" We can get promoted this season "

Fulham manager Kit Symons believes their Championship opener against Cardiff City on Saturday will be a meeting of two promotion contenders.

Both sides ended last season in mid-table following relegation from the Premier League the previous campaign.

But former Wales assistant manager Symons believes the two sides are candidates for promotion this time.

"That's our aim now. We're very optimistic that promotion will be the outcome," he told BBC Wales Sport.

"Cardiff certainly can be promotion contenders. I don't see why not at all."

Symons left his role as Wales assistant manager in June, having been Chris Coleman's number two since January 2012.

Former Wales and Fulham centre-back Symons initially combined the role with being Cottagers boss, but was told he had to concentrate fully on his club commitments.

The 44-year-old succeeded Felix Magath as Fulham manager on an interim basis in September 2014, taking over permanently a month later.

His aim this season is to return the London club to the Premier League.

"We've got high hopes and high expectations," he said.

"We've had some tough times in recent years but I'm very hopeful of the good times coming back."

Cardiff have signed just one senior player over the close season, bringing in striker Sammy Ameobi on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.

But Symons added: "It will be a tough one. They're a strong side and it made me smile when the fixtures came out.

"I was there a few weeks back, having a fantastic night beating Belgium [with Wales].

"All my family are from Cardiff, so I always look forward to going back."

TBH I think we will be lucky to finish mid table

Both clubs promotion contenders? He must be stoned.

I think we be challenging more than Fulham I think.

I think we be challenging more than Fulham I think.

I agree.

I think we'll be about 17th with them a place or so below us.

Each and any of the 24 clubs can be promoted or relegated this season. There is nothing in the Football Championship rules to discriminate against nor favour any.

I think we will be top six come May

I think we be challenging more than Fulham I think.

I agree.

I think we'll be about 17th with them a place or so below us.

I wouldn't say we are contenders but anything can happen in football

Of course we can be promotion contenders look at the squad we got full of quality just got to be managed right and we will be far up the table if Bournemouth and nearly Brentford did it last season I'm sure we can have a good go this season #bluebirds

I think we be challenging more than Fulham I think.

Fulham have made some good signings over the summer months and I believe that they will finish above us this season. Luckily some are injured for tomorrow.

i dont know how half you boys get up in the morning the negativity must be hanging out the back of you when you wake up, new season should bring new hope not the constant dribble we hear on here, put as much into beinng positive as you do being negative and you might enjoy life a bit more you sour bastards

Top six easy

We will probably finish just above Fulham in the bottom half...

I actually think that we can get promoted this season.

Provided Slade is out no later than the end of September and we get a proper manager in.

I think we be challenging more than Fulham I think.

Fulham have made some good signings over the summer months and I believe that they will finish above us this season. Luckily some are injured for tomorrow.

I don't think Fulham will finish above us in fact I don't think they will be a threat tbh.

I believe we can too.

The new PL TV agreement starts at the end of this season.

We absolutely MUST target promotion.

If we have a good start it would make sense for VT to put money towards more transfers by the end of the Sept window.

There is no reason to be negative, we have the resources to invest if things look on track.

Clearly if we have a bad start, then Slade could be out before end Sept and a new manager would then have the funds...

VT and Board have done a lot of good things this year, the new CEO is a significant improvement.

How many experts on here said little Bournemouth and 5 different managers in a year Watford would get promoted last season? Come on City do it against the odds like last time not like last season when we were one of the favorites with the legend Ole in charge!