out until around February, Cotterill will need to perform wonders to keep his side near the top. Prediction: 10th.

Stoke - After a dreadful start, many pundits predicted a long hard season for the Potters. However, add in a clutch of impressive loan signings including Lee Hendrie, Andy Griffin and Salif Diao to name but three and suddenly they are promotion favourites. A lot depends on what magic Tony Pulis can work in January but if he can keep hold of the loan stars or replace them with similar quality, they will push for the top two. Prediction: 3rd.

West Brom - The Baggies have arguably the best squad in the division, but are undergoing a transitional period after replacing Bryan Robson with Tony Mowbray. They may struggle with consistency but their quality should shine through. Prediction: 6th.

Wolves - The perennial under-achievers will yet again challenge for promotion as Mick McCarthy knows what he's doing at this level. Strong home form is key if they are to mount a serious challenge. Prediction: 7th.

Colchester - The Us were tipped as dead certs for relegation when Phil Parkinson left for Hull, but former assistant Geraint Williams has stepped in and performed above all expectations. A small squad and lack of money is likely to stand in the way of promotion, but they should steer well clear of the bottom three. Prediction: 17th.

Plymouth - Tony Pulis established the Greens in the Championship, then Ian Holloway came in and added some flair. Now they are a match for anyone on their day, a mid-table finish is the least they can expect. Prediction: 14th.

Coventry - Micky Adams splashed out £2million on Elliot Ward and Leon McZenzie alone in the summer and were many people's favourites for promotion. It hasn't quite happened so far but Adams will have City up there in May. Prediction: 9th.

Sheffield Wednesday - Many Owls fans were sad to see Paul Sturrock go, but Brian Laws has come in and done brilliantly, leading Wednesday to the edge of the play-offs. However, a few bad results could see them get dragged back into trouble. Prediction: 15th.

Sunderland - Roy Keane's first job in management is one of the toughest in football. Fans will expect Keane to take the Black Cats up at the first attempt, but a season of consolodation is more realistic. Prediction: 11th.

Norwich - The Canaries were another side expected to launch a big challenge for promotion, but a poor start to the season cost Nigel Worthington his job and Peter Grant has experienced mixed results since taking control. The likes of Robert Earnshaw will ensure City a mid-table finish at least. Prediction: 13th.

Crystal Palace - The Eagles lost both manager Iain Dowie and star player Andy Johnson in the summer and have struggled this time around. Peter Taylor has spent a lot of money since arriving from Hull and is expected to deliver results. Unfortunately it will need a mammoth push to challenge the top six this year. Prediction: 12th.

Ipswich - A struggle was expected when Town appointed former player Jim Magilton as their new boss and the writing looked on the wall after they began the season with three straight defeats. However, Magilton has steadied the ship and Gary Roberts could be a key man once he signs permanently from Accrington. Prediction: 16th.

Luton - The Hatters have struggled this time around after a top-ten finish last term but they should be strong enough to avoid the drop. Prediction: 19th.

QPR - Gary Waddock brought in Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock in pre-season but poor early form led to his sacking with John Gregory his replacement. Things have improved since but there could still be a long season ahead. Prediction: 21st.

Leicester - After steering the Foxes to safety last season, Rob Kelly took over permanent control but results must improve if he is to keep his job. City currently sit just two points out of the bottom three and are unlikely to make much of a move. Prediction: 20th.

Barnsley - The Tykes have surprised a few people this season and currently lie outside the relegation places. However, they simply must improve their leaky defence if they are to stay up. Prediction: 22nd.

Leeds United - After coming within 90 minutes of the Premiership last term, few would have predicted the mess the Whites currently find themselves in. However, new boss Dennis Wise faces a battle to drag them out trouble and with David Healy, Richard Creswell and Matthew Kilgallon expected to leave in January, he must line up replacements to save them from England's third-tier. Prediction: 18th.

Hull City - The Tigers landed Phil Parkinson from Colchester and backed him with transfer funds. However, he failed to invest in a proven goalscorer and City must now rely on the likes of key men Ian Ashbee and Craig Fagan if they are to avoid a return to League One. Prediction: 23rd.

Southend - After a promising start the Shrimpers find themselves rock bottom and Steve Tilson faces a battle to keep them from being cast adrift. However, they stand in good stead to have another go in 2008 if they go down. Prediction: 24th.

