" What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:30 am
Russell Slade’s Cardiff City are being written off as promotion contenders this season by the locally-based journalists who watch Championship football week in, week out.
Thursday 6th August 2015
We canvassed the views of the local football writers from the division’s 24 clubs to get their verdict on what is likely to happen during 2015-16,not only with the team they follow, but the other sides in the Championship as well.
They predicted who they believe will go up... and who will be relegated at the end of the campaign.
The Bluebirds, red-hot favourites to win the title this time last year before their season of woe, don’t merit a single mention from the journalists predicting which sides will push for the Premier League.
Middlesbrough and Derby lead the way, each gaining 18 votes to be promoted, followed by Burnley (13) and Wolves (nine).
Steve Bruce’s Hull are backed by seven reporters for a return to the Premier League, with Ipswich and Brentford the only other sides mentioned.
When it comes to the drop zone, Rotherham are overwhelming favourites to be relegated.
No fewer than 20 out of the 24 journalists reckon Steve Evans’ men will fall through the trap door, with Huddersfield (13 votes) and MK Dons (12) also tipped to struggle.
Our own Cardiff City correspondent Terry Phillips reckons Derby, Middlesbrough and Burnley will be the promoted three.
He tips Peter Whittingham as the Bluebirds’ key man for the campaign, but warns Cardiff need more quality around him.
Thursday 6th August 2015
We canvassed the views of the local football writers from the division’s 24 clubs to get their verdict on what is likely to happen during 2015-16,not only with the team they follow, but the other sides in the Championship as well.
They predicted who they believe will go up... and who will be relegated at the end of the campaign.
The Bluebirds, red-hot favourites to win the title this time last year before their season of woe, don’t merit a single mention from the journalists predicting which sides will push for the Premier League.
Middlesbrough and Derby lead the way, each gaining 18 votes to be promoted, followed by Burnley (13) and Wolves (nine).
Steve Bruce’s Hull are backed by seven reporters for a return to the Premier League, with Ipswich and Brentford the only other sides mentioned.
When it comes to the drop zone, Rotherham are overwhelming favourites to be relegated.
No fewer than 20 out of the 24 journalists reckon Steve Evans’ men will fall through the trap door, with Huddersfield (13 votes) and MK Dons (12) also tipped to struggle.
Our own Cardiff City correspondent Terry Phillips reckons Derby, Middlesbrough and Burnley will be the promoted three.
He tips Peter Whittingham as the Bluebirds’ key man for the campaign, but warns Cardiff need more quality around him.
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:34 am
BIRMINGHAM (by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail)
Blues have enjoyed a decent summer, their recruitment has been good without nailing every one of their first choice targets.
Tomasz Kuszczak is a big upgrade in the goalkeeping department and holding on to wide-man Demarai Gray has been massive. They’ve a smaller squad than last year, though, so the onus will be on keeping everyone fit.
Aron Gunnarsson charges forward with the ballAron Gunnarsson battles with Demarai Gray last season
If they can pick their first XI as often as possible, they have a great chance of equalling or even going better than last year’s tenth. If not, it’ll be mid-table.
Key player: Demarai Gray - Premier League class in the Championship and looking much stronger physically.
Promotion: Burnley, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: MK Dons, Preston, Rotherham.
Did you know: Last season Gary Rowett oversaw the biggest improvement in league position of any of the Championship’s new managers, 13 places from 23rd to 10th.
Championship home kits 2015/16 rated: Which club has pulled off the nicest shirt for the new season?
BLACKBURN (by Paul Wheelock, Lancashire Telegraph)
It’s difficult to analyse Blackburn’s prospects until the transfer window closes. Sell Jordan Rhodes and that’s 40 goals lost, following the departure of Rudy Gestede, but it would lead to the club’s embargo being lifted, enabling Gary Bowyer to do what he does.
Action Images / Alex BroadwayRudy Gestede has joined Aston Villa
That’s bringing in quality players for small fees.
Either way it is going to be a testing season. But, while I do not see Rovers becoming embroiled in a relegation fight, a top-six place may be beyond them.
Key player: Craig Conway. Vibrant winger is Rovers’ main creator of goals.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Relegation: MK Dons, Rotherham, Bolton.
Did you know: Conway is a trained hairdresser who gives trims to a number of his team-mates – with his fees going to charity.
Craig Conway
BOLTON (by Marc Iles, Bolton News)
Unless the much-mooted outside investment happens soon, it’s hard to imagine Bolton having anything other than a season of struggle.
If Neil Lennon is given cash to spend, however, there is a solid enough base to build on.
Key player: Ben Amos - former Manchester United keeper excelled on loan last season.
Promotion: Hull, Middlesbrough, Derby.
Relegation: Rotherham, MK Dons, Preston.
Did you know: Bolton hold the record for having played most games in the top flight without winning the league title.
Bolton boss Neil Lennon looks onBolton boss Neil Lennon
BRENTFORD (by Tom Moore, getwestlondon.co.uk)
It’s been change, change, change at Griffin Park with Mark Warburton leaving the club at the end of last season.
Marinus Dijkhuizen has come in as head coach and a raft of new players have been signed, while none of the star players from last season have left.
