The English Championship season starts this weekend. The new season of Championship football will kick off this weekend with such teams as Nottingham Forest, Birmingham and Derby. The season looks like it could be one of the best seasons in the Championship for years. The favourites for the league are Birmingham City who were relegated from the Premier League on the last day of last season.
Derby County will also be amongst the favourites to get promoted after revamping their squad. The Rams were relegated from the Premier League last season after finishing the programme with the lowest pints total in the history of the Premier League. Paul Jewell has invested heavily in the transfer market bringing in eight players. The former Wigan manager has worked wonders with the other clubs he’s been at and the Derby fans will hope he can do the same for them.
The Championship has got a reputation for being a competitive league and a league without a major financial gulf. Although some teams such as Q.P.R and Birmingham have secure financial backing. It really is difficult to choose between lots of the teams in the league. There is always a surprise package who maybe sneaks into the play offs at the end of the season. Then maybe make it into the Premier League for a big pay day.
A team that I believe could just be that surprise package is Burnley. They have spent a lot of money on some decent quality players including former Manchester United midfielder Chris Eagles for £1.25million. They have also signed a player that I think will be a future star that’s striker Martin Paterson. The young Northern Ireland striker starred for Scunthorpe last year and will hope to make an impact in a higher league.
I also think that Swansea could also be a surprise package. The Swans won League One last season and Roberto Martinez side plays a good style of football. A key signing for Swansea this season could be Striker Febien Brandy. The youngster is on loan from Manchester United. He is highly rated by United and is being allowed to go out on loan to gain some first team experience.
The teams I predict will be promoted this season are Birmingham City, Reading and Burnley to sneak into the Premier League through the play-offs. Whatever happens this season the Championship will be interesting to watch this season.