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So off we jolly well go again, for another season of mixed emotions and happy tears as the Championship finally gets underway this weekend. I’ve missed it, even though my football craving has been somewhat satisfied by England’s World cup exploits, nothing compares to watching the mighty Wanderers up and down the land, I’m looking forward to taking my seat at the Hawthorns and seeing how our new look squad acquit themselves this time around. Overly optimistic up to now, so here are my 2018/2019 Championship predictions:
Champions
Derby More often than not Derby have got off to a decent start only to fall away towards the end of the season. Missing out in the play offs last term, I expect them to push on and have a big season this time around. Expectations are high with Frank at the helm, but with some shrewd signings like Jack Marriott and calling in some football favours from his chums, I think they may just nick it and get to the promised land.
Runners up
Stoke Despite losing old snake hips Shaqiri, the Potters have splashed the cash and added Tom Ince for £10m and James McLean for £5m to an already decent squad. Gary Rowett has also brought in new backroom staff that have a wealth of Championship experience so I think they will bounce straight back, ironically behind Rowett’s old team, Derby.
Play-Offs
Aston Villa have found some dosh from somewhere so may be able to hang on to some of their key players and add to their squad. I expect them to be up there again with Steve Bruce staying on. West Brom have a strong squad and I’m going to say Middlesbrough will bang a few goals in to finish in the play offs also. Leeds ‘they’re a big club you know’ United, with their 138th manager in 3 seasons, may just scrape in there too.
Relegated
Rotherham United (surely), Birmingham (Redknapp’s legacy) and Reading (yawn)
Where Will Bolton Wanderers Finish?
I’m hoping for less of a struggle than last year and will be happy with a finish that shows we are making progress. I’m going to say 15th as I think that’s the best we can hope for given the money situation. Confident we will score more goals this season and turn some of the draws into wins.
League Top Scorer
Jack Marriott at Derby
Mad Random Event Prediction
Daniel Farke to get sacked at Norwich after losing the East Anglian derby, Mick McCarthy to take over and then get sent off in the reverse fixture for swearing at Norwich fans