Brentford Home Kit 15/16
Under owner Matthew Benham, Brentford’s seasons have been better than the ones before so it would be no surprise to see them challenging for promotion.
Key player: Andre Gray - Big things are expected of the striker, in his second season in the Championship.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Brentford.
Relegation: Rotherham, MK Dons, Bristol City.
Did you know: Griffin Park no more has a pub on each corner after the Royal Oak closed.
Pictures: How far Bluebirds fans have to travel for midweek games this season
VIEW GALLERY
BRIGHTON (by Andy Naylor, Brighton Argus)
They still have the feel of a Premier League club in waiting off the pitch, less so on it.
Chris Hughton knows the division and they will be hard to beat in his first full season but they need more flair and goal threat before the window shuts to turn the struggle against relegation back into the top six finishes of the previous two years.
Otherwise, rare mid-table mediocrity beckons.
Key player: Beram Kayal, classy midfielder.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Ipswich.
Relegation: MK Dons, Huddersfield, Bristol City.
Did you know: He doesn’t look it, but Chris Hughton comfortably became the oldest manager appointed by Brighton (56) when he took over on New Year’s Eve.
Cardiff City in action against Brighton last season
BRISTOL CITY (by Andy Stockhausen, Bristol Post)
Although a team that became accustomed to winning when claiming a League One title and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy double last season has nothing to fear from the Championship, the size of Bristol City’s squad is giving cause for concern.
French striker Jonathan Kodjia – signed from Angers for £2.1m – is the only newcomer and manager Steve Cotterill is under pressure to strengthen a number of key areas before the transfer window closes.
Providing he can supplement the squad with some quality players, they should comfortably hold their own in the English second tier.
Cardiff City have been linked with Jonathan KodjiaCardiff Citywere linked with Jonathan Kodjia before he joined Bristol City
Key player: Luke Freeman – the talented former Arsenal youngster is finally realising his potential.
Promotion: Burnley, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, Charlton.
Did you know: City will play in a three-sided stadium next season following the demolition of the grandstand this summer.
BURNLEY (by Chris Boden, Burnley Express)
I expect Burnley to be as hard to beat as they were two seasons ago at this level, well-organised, but will they have the same cutting edge without Danny Ings, and Kieran Trippier supplying the ammunition?
Marney and Barnes will also be big misses after knee injuries endured last season. I’d expect Burnley to be top six, however.
Action Images / Tony O'BrienBurnley may have lost Danny Ings but they remain one of the favourites for promotion
Key player: Matt Lowton at right-back. Trippier will be harder to replace than Ings in my book.
Promotion: Derby, Burnley, Wolves.
Relegation: Bolton, Huddersfield, Rotherham.
Did you know: Only Preston have played at the same ground longer than Burnley, moving to Turf Moor in 1883.
CARDIFF CITY (by Terry Phillips, Media Wales)
Manager Russell Slade is working to try to win over many fans who don’t see him as the right man for the job.
Sammy Ameobi, a loan from Newcastle, and defender Semi Ajayi, released by Arsenal, have been brought in, but City need more midfield quality.
Injuries to Bruno Manga (knee) and Ben Turner (ankle), probably City’s first choice centre-back pairing, are severe blows.
Key player: Peter Whittingham. Still a class act at Championship level, but needs to find the consistency which was missing last season.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Burnley.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, MK Dons.
Did you know: Cardiff have only one 3pm Championship kick-off in August. Their Saturday fixtures are Fulham (H, noon), QPR (A, 5.15pm), Wolves (H, 5.15pm) and Nottingham Forest (A, 3pm).
Blues have enjoyed a decent summer, their recruitment has been good without nailing every one of their first choice targets.
Tomasz Kuszczak is a big upgrade in the goalkeeping department and holding on to wide-man Demarai Gray has been massive. They’ve a smaller squad than last year, though, so the onus will be on keeping everyone fit.
Aron Gunnarsson charges forward with the ballAron Gunnarsson battles with Demarai Gray last season
If they can pick their first XI as often as possible, they have a great chance of equalling or even going better than last year’s tenth. If not, it’ll be mid-table.
Key player: Demarai Gray - Premier League class in the Championship and looking much stronger physically.
Promotion: Burnley, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: MK Dons, Preston, Rotherham.
Did you know: Last season Gary Rowett oversaw the biggest improvement in league position of any of the Championship’s new managers, 13 places from 23rd to 10th.
Championship home kits 2015/16 rated: Which club has pulled off the nicest shirt for the new season?
BLACKBURN (by Paul Wheelock, Lancashire Telegraph)
It’s difficult to analyse Blackburn’s prospects until the transfer window closes. Sell Jordan Rhodes and that’s 40 goals lost, following the departure of Rudy Gestede, but it would lead to the club’s embargo being lifted, enabling Gary Bowyer to do what he does.
Action Images / Alex BroadwayRudy Gestede has joined Aston Villa
That’s bringing in quality players for small fees.
Either way it is going to be a testing season. But, while I do not see Rovers becoming embroiled in a relegation fight, a top-six place may be beyond them.
