Finished with Aplomb

The Premier League money in Watford's back pocket will see them make an instant return in my Championship predictions. Maybe I'm being hopeful but it would be great to see one of the classic big teams return to the top tier in Nottingham Forest. I've placed them in second following a couple of years of improvement. New ground, new striker but no need for a new style of play for Brentford. If they continue with the form of last season they will surely be there or there abouts. Joining the Bees in the play-off places are Bristol City, Norwich City and my boldest prediction in all 4 divisions.. Coventry City. It's happened so many times when a team goes straight through the Championship that you almost forget they are a newly promoted team. I don't believe they have the best squad but instead a strong team spirit and a winning mentality. Joining the Championship mid-table regulars are AFC Bournemouth who I believe will miss their talisman Wilson more then expected. Just sneaking outside the relegation zone, despite facing a 12 point penalty, I have Sheffield Wednesday. Their squad still boasts some top championship talent and ironically the ability to spend again in January if need be. My bottom 3 consists of newly promoted Rotherham who I predict to continue their yo-yoing, Luton Town who may struggle after last season's great escape and Wycombe Wanderers. As a supporter of the underdog I'd love to see Wycombe do well. I am particularly excited to see Adebayo Akinfenwa test himself against some stellar centre halves in the division. Unfortunately I think it will be one step too far in the Ainsworth era fairy tale, but they will at least come close to survival in my opinion.

Is it time for Sunderland to return to the Championship? I've gone for it in my League One predictions. Joining the Black Cats in the top 2 are Ipswich Town with their strong looking squad. Oxford United played some great football last season and I see them carrying this on, finishing 3rd ahead of Portsmouth and Lincoln City. Hull City make a return to the 3rd tier for the first time since 2005 and should make the play-offs with their current squad. Just missing out on the play-offs in my predictions are Fleetwood Town. I've included just one of the promoted teams in the relegation places, with Northampton Town potentially struggling after what seems like the most unlikely of promotions. The other promoted teams Swindon Town, Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle will all be hoping to surprise a few with their fast attacking football. I've placed them all in mid-table. Joining the Cobblers in my predicted relegation zone are bookies favourites to go down Rochdale, narrow escapees last season Gillingham and a Bristol Rovers team embarking on a 5th successive League One campaign after 4 average mid-table finishes.

Mansfield Town always seem to be favourites and this year I agree. Exeter need to forget their play-off disappointment quickly but should be up there again with their quality. Cheltenham to sneak into the final automatic promotion spot ahead of Bradford City. Forest Green Rovers to make the play-offs after a few years of progress in League Two. Walsall and Newport County to join them in the top 7. I can't see anything other than Stevenage relegation, something incredible needs to happen to bounce back from winning 3 games last season. I may have been unfair on Barrow as I'm not familiar with their squad yet, but there is a tendency for promoted teams to need a season to adjust to the football league. Bookies favourites Bolton have a young squad who aren't too used to winning. I predict 8th place in a season of adjusting for the Trotters.

Man City to reclaim their title back from Liverpool. Chelsea to finish top in London and secure a Champions League spot along with Arsenal. A bit more controversial with Wolves in 5th but why not eh? Bottom 3 are not the common choices.. but second season syndrome is always a threat for teams like Sheffield United. Leeds would be a shock but there are a lot of players lacking Premier League experience in their squad. Burnley were excellent last season but an older squad in a condensed season might not work out this time.