A fair assessment under the current climate.........the reprecussions are going to hit city hard, with lower attendances etc.

It just says how important MM's take over is and how important the january sales are!!!

[davieG]

A fair assessment under the current climate.........the reprecussions are going to hit city hard, with lower attendances etc.

It just says how important MM's take over is and how important the january sales are!!!

January buys to be pedantic ; I'm quite happy for a few of them to rot away in the background if MM can afford it.

[lookwhaticando]

January buys to be pedantic ; I'm quite happy for a few of them to rot away in the background if MM can afford it.

bertfox and I decided some time back that we're going to send Andy Johnson to the glue factory.

The cheap and cheerful alternative to watching him pump 50 yard balls over everyone's head.

[Janx]

TEAMtalk predicts - The Championship

This year's Championship is the most open league in years, so TEAMtalk's Mark Holmes gets his crystal ball out and makes a few predictions.

With just three points seperating the top four and 14th place Sunderland just ten points behind Birmingham in first, you could forgive the betting man for steering clear of the Championship this season.

Here, TEAMtalk takes a quick look at each side from the top of the table down and predicts what lies ahead.

Birmingham - In mid October the Blues lost 1-0 at home to Norwich and fans were calling for Steve Bruce's head. Roll on two months and Bruce's men sit proudly on top of the pile - it will be a shock if they drop out of the top two again. Prediction: 1st

Preston - Experienced play-off campaigners, former Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has continued the Lilywhites' fine trend of challenging at the top, only surrendering first place after the weekend defeat to Luton. A lot rests on if they can hold onto David Nugent, but if the likes of Simon Whaley stay on top form, then they'll be up there. Prediction: 4th.

Cardiff - Even the most ardent Bluebirds fan would not deny Dave Jones' side have performed above themselves this season and their recent poor form has highlighted this. Michael Chopra holds the key but do not be surprised to see them miss out this time around. Prediction: 8th.

Derby County- The Rams finished a disappointing 20th last term but Billy Davies arrived from Preston and the Scotsman has the players to keep the Midlanders at the right end of the league. Prediction: 5th.

Southampton - After an indifferent start to the season the Saints are currently on a seven-games unbeaten run and pushing hard for automatic promotion. Their forward line is enough to worry any defence and should fire them to promotion. Prediction: 2nd.

Burnley - With one of the smallest squads in the division, Steve Cotterill has done a fantastic job to lead the Clarets into the top six. Unfortunately, injuries could wreck their season and with top scorer Andy Gray ruled out until around February, Cotterill will need to perform wonders to keep his side near the top. Prediction: 10th.

Stoke - After a dreadful start, many pundits predicted a long hard season for the Potters. However, add in a clutch of impressive loan signings including Lee Hendrie, Andy Griffin and Salif Diao to name but three and suddenly they are promotion favourites. A lot depends on what magic Tony Pulis can work in January but if he can keep hold of the loan stars or replace them with similar quality, they will push for the top two. Prediction: 3rd.

West Brom - The Baggies have arguably the best squad in the division, but are undergoing a transitional period after replacing Bryan Robson with Tony Mowbray. They may struggle with consistency but their quality should shine through. Prediction: 6th.

Wolves - The perennial under-achievers will yet again challenge for promotion as Mick McCarthy knows what he's doing at this level. Strong home form is key if they are to mount a serious challenge. Prediction: 7th.

Colchester - The Us were tipped as dead certs for relegation when Phil Parkinson left for Hull, but former assistant Geraint Williams has stepped in and performed above all expectations. A small squad and lack of money is likely to stand in the way of promotion, but they should steer well clear of the bottom three. Prediction: 17th.

Plymouth - Tony Pulis established the Greens in the Championship, then Ian Holloway came in and added some flair. Now they are a match for anyone on their day, a mid-table finish is the least they can expect. Prediction: 14th.

Coventry - Micky Adams splashed out £2million on Elliot Ward and Leon McZenzie alone in the summer and were many people's favourites for promotion. It hasn't quite happened so far but Adams will have City up there in May. Prediction: 9th.

Sheffield Wednesday - Many Owls fans were sad to see Paul Sturrock go, but Brian Laws has come in and done brilliantly, leading Wednesday to the edge of the play-offs. However, a few bad results could see them get dragged back into trouble. Prediction: 15th.