Key player: Craig Conway. Vibrant winger is Rovers’ main creator of goals.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Relegation: MK Dons, Rotherham, Bolton.
Did you know: Conway is a trained hairdresser who gives trims to a number of his team-mates – with his fees going to charity.
Craig Conway
BOLTON (by Marc Iles, Bolton News)
Unless the much-mooted outside investment happens soon, it’s hard to imagine Bolton having anything other than a season of struggle.
If Neil Lennon is given cash to spend, however, there is a solid enough base to build on.
Key player: Ben Amos - former Manchester United keeper excelled on loan last season.
Promotion: Hull, Middlesbrough, Derby.
Relegation: Rotherham, MK Dons, Preston.
Did you know: Bolton hold the record for having played most games in the top flight without winning the league title.
Bolton boss Neil Lennon looks onBolton boss Neil Lennon
BRENTFORD (by Tom Moore, getwestlondon.co.uk)
It’s been change, change, change at Griffin Park with Mark Warburton leaving the club at the end of last season.
Marinus Dijkhuizen has come in as head coach and a raft of new players have been signed, while none of the star players from last season have left.
Brentford Home Kit 15/16
Under owner Matthew Benham, Brentford’s seasons have been better than the ones before so it would be no surprise to see them challenging for promotion.
Key player: Andre Gray - Big things are expected of the striker, in his second season in the Championship.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Brentford.
Relegation: Rotherham, MK Dons, Bristol City.
Did you know: Griffin Park no more has a pub on each corner after the Royal Oak closed.
Pictures: How far Bluebirds fans have to travel for midweek games this season
VIEW GALLERY
BRIGHTON (by Andy Naylor, Brighton Argus)
They still have the feel of a Premier League club in waiting off the pitch, less so on it.
Chris Hughton knows the division and they will be hard to beat in his first full season but they need more flair and goal threat before the window shuts to turn the struggle against relegation back into the top six finishes of the previous two years.
Otherwise, rare mid-table mediocrity beckons.
Key player: Beram Kayal, classy midfielder.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Ipswich.
Relegation: MK Dons, Huddersfield, Bristol City.
Did you know: He doesn’t look it, but Chris Hughton comfortably became the oldest manager appointed by Brighton (56) when he took over on New Year’s Eve.
Cardiff City in action against Brighton last season
BRISTOL CITY (by Andy Stockhausen, Bristol Post)
Although a team that became accustomed to winning when claiming a League One title and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy double last season has nothing to fear from the Championship, the size of Bristol City’s squad is giving cause for concern.
French striker Jonathan Kodjia – signed from Angers for £2.1m – is the only newcomer and manager Steve Cotterill is under pressure to strengthen a number of key areas before the transfer window closes.
Providing he can supplement the squad with some quality players, they should comfortably hold their own in the English second tier.
Cardiff City have been linked with Jonathan KodjiaCardiff Citywere linked with Jonathan Kodjia before he joined Bristol City
Key player: Luke Freeman – the talented former Arsenal youngster is finally realising his potential.
Promotion: Burnley, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, Charlton.
Did you know: City will play in a three-sided stadium next season following the demolition of the grandstand this summer.
BURNLEY (by Chris Boden, Burnley Express)
I expect Burnley to be as hard to beat as they were two seasons ago at this level, well-organised, but will they have the same cutting edge without Danny Ings, and Kieran Trippier supplying the ammunition?
Marney and Barnes will also be big misses after knee injuries endured last season. I’d expect Burnley to be top six, however.
Action Images / Tony O'BrienBurnley may have lost Danny Ings but they remain one of the favourites for promotion
Key player: Matt Lowton at right-back. Trippier will be harder to replace than Ings in my book.
Promotion: Derby, Burnley, Wolves.
Relegation: Bolton, Huddersfield, Rotherham.
Did you know: Only Preston have played at the same ground longer than Burnley, moving to Turf Moor in 1883.
CARDIFF CITY (by Terry Phillips, Media Wales) Manager Russell Slade is working to try to win over many fans who don’t see him as the right man for the job.
Sammy Ameobi, a loan from Newcastle, and defender Semi Ajayi, released by Arsenal, have been brought in, but City need more midfield quality.
Injuries to Bruno Manga (knee) and Ben Turner (ankle), probably City’s first choice centre-back pairing, are severe blows.
Key player: Peter Whittingham. Still a class act at Championship level, but needs to find the consistency which was missing last season.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Burnley.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, MK Dons.
Did you know: Cardiff have only one 3pm Championship kick-off in August. Their Saturday fixtures are Fulham (H, noon), QPR (A, 5.15pm), Wolves (H, 5.15pm) and Nottingham Forest (A, 3pm).
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:37 am
CHARLTON (by Richard Cawley, South London Press)
Charlton can’t match the budgets of many of their rivals and the recruitment drive has consisted of overseas signings. They have talent in the squad – Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson is a prime example – but they are reliant on newcomers bedding in quickly.
The most high-profile capture is striker Simon Makienok on a season loan from Palermo – a target for Premier League teams before his Serie A move went sour.
Key player: Jordan Cousins. Boundless energy. Drives the Addicks on when they need it most.
