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With the Championship season around the corner, all the LOV writers have been tasked with the yearly ritual of trying to predict how teams will fare this season.
With crazy money being exchanged, it’s looking to be a tight affair in the race to the Premier League.
So, here are my 2017/2018 Championship predictions:
Champions
I’m going to say Middlesbrough. With a new manager in Gary Monk, who did a good job at Leeds United last season, Boro should be expecting to be getting back to the top flight at the first time of asking. Add the fact they’ve spent over £40 million on new signings, including Bolton Wanderers fan Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga, and it looks inevitable that Boro should win the league.
Runners Up
Aston Villa. Steve Bruce is an expert in getting teams promoted to the Premier League, just look at the job he did at Birmingham City and Hull City. With John Terry as captain, Villa should be there or there abouts.
Play Offs
Sheffield Wednesday, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Derby County and Leeds United. All have spent reasonable amounts of money, with Wolves signing talent like Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves from Porto. I’m sure the likes of Fulham, Hull City, Norwich City and Brentford would also be up there challenging for a top six finish.
Relegated
I’m not going to say Bolton, but I’m sure we’ll struggle this season. For me, I’m going to go with Burton Albion, Queens Park Rangers and Millwall. It’s going to be as close down the bottom of the table as it will be at the top.
Where Will Bolton Wanderers Finish?
Anywhere 21st and above is good for me.
League Top Scorer
If he stays in the league, I’ll go with Leeds United striker Chris Wood. He hit 27 goals in the league last season, so there’s no reason why he can’t do it again. The likes of Britt Assombalonga and Scott Hogan will surely challenge for the golden boot.
Mad Random Event Prediction
Wolves get linked with a number high profile players and end up paying an excessive fee for a B-List star.