Sunderland - Roy Keane's first job in management is one of the toughest in football. Fans will expect Keane to take the Black Cats up at the first attempt, but a season of consolodation is more realistic. Prediction: 11th.

Norwich - The Canaries were another side expected to launch a big challenge for promotion, but a poor start to the season cost Nigel Worthington his job and Peter Grant has experienced mixed results since taking control. The likes of Robert Earnshaw will ensure City a mid-table finish at least. Prediction: 13th.

Crystal Palace - The Eagles lost both manager Iain Dowie and star player Andy Johnson in the summer and have struggled this time around. Peter Taylor has spent a lot of money since arriving from Hull and is expected to deliver results. Unfortunately it will need a mammoth push to challenge the top six this year. Prediction: 12th.

Ipswich - A struggle was expected when Town appointed former player Jim Magilton as their new boss and the writing looked on the wall after they began the season with three straight defeats. However, Magilton has steadied the ship and Gary Roberts could be a key man once he signs permanently from Accrington. Prediction: 16th.

Luton - The Hatters have struggled this time around after a top-ten finish last term but they should be strong enough to avoid the drop. Prediction: 19th.

QPR - Gary Waddock brought in Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock in pre-season but poor early form led to his sacking with John Gregory his replacement. Things have improved since but there could still be a long season ahead. Prediction: 21st.

Leicester - After steering the Foxes to safety last season, Rob Kelly took over permanent control but results must improve if he is to keep his job. City currently sit just two points out of the bottom three and are unlikely to make much of a move. Prediction: 20th.

Barnsley - The Tykes have surprised a few people this season and currently lie outside the relegation places. However, they simply must improve their leaky defence if they are to stay up. Prediction: 22nd.

Leeds United - After coming within 90 minutes of the Premiership last term, few would have predicted the mess the Whites currently find themselves in. However, new boss Dennis Wise faces a battle to drag them out trouble and with David Healy, Richard Creswell and Matthew Kilgallon expected to leave in January, he must line up replacements to save them from England's third-tier. Prediction: 18th.

Hull City - The Tigers landed Phil Parkinson from Colchester and backed him with transfer funds. However, he failed to invest in a proven goalscorer and City must now rely on the likes of key men Ian Ashbee and Craig Fagan if they are to avoid a return to League One. Prediction: 23rd.

Southend - After a promising start the Shrimpers find themselves rock bottom and Steve Tilson faces a battle to keep them from being cast adrift. However, they stand in good stead to have another go in 2008 if they go down. Prediction: 24th.

And thats "alright" is it?

[lookwhaticando]

And thats "alright" is it?

It ain't relegation.

Relegation is "not alright".

[Mort]

And thats "alright" is it?

Just what i was thinking!

If we finish 20th then we're well and turly in the mixer for relegation... if we find ourselves hovering round that spot by late January it's going to be a very long and uncomfortable season... to be honest we had a bit of luck in results (Brum, Sunderland, Colchester etc... we're all games we where lucky to get somthing out of IMHO) and now our luck seems to have turned and RK and his inept tactics are getting found out... without MM, a new manager and the introduction of some decent players we're in a very dire straights for the rest of the season.

[Dr The Singh]

And thats "alright" is it?

Standards have dropped Blue Dalziel, at the beginning of the season many were dreaming of a top 6 place and mid table was minimum, now many are happy to just remain in this league!! LCFC has become a farce, MM is are only knight in shining armour, lets hope he doesn't let us down!!!

[mancunianfox]

As far as I am concerned the championship has one good side it, twenty average ones and three poor ones. In the premiership it is really difficult to climb the table if you are nearly at the bottom. However we are not in the premiership we are in the championship and all our mediocre team needs to do is start picking up points against other mediocre teams. Hardly mission impossible.

[Manwell Pablo]

As far as I am concerned the championship has one good side it, twenty average ones and three poor ones. In the premiership it is really difficult to climb the table if you are nearly at the bottom. However we are not in the premiership we are in the championship and all our mediocre team needs to do is start picking up points against other mediocre teams. Hardly mission impossible.

I think we need to start beating the poor ones at home first our teams makes that look like mission impossible.

[davieG]

And thats "alright" is it?

Well it's all relative, if the season finished saturday evening I'm sure you'd be ecstatic to be there (20th) rather than 22nd which is where we are likely to be.

[Janx]

Well it's all relative, if the season finished saturday evening I'm sure you'd be ecstatic to be there (20th) rather than 22nd which is where we are likely to be.