Jordan Cousins
Promotion: Derby, Burnley, Ipswich.
Relegation: MK Dons, Rotherham, Preston.
Did you know: Makienok is Charlton’s biggest signing – literally. At 6ft 7ins tall he is set to become their tallest player to play a competitive game.
DERBY (by Steve Nicholson, Derby Telegraph)
Beaten play-off finalists in 2014 and favourites to go up last season before they crumbled in the run-in, Derby County look strong enough to challenge again.
They have spent around £10m this summer and brought in seven players – Jason Shackell, Darren Bent, Alex Pearce, Scott Carson, Chris Baird, Tom Ince and Andreas Weimann.
Huw Evans Agency, CardiffTom Ince is one of a number of high-profile faces at Derby
Many of them, interestingly, have experience of this division and the Premier League, and have won things.
Key player: George Thorne. He was injured last season and Derby missed him as a controlling midfielder.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Burnley.
Relegation: Huddersfield Town, Rotherham, MK Dons.
Did you know: New head coach Paul Clement played basketball at a higher level than he played football.
Derby manager Paul Clement
FULHAM (by Paul Warburton, getwestlondon.co.uk)
They stand a better chance than this time last year. How could they not? Felix Magath was a disaster. Kit Symons is far more practical and his signings reflect this. They look fit for purpose and in pre-season, he quietly got things rolling along.
I will bet a Cottage Pie that they don’t flirt with relegation this time.
Key player: Ross McCormack, 19 goals for a team struggling throughout says everything.
Fulham's Ross McCormack
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: Rotherham, Blackburn, Charlton.
Did you know: There are three Geordies in the squad, Shaun Hutchinson, Ben Pringle and Dan Burn, for the first time in the club’s history. Howay, the Whites!
Charlton can’t match the budgets of many of their rivals and the recruitment drive has consisted of overseas signings. They have talent in the squad – Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson is a prime example – but they are reliant on newcomers bedding in quickly.
The most high-profile capture is striker Simon Makienok on a season loan from Palermo – a target for Premier League teams before his Serie A move went sour.
Key player: Jordan Cousins. Boundless energy. Drives the Addicks on when they need it most.
Jordan Cousins
Promotion: Derby, Burnley, Ipswich.
Relegation: MK Dons, Rotherham, Preston.
Did you know: Makienok is Charlton’s biggest signing – literally. At 6ft 7ins tall he is set to become their tallest player to play a competitive game.
DERBY (by Steve Nicholson, Derby Telegraph)
Beaten play-off finalists in 2014 and favourites to go up last season before they crumbled in the run-in, Derby County look strong enough to challenge again.
They have spent around £10m this summer and brought in seven players – Jason Shackell, Darren Bent, Alex Pearce, Scott Carson, Chris Baird, Tom Ince and Andreas Weimann.
Huw Evans Agency, CardiffTom Ince is one of a number of high-profile faces at Derby
Many of them, interestingly, have experience of this division and the Premier League, and have won things.
Key player: George Thorne. He was injured last season and Derby missed him as a controlling midfielder.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Burnley.
Relegation: Huddersfield Town, Rotherham, MK Dons.
Did you know: New head coach Paul Clement played basketball at a higher level than he played football.
Derby manager Paul Clement
FULHAM (by Paul Warburton, getwestlondon.co.uk)
They stand a better chance than this time last year. How could they not? Felix Magath was a disaster. Kit Symons is far more practical and his signings reflect this. They look fit for purpose and in pre-season, he quietly got things rolling along.
I will bet a Cottage Pie that they don’t flirt with relegation this time.
Key player: Ross McCormack, 19 goals for a team struggling throughout says everything.
Fulham's Ross McCormack
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: Rotherham, Blackburn, Charlton.
Did you know: There are three Geordies in the squad, Shaun Hutchinson, Ben Pringle and Dan Burn, for the first time in the club’s history. Howay, the Whites!
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:40 am
HUDDERSFIELD (by Doug Thomson, Huddersfield Examiner)
Town need to tighten up defensively and avoid too may injuries if they are to replicate last season’s bright phases and turn themselves into a genuine top-half team.
Chris Powell has some talented players but Town haven’t been consistent enough since returning to the second tier in 2012.
Key player: James Vaughan. He’s a match-winner.
Promotion: Derby, Wolves, Burnley.
Relegation: Rotherham, MK Dons, Preston.
Did you know: Town fans still hark back to the great old days of the 1920’s through the song Smile Awhile.
Mark Hudson leads out his Huddersfield team at The John Smith's StadiumFormer Cardiff City skipper Mark Hudson is now with Huddersfield
HULL CITY (by Phil Buckingham, Hull Mail)
A summer overhaul has seen 10 players leave since relegation from the Premier League and stripped back optimism ahead of the club’s Championship return.
There’s no doubting the quality in the squad, or Steve Bruce’s record at taking teams up from this league but only time will tell how severe the hangover will be.
Action Images / Alex MortonHull manager Steve Bruce
Key player: Ahmed Elmohamdy, providing he sticks around. The Egyptian winger has not missed a league game for Hull since January 2013.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Burnley.
Relegation: Charlton, Brentford, Rotherham.
