:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55971943/664945170.0.jpg)
The season starts on Sunday. It's been a long summer without football but I still feel like we need another fortnight of pre-season and transfer negotiation before it begins. Luckily, the transfer window closes on 31st August, not the 6th.
Here are my predictions for the season ahead.
Champions
Middlesbrough. The last time they were in the division, they had a fantastic defensive record. After spending a certain portion of their parachute payments on three impressive forwards, I expect Boro to run away with it.
Runners Up
Wolverhampton Wanderers, purely because they need to after the fortunes they've spent this summer. I don't think their splurge has ended and they're one or two players away from a title challenge.
Play Offs
So many teams could finish in a play-off spot this year. I'm going to go for Fulham, Hull, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. Harry Redknapp's Birmingham City could shock a few.
Relegated
I expect Millwall to finish bottom, with Burton Albion and Queens Park Rangers joining them in the relegation zone. I say this with everything crossed.
Where Will Bolton Wanderers Finish?
As long as we stay up, I honestly don't care. It won't be easy, but I back Parky to keep us up.
League Top Scorer
I'm going for Abel Hernandez, if Hull can keep hold of him.
Mad Random Event Prediction
Stephen Darby to score a last minute 35 yard screamer to equalise away at Sheffield United in a 3-3 draw, and to lift his shirt to reveal a vest that says "Bradford City are shit". Stuart McCall challenges him to a bare knuckle boxing match, and to get knocked out at Valley Parade in the first round in front of a sell-out crowd. The fans will leave convinced that McCall was the more attractive boxer in the 58 seconds which preceded his one punch demise.