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Was going to suggest a top 6/bottom 3 prediction thread, but having looked at the table, I really can't predict what I think this season will turn out like.
Other than the relegated sides, there are no outstanding other teams in the division. Of the sides that finished in the playoffs last season, Boro have lost Archer and Ramsey, Coventry have lost Gyokeres, Doyle and look set to lose Hamer, and Sunderland have lost Diallo (although admittedly Ross Stewart should return). I think all three will be there or there abouts again, but they are all weaker.
Of the teams that pushed for the playoffs and missed out, Blackburn look to have been decimated, and Watford, Norwich and us still have problems in the squad, only Millwall have strengthened further IMO.
The interesting part of the table for me is the number of sides that finished in the bottom half that have improved this season. Blues, Bristol City, Hull, Cardiff, Stoke have all improved substantially, and Ipswich will be a very interesting newly promoted side, no reason why they can't do what Sunderland did.
IF we can just sold the gaps in our XI (a striker and a CB) I think Carlos should have enough to make the top 6, I can't see 6 better sides really... but this season will be tougher IMO. THere are far fewer crap sides.
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A predictions fred with no predictions. Ffs sakes mon.
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(08-03-2023, 12:36 PM)SW4Baggie Wrote: Was going to suggest a top 6/bottom 3 prediction thread, but having looked at the table, I really can't predict what I think this season will turn out like.
Other than the relegated sides, there are no outstanding other teams in the division. Of the sides that finished in the playoffs last season, Boro have lost Archer and Ramsey, Coventry have lost Gyokeres, Doyle and look set to lose Hamer, and Sunderland have lost Diallo (although admittedly Ross Stewart should return). I think all three will be there or there abouts again, but they are all weaker.
Of the teams that pushed for the playoffs and missed out, Blackburn look to have been decimated, and Watford, Norwich and us still have problems in the squad, only Millwall have strengthened further IMO.
The interesting part of the table for me is the number of sides that finished in the bottom half that have improved this season. Blues, Bristol City, Hull, Cardiff, Stoke have all improved substantially, and Ipswich will be a very interesting newly promoted side, no reason why they can't do what Sunderland did.
IF we can just sold the gaps in our XI (a striker and a CB) I think Carlos should have enough to make the top 6, I can't see 6 better sides really... but this season will be tougher IMO. THere are far fewer crap sides.
Agreed about those 2 positions being the priority. On top of that competition for Swift and Furlong would be good.
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(08-03-2023, 12:40 PM)MrFizz Wrote: A predictions fred with no predictions. Ffs sakes mon.
Top 6:
Based on the squads and transfer activity so far...
Leicester
Southampton
Coventry
Leeds
Sunderland
Millwall
But there's 10 other sides I could make a case for being in the top 6.
Bottom 3:
QPR
Rotherham
Sheff Wed
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The relegated teams stand out (on paper at least) as being far and away the strongest sides in the division, however, having all lost players and with new management you do wonder if they will have any teething troubles at this level.
As for the rest of the division, there's not a huge amount to choose between the majority of the teams. We're certainly capable of finishing in the top 6, however, I could see it being a season where factors such as injuries, confidence and a bit of luck play a big part.
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(08-03-2023, 12:53 PM)Man from delmonte Wrote: The relegated teams stand out (on paper at least) as being far and away the strongest sides in the division, however, having all lost players and with new management you do wonder if they will have any teething troubles at this level.
As for the rest of the division, there's not a huge amount to choose between the majority of the teams. We're certainly capable of finishing in the top 6, however, I could see it being a season where factors such as injuries, confidence and a bit of luck play a big part.
There are probably 15 teams all very much of a muchness... I know it's always similar in the Championship, but this year feels even more congested than ever.
Expect there to be a lot of draws, and another season of 2 wins taking you into the top 6 and two defeats taking you to 15th.
The difference will be the ability to grind out a win, have somebody capable of winning a game with some magic, and having a manager who knows what to do to win games. Really hope Sarmiento can be that difference maker as we still look like a side that will find it much tougher to score goals than many others, and I'm not confident in any of our current CB combinations being able to stand up to a 20minute bombardment and cling onto a 1-0 away win.
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That "data analyst" predictor has us to finish sixth. That's f****d that, then.
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I think there'll be a lot of competition this year. Obviously the relegated sides look strong and although that doesn't always work out, I reckon these 3 should do well. Then there's the likes of Millwall and Swansea plus dark horses such as Blues and Stoke. The only positives for us is the fact we have no expectancy to burden us. Plus, in CC we trust.
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