Did you know: Hull City were the last of the 92 English clubs to make a signing this summer, recruiting Ryan Taylor and Sam Clucas just 12 days before the new season.
Chesterfield midfielder Sam Clucas in actionSam Clucas, who was linked with Cardiff, has joined Hull
IPSWICH (by Stuart Watson, East Anglian Daily Times)
Finished sixth last season and, on the face of it, the squad looks slightly stronger. Daryl Murphy, David McGoldrick, Brett Pitman and Freddie Sears is as good a strike force in the division.
Ryan Fraser and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have brought some much needed pace to the midfield, while the defence – albeit thin on the ground – is pretty solid.
A couple more faces and Ipswich should be top-six contenders again. Mick McCarthy factor is key.
Daryl Murphy was the Championship's top scorerDaryl Murphy
Should Russell Slade splashed the cash on Daryl Murphy?
YES
NO
Key player: David McGoldrick – talismanic pre-injuries. Could come back with a bang.
Promotion: Derby, Hull, Ipswich.
Relegation: Huddersfield, Rotherham, Charlton.
Did you know: Mick McCarthy is bidding to become the first manager to win the Championship title with three different clubs (Sunderland and Wolves, previously). He has lost Championship play-off semi-finals with four different clubs (Millwall, Sunderland, Wolves and Ipswich).
Action Images / John MarshIpswich Town's manager Mick McCarthy
LEEDS (by Phil Hay, Yorkshire Evening Post)
Put an out-and-out left winger into the side and Leeds, with Chris Wood up front, should be far more dangerous than last season.
The play-offs might be asking too much but in a pretty even league I quite fancy them to finish top 10.
Key player: Chris Wood. The first goalscoring centre-forward Leeds have had since selling Luciano Becchio.
Action ImagesChris Wood
Promotion: Derby, Burnley, Middlesbrough.
Relegation: Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United.
Did you know: Manager Uwe Rosler was once interrogated by the East German Stasi.
MIDDLESBROUGH (by Philip Tallentire, Teesside Gazette)
Boro should be strong contenders for automatic promotion. The acquisition of Stewart Downing from West Ham and Espanyol’s Uruguay international Christian Stuani brings creative nous to supplement an already rock-solid defence, with the prospect of further signings to come.
Losing the play-off final at Wembley in May has only stiffened chairman Steve Gibson’s resolve to escape the Championship this time around.
Aitor Karanka blamed a lack of goals for missing out on the top two and he’s addressing that weakness.
Key player: Stewart Downing. Will bring Premier League creativity and goals to a strong team.
Chris Vaughan/CameraSportMiddlesbrough hero Stewart Downing has returned to his home town club
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Wolves (play-offs).
Relegation: Rotherham, Birmingham, Huddersfield.
Did you know: Boro attract comedians – Bob Mortimer, Patrick Monahan and Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown follow the club. Surely a coincidence and no reflection on the club?
Middlesbrough manager Aitor KarankaMiddlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
MK DONS (by Toby Lock, Milton Keynes Citizen)
Dons still need to strengthen considerably if they are to upset the applecart this season. Most teams are able to keep their best players when winning promotion, but Dons’ two best players in Will Grigg and Dele Alli have gone and replacements have yet to be found.
Expect a relegation battle and a lot of draws at home. Keeping their Championship place would be more than enough to satisfy.
Action Images / John MarshMK Dons have lost Dele Alli to Spurs
Key player: Samir Carruthers. Filled in for Alli with aplomb last season.
Promotion: Burnley, Wolves, Hull.
Relegation: MK Dons, Rotherham, Huddersfield.
Did you know: Despite being only 11-years-old, there are only five teams in the division MK Dons have never played a competitive game against: Bolton, Derby, Fulham, Middlesbrough and Reading.
Town need to tighten up defensively and avoid too may injuries if they are to replicate last season’s bright phases and turn themselves into a genuine top-half team.
Chris Powell has some talented players but Town haven’t been consistent enough since returning to the second tier in 2012.
Key player: James Vaughan. He’s a match-winner.
Promotion: Derby, Wolves, Burnley.
Relegation: Rotherham, MK Dons, Preston.
Did you know: Town fans still hark back to the great old days of the 1920’s through the song Smile Awhile.
Mark Hudson leads out his Huddersfield team at The John Smith's StadiumFormer Cardiff City skipper Mark Hudson is now with Huddersfield
HULL CITY (by Phil Buckingham, Hull Mail)
A summer overhaul has seen 10 players leave since relegation from the Premier League and stripped back optimism ahead of the club’s Championship return.
There’s no doubting the quality in the squad, or Steve Bruce’s record at taking teams up from this league but only time will tell how severe the hangover will be.
Action Images / Alex MortonHull manager Steve Bruce
Key player: Ahmed Elmohamdy, providing he sticks around. The Egyptian winger has not missed a league game for Hull since January 2013.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Burnley.
Relegation: Charlton, Brentford, Rotherham.
Did you know: Hull City were the last of the 92 English clubs to make a signing this summer, recruiting Ryan Taylor and Sam Clucas just 12 days before the new season.