IF ONLY IT WOULD.... I am SOOOOO Bored and pi55ed offf with another dreary performance. week after week.

[Dr The Singh]

IF ONLY IT WOULD.... I am SOOOOO Bored and pi55ed offf with another dreary performance. week after week.

Same here, i'm soooooo glad I didn't buy a season ticket!!! At this moment and time I just want it to end, so we can flog the crudd in our team, management and board and start fresh!!!

[davieG]

Same here, i'm soooooo glad I didn't buy a season ticket!!! At this moment and time I just want it to end, so we can flog the crudd in our team, management and board and start fresh!!!

Well I bought two with the intention of 'selling' one to one of my 3 offspring for a nominal handling fee well they are 30, 32 & 34 judt so I had some company.

At the present time I'm having to bribe them to come with a free ticket & a free pint.

And on top of that I'll be unemployed after Christmas

[Dr The Singh]

Well I bought two with the intention of 'selling' one to one of my 3 offspring for a nominal handling fee well they are 30, 32 & 34 judt so I had some company.

At the present time I'm having to bribe them to come with a free ticket & a free pint.

And on top of that I'll be unemployed after Christmas

Very sad to hear that big DG!!! I hope something turns up for you...a new year and a new job, what a start!!!

I don't blame your offspring for not taking the free tickets, a saturday is very precious especailly if you have young kids like me, and then wasting it watching crap, and then the 'downer' fans have after watching there teams lose is ultimately that gets me!!!

[lookwhaticando]

Well I bought two with the intention of 'selling' one to one of my 3 offspring for a nominal handling fee well they are 30, 32 & 34 judt so I had some company.

At the present time I'm having to bribe them to come with a free ticket & a free pint.

And on top of that I'll be unemployed after Christmas

If only I lived in Leicestershire, I'd come along for a free ticket to keep you company.

I'd get the pints in, though.

:thumbsup:

[Dr The Singh]

If only I lived in Leicestershire, I'd come along for a free ticket to keep you company.

I'd get the pints in, though.

:thumbsup:

You do know big DG, drinks on average about 15 pints and then hits the shooters, sambuca are his favourites!!!!

[lookwhaticando]

You do know big DG, drinks on average about 15 pints and then hits the shooters, sambuca are his favourites!!!!

I'll risk it.

After all, it's a value for money thing. Sadly, in the current footballing climate, I'd probably get more enjoyment out of watching davieG get totally hammered than watching Leicester City getting totally hammered.

Hence I've no problem paying for booze in exchange for a free ticket to the game.

[Ajax Treesdown]

TEAMtalk predicts - The Championship

This year's Championship is the most open league in years, so TEAMtalk's Mark Holmes gets his crystal ball out and makes a few predictions.

With just three points seperating the top four and 14th place Sunderland just ten points behind Birmingham in first, you could forgive the betting man for steering clear of the Championship this season.

Here, TEAMtalk takes a quick look at each side from the top of the table down and predicts what lies ahead.

Birmingham - In mid October the Blues lost 1-0 at home to Norwich and fans were calling for Steve Bruce's head. Roll on two months and Bruce's men sit proudly on top of the pile - it will be a shock if they drop out of the top two again. Prediction: 1st

Preston - Experienced play-off campaigners, former Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has continued the Lilywhites' fine trend of challenging at the top, only surrendering first place after the weekend defeat to Luton. A lot rests on if they can hold onto David Nugent, but if the likes of Simon Whaley stay on top form, then they'll be up there. Prediction: 4th.

Cardiff - Even the most ardent Bluebirds fan would not deny Dave Jones' side have performed above themselves this season and their recent poor form has highlighted this. Michael Chopra holds the key but do not be surprised to see them miss out this time around. Prediction: 8th.

Derby County- The Rams finished a disappointing 20th last term but Billy Davies arrived from Preston and the Scotsman has the players to keep the Midlanders at the right end of the league. Prediction: 5th.

Southampton - After an indifferent start to the season the Saints are currently on a seven-games unbeaten run and pushing hard for automatic promotion. Their forward line is enough to worry any defence and should fire them to promotion. Prediction: 2nd.

Burnley - With one of the smallest squads in the division, Steve Cotterill has done a fantastic job to lead the Clarets into the top six. Unfortunately, injuries could wreck their season and with top scorer Andy Gray ruled out until around February, Cotterill will need to perform wonders to keep his side near the top. Prediction: 10th.