Chesterfield midfielder Sam Clucas in actionSam Clucas, who was linked with Cardiff, has joined Hull
IPSWICH (by Stuart Watson, East Anglian Daily Times)
Finished sixth last season and, on the face of it, the squad looks slightly stronger. Daryl Murphy, David McGoldrick, Brett Pitman and Freddie Sears is as good a strike force in the division.
Ryan Fraser and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have brought some much needed pace to the midfield, while the defence – albeit thin on the ground – is pretty solid.
A couple more faces and Ipswich should be top-six contenders again. Mick McCarthy factor is key.
Daryl Murphy was the Championship's top scorerDaryl Murphy
Should Russell Slade splashed the cash on Daryl Murphy?
YES
NO
Key player: David McGoldrick – talismanic pre-injuries. Could come back with a bang.
Promotion: Derby, Hull, Ipswich.
Relegation: Huddersfield, Rotherham, Charlton.
Did you know: Mick McCarthy is bidding to become the first manager to win the Championship title with three different clubs (Sunderland and Wolves, previously). He has lost Championship play-off semi-finals with four different clubs (Millwall, Sunderland, Wolves and Ipswich).
Action Images / John MarshIpswich Town's manager Mick McCarthy
LEEDS (by Phil Hay, Yorkshire Evening Post)
Put an out-and-out left winger into the side and Leeds, with Chris Wood up front, should be far more dangerous than last season.
The play-offs might be asking too much but in a pretty even league I quite fancy them to finish top 10.
Key player: Chris Wood. The first goalscoring centre-forward Leeds have had since selling Luciano Becchio.
Action ImagesChris Wood
Promotion: Derby, Burnley, Middlesbrough.
Relegation: Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United.
Did you know: Manager Uwe Rosler was once interrogated by the East German Stasi.
MIDDLESBROUGH (by Philip Tallentire, Teesside Gazette)
Boro should be strong contenders for automatic promotion. The acquisition of Stewart Downing from West Ham and Espanyol’s Uruguay international Christian Stuani brings creative nous to supplement an already rock-solid defence, with the prospect of further signings to come.
Losing the play-off final at Wembley in May has only stiffened chairman Steve Gibson’s resolve to escape the Championship this time around.
Aitor Karanka blamed a lack of goals for missing out on the top two and he’s addressing that weakness.
Key player: Stewart Downing. Will bring Premier League creativity and goals to a strong team.
Chris Vaughan/CameraSportMiddlesbrough hero Stewart Downing has returned to his home town club
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Wolves (play-offs).
Relegation: Rotherham, Birmingham, Huddersfield.
Did you know: Boro attract comedians – Bob Mortimer, Patrick Monahan and Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown follow the club. Surely a coincidence and no reflection on the club?
Middlesbrough manager Aitor KarankaMiddlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
MK DONS (by Toby Lock, Milton Keynes Citizen)
Dons still need to strengthen considerably if they are to upset the applecart this season. Most teams are able to keep their best players when winning promotion, but Dons’ two best players in Will Grigg and Dele Alli have gone and replacements have yet to be found.
Expect a relegation battle and a lot of draws at home. Keeping their Championship place would be more than enough to satisfy.
Action Images / John MarshMK Dons have lost Dele Alli to Spurs
Key player: Samir Carruthers. Filled in for Alli with aplomb last season.
Promotion: Burnley, Wolves, Hull.
Relegation: MK Dons, Rotherham, Huddersfield.
Did you know: Despite being only 11-years-old, there are only five teams in the division MK Dons have never played a competitive game against: Bolton, Derby, Fulham, Middlesbrough and Reading.
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:44 am
PRESTON (Lancashire Post)
I think Preston will be happy to finish mid-table, without really being dragged into a relegation scrap at any time. The last time they were promoted to this level (2000), they went straight through to the play-off final (2001) but something similar is unlikely this time.
With one or two more signings, I’d expect mid-table.
Key player: Joe Garner, 51 goals in the last two seasons.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, MK Dons.
Did you know: PNE mascot Deepdale Duck (well, the guy inside the costume) is related to former US presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
MORE: Championship summer deals: The key moves at Cardiff City & their rivals
QUEENS PARK RANGERS (by Paul Warburton, getwestlondon.co.uk)
There is a pragmatic QPR coming to a stadium near you.
No over-the-hill foreigners looking for a last pay-day.
Joey Barton has been tweeting pictures of his warm-weather training, but might be a budget-busting signing for Vincent TanJoey Barton has left QPR
More like the lean and hungry from either the lower leagues, or the tried-and-tested (Jamie Mackie) mixed with the affordable from the continent.
Back to basics will see them top ten, at least, if not higher.
Key player: Nedum Onuoha, new captain and centre-back, and unlike Green, Fer and Austin, Onuoha, will hang around.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: Rotherham, Blackburn, Charlton.
Did you know: New hooped shirt has only two hoops on the back for first time. Apparently, it makes the number easier to read.
PA WireQPR boss Chris Ramsey
READING (by Charles Watts, getreading.co.uk)
After such a poor league season last time out, everyone at Madejski Stadium is hoping Steve Clarke can get the team challenging back towards the right end of the table.
He’s lost some key players this summer, but so far his signings have been good and there should be more to come, with two more strikers expected in before the end of the window.
I’m expecting a top-half finish, but think a play-off place will probably just be out of reach.
Key player: Garath McCleary. The one genuine flair player in this squad.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Wolves.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, Preston.
Did you know: Of Reading’s 50 Championship points last season, 20 of them came against pace-setters Norwich, Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Wolves.
ROTHERHAM (by David Beddows, Rotherham Advertiser)
Steve Evans is a top motivator and if he can get the absolute maximum from his players again then a finish towards the calmer waters of mid-table is within reach.
The Championship looks stronger this time around but despite losing three key men in Ben Pringle, Craig Morgan and Kari Arnason, Rotherham look to have improved as well.
Greg HalfordGreg Halford has joined Rotherham
The new arrivals include several with Championship experience like Danny Collins and Greg Halford from Nottingham Forest. The squad isn’t the biggest but several can play different positions.
Key player: Richie Smallwood. Rotherham need another good season from their Player of the Year. Smallwood is a steely, combative figure in the middle of the park.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Wolves, Burnley (play-offs).
Relegation: Reading, Huddersfield, MK Dons.
Did you know: Yorkshire Tea has become the club’s official tea supplier at the ground. Great news for biscuit dunkers.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (by Dominick Howson, Sheffield Star)
Wednesday have brought in multiple players from abroad, none of whom have experienced the rough and tumble of the Championship before. If they break into the top ten following a big player turnover, that should be regarded as progress.
Key player: Despite being deployed out wide, Marco Matias notched 17 goals in the Portuguese top tier last season, helping Nacional to a seventh-placed finish. His direct style of play should suit the English game.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Burnley.
Relegation: MK Dons, Bolton, Blackburn.
Did you know: Carlos Carvalhal completed his pro-licence coaching badges with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese is very good friends with Rui Faria, Mourinho’s number two, with the duo having studied at the same university together.
WOLVES (by Tim Nash, Express and Star)
After last season’s near miss when they were edged out of a play-off spot, expectations have risen again at Wolves and a top six spot minimum.
Adam Le Fondre has joined Wolves on loan
But there is anxiety among the Molineux fans as last season’s 15-goal top scorer, left winger Bakary Sako, still hasn’t been replaced and key playmaker Kevin McDonald is stalling on a new deal and is into the final year of his contract.
Key player: Benik Afobe – a Premier League player in the making – and he will surely realise his ambition this season.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, Preston.
Did you know: New £2m signing Connor Coady has already scored at Molineux – but for Huddersfield, a scorcher in a 3-1 win last season.
I think Preston will be happy to finish mid-table, without really being dragged into a relegation scrap at any time. The last time they were promoted to this level (2000), they went straight through to the play-off final (2001) but something similar is unlikely this time.
With one or two more signings, I’d expect mid-table.
Key player: Joe Garner, 51 goals in the last two seasons.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, MK Dons.
Did you know: PNE mascot Deepdale Duck (well, the guy inside the costume) is related to former US presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
MORE: Championship summer deals: The key moves at Cardiff City & their rivals
QUEENS PARK RANGERS (by Paul Warburton, getwestlondon.co.uk)
There is a pragmatic QPR coming to a stadium near you.
No over-the-hill foreigners looking for a last pay-day.
Joey Barton has been tweeting pictures of his warm-weather training, but might be a budget-busting signing for Vincent TanJoey Barton has left QPR
More like the lean and hungry from either the lower leagues, or the tried-and-tested (Jamie Mackie) mixed with the affordable from the continent.
Back to basics will see them top ten, at least, if not higher.
Key player: Nedum Onuoha, new captain and centre-back, and unlike Green, Fer and Austin, Onuoha, will hang around.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Hull.
Relegation: Rotherham, Blackburn, Charlton.
Did you know: New hooped shirt has only two hoops on the back for first time. Apparently, it makes the number easier to read.
PA WireQPR boss Chris Ramsey
READING (by Charles Watts, getreading.co.uk)
After such a poor league season last time out, everyone at Madejski Stadium is hoping Steve Clarke can get the team challenging back towards the right end of the table.
He’s lost some key players this summer, but so far his signings have been good and there should be more to come, with two more strikers expected in before the end of the window.
I’m expecting a top-half finish, but think a play-off place will probably just be out of reach.
Key player: Garath McCleary. The one genuine flair player in this squad.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Derby, Wolves.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, Preston.
Did you know: Of Reading’s 50 Championship points last season, 20 of them came against pace-setters Norwich, Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Wolves.
ROTHERHAM (by David Beddows, Rotherham Advertiser)
Steve Evans is a top motivator and if he can get the absolute maximum from his players again then a finish towards the calmer waters of mid-table is within reach.
The Championship looks stronger this time around but despite losing three key men in Ben Pringle, Craig Morgan and Kari Arnason, Rotherham look to have improved as well.
Greg HalfordGreg Halford has joined Rotherham
The new arrivals include several with Championship experience like Danny Collins and Greg Halford from Nottingham Forest. The squad isn’t the biggest but several can play different positions.