Stoke - After a dreadful start, many pundits predicted a long hard season for the Potters. However, add in a clutch of impressive loan signings including Lee Hendrie, Andy Griffin and Salif Diao to name but three and suddenly they are promotion favourites. A lot depends on what magic Tony Pulis can work in January but if he can keep hold of the loan stars or replace them with similar quality, they will push for the top two. Prediction: 3rd.

West Brom - The Baggies have arguably the best squad in the division, but are undergoing a transitional period after replacing Bryan Robson with Tony Mowbray. They may struggle with consistency but their quality should shine through. Prediction: 6th.

Wolves - The perennial under-achievers will yet again challenge for promotion as Mick McCarthy knows what he's doing at this level. Strong home form is key if they are to mount a serious challenge. Prediction: 7th.

Colchester - The Us were tipped as dead certs for relegation when Phil Parkinson left for Hull, but former assistant Geraint Williams has stepped in and performed above all expectations. A small squad and lack of money is likely to stand in the way of promotion, but they should steer well clear of the bottom three. Prediction: 17th.

Plymouth - Tony Pulis established the Greens in the Championship, then Ian Holloway came in and added some flair. Now they are a match for anyone on their day, a mid-table finish is the least they can expect. Prediction: 14th.

Coventry - Micky Adams splashed out £2million on Elliot Ward and Leon McZenzie alone in the summer and were many people's favourites for promotion. It hasn't quite happened so far but Adams will have City up there in May. Prediction: 9th.

Sheffield Wednesday - Many Owls fans were sad to see Paul Sturrock go, but Brian Laws has come in and done brilliantly, leading Wednesday to the edge of the play-offs. However, a few bad results could see them get dragged back into trouble. Prediction: 15th.

Sunderland - Roy Keane's first job in management is one of the toughest in football. Fans will expect Keane to take the Black Cats up at the first attempt, but a season of consolodation is more realistic. Prediction: 11th.

Norwich - The Canaries were another side expected to launch a big challenge for promotion, but a poor start to the season cost Nigel Worthington his job and Peter Grant has experienced mixed results since taking control. The likes of Robert Earnshaw will ensure City a mid-table finish at least. Prediction: 13th.

Crystal Palace - The Eagles lost both manager Iain Dowie and star player Andy Johnson in the summer and have struggled this time around. Peter Taylor has spent a lot of money since arriving from Hull and is expected to deliver results. Unfortunately it will need a mammoth push to challenge the top six this year. Prediction: 12th.

Ipswich - A struggle was expected when Town appointed former player Jim Magilton as their new boss and the writing looked on the wall after they began the season with three straight defeats. However, Magilton has steadied the ship and Gary Roberts could be a key man once he signs permanently from Accrington. Prediction: 16th.

Luton - The Hatters have struggled this time around after a top-ten finish last term but they should be strong enough to avoid the drop. Prediction: 19th.

QPR - Gary Waddock brought in Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock in pre-season but poor early form led to his sacking with John Gregory his replacement. Things have improved since but there could still be a long season ahead. Prediction: 21st.

Leicester - After steering the Foxes to safety last season, Rob Kelly took over permanent control but results must improve if he is to keep his job. City currently sit just two points out of the bottom three and are unlikely to make much of a move. Prediction: 20th.

Barnsley - The Tykes have surprised a few people this season and currently lie outside the relegation places. However, they simply must improve their leaky defence if they are to stay up. Prediction: 22nd.

Leeds United - After coming within 90 minutes of the Premiership last term, few would have predicted the mess the Whites currently find themselves in. However, new boss Dennis Wise faces a battle to drag them out trouble and with David Healy, Richard Creswell and Matthew Kilgallon expected to leave in January, he must line up replacements to save them from England's third-tier. Prediction: 18th.

Hull City - The Tigers landed Phil Parkinson from Colchester and backed him with transfer funds. However, he failed to invest in a proven goalscorer and City must now rely on the likes of key men Ian Ashbee and Craig Fagan if they are to avoid a return to League One. Prediction: 23rd.

Southend - After a promising start the Shrimpers find themselves rock bottom and Steve Tilson faces a battle to keep them from being cast adrift. However, they stand in good stead to have another go in 2008 if they go down. Prediction: 24th.

He sounds great