Key player: Richie Smallwood. Rotherham need another good season from their Player of the Year. Smallwood is a steely, combative figure in the middle of the park.
Promotion: Middlesbrough, Wolves, Burnley (play-offs).
Relegation: Reading, Huddersfield, MK Dons.
Did you know: Yorkshire Tea has become the club’s official tea supplier at the ground. Great news for biscuit dunkers.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (by Dominick Howson, Sheffield Star)
Wednesday have brought in multiple players from abroad, none of whom have experienced the rough and tumble of the Championship before. If they break into the top ten following a big player turnover, that should be regarded as progress.
Key player: Despite being deployed out wide, Marco Matias notched 17 goals in the Portuguese top tier last season, helping Nacional to a seventh-placed finish. His direct style of play should suit the English game.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Burnley.
Relegation: MK Dons, Bolton, Blackburn.
Did you know: Carlos Carvalhal completed his pro-licence coaching badges with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese is very good friends with Rui Faria, Mourinho’s number two, with the duo having studied at the same university together.
WOLVES (by Tim Nash, Express and Star)
After last season’s near miss when they were edged out of a play-off spot, expectations have risen again at Wolves and a top six spot minimum.
Adam Le Fondre has joined Wolves on loan
But there is anxiety among the Molineux fans as last season’s 15-goal top scorer, left winger Bakary Sako, still hasn’t been replaced and key playmaker Kevin McDonald is stalling on a new deal and is into the final year of his contract.
Key player: Benik Afobe – a Premier League player in the making – and he will surely realise his ambition this season.
Promotion: Derby, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Relegation: Rotherham, Huddersfield, Preston.
Did you know: New £2m signing Connor Coady has already scored at Molineux – but for Huddersfield, a scorcher in a 3-1 win last season.
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 10:46 am
I love it when all the self called experts do this.Just goes to show they've got no more of a clue than the average fan and I remember alot of big pundits saying Newc utd were a crisis club going nowhere a few years ago and they then went on to piss the league.Also I don't think any journo picked us when we won it acouple of seasons ago.No pressure then 
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 1:15 pm
Sneggyblubird wrote:I love it when all the self called experts do this.Just goes to show they've got no more of a clue than the average fan and I remember alot of big pundits saying Newc utd were a crisis club going nowhere a few years ago and they then went on to piss the league.Also I don't think any journo picked us when we won it acouple of seasons ago.No pressure then
Very unpredictable League, I am very negative this season and think we will do shit, so we will probably do well !!!
We've had much better squads and no team, this looks like a team but weaker squad, but I can't wait to see how it turns out.
The top three on paper right now looks certain, be we all know it won't end up with Derby, Borough and Burnley as the top three, it will be as interesting as ever.
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 3:40 pm
The bookies aren't usually far off the mark. Last time I looked, you could get 22/1 on Cardiff going up via play-offs.
Just think about hat for a moment. 24 sides in the league. 2 go up auto. That leaves 22. The chances of going up via playoffs are really small normally. 4 clubs, home-made, 2 tiers. Huge prize.
I think those odds actually flatter when you consider Al, that. If Cardiff are that unlikely to go up via playoffs, surely the odds would be 33/1 or more.
The more pundits dismiss the better. Takes the pressure off a bit.
I still, hand on heart, think another year of building is needed before the major push, but that's just me.
Just think about hat for a moment. 24 sides in the league. 2 go up auto. That leaves 22. The chances of going up via playoffs are really small normally. 4 clubs, home-made, 2 tiers. Huge prize.
I think those odds actually flatter when you consider Al, that. If Cardiff are that unlikely to go up via playoffs, surely the odds would be 33/1 or more.
The more pundits dismiss the better. Takes the pressure off a bit.
I still, hand on heart, think another year of building is needed before the major push, but that's just me.
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Thu Aug 06, 2015 3:46 pm
Woodville Willie wrote:The bookies aren't usually far off the mark. Last time I looked, you could get 22/1 on Cardiff going up via play-offs.
Just think about hat for a moment. 24 sides in the league. 2 go up auto. That leaves 22. The chances of going up via playoffs are really small normally. 4 clubs, home-away , 2 tiers. Huge prize.
I think those odds actually flatter when you consider all that. If Cardiff are that unlikely to go up via playoffs, surely the odds would be 33/1 or more.
The more pundits dismiss the better. Takes the pressure off a bit.
I still, hand on heart, think another year of building is needed before the major push, but that's just me.
Sorry! Typos galore there. Edit*
Re: " What the experts predict for Cardiff City "
Fri Aug 07, 2015 11:43 am
Sneggyblubird wrote:I love it when all the self called experts do this.Just goes to show they've got no more of a clue than the average fan and I remember alot of big pundits saying Newc utd were a crisis club going nowhere a few years ago and they then went on to piss the league.Also I don't think any journo picked us when we won it acouple of seasons ago.No pressure then
What you on? Everyone expected Newcastle to walk the league. They barely lost any of their Premier League squad.
Why would anyone expect Cardiff to go up? How many signings have been made to improve a side that finished mid table last season? Playoffs will be a stretch. If Jones and Marshall go it's going to be a long season.