Predictions for the new Championship season

The 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship season kicks off on Friday and, after summer clear-outs and recruitment on and off the pitch, there is generally an air of optimism among fans.

But only a handful will launch the new campaign as genuine promotion contenders while for others, mid-table mediocrity and a fight to preserve their status in English football’s ever-increasingly competitive second tier beckons.

Here, we take a look at the likely candidates for automatic promotion, the play-offs and relegation, plus the first manager likely to depart and the leading goalscorer.

Automatic promotion

Aston Villa and Middlesbrough look the best bets for automatic promotion. Villa have made a huge statement of intent by signing former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, while boss Steve Bruce has won promotion from the Championship on four previous occasions – more than any other manager.

Villa were relegated from the Premier League in 2016 and endured a miserable start to life back in the Championship under Roberto Di Matteo, but Bruce has made clear his objective in his first full season in charge by adding Premier League quality and experience.

Of the three clubs relegated from the top flight in May, Middlesbrough appear best equipped for an immediate return. Garry Monk reminded everyone of his managerial potential at Leeds last season and his arrival as Aitor Karanka’s replacement looks a shrewd move.

Boro have flexed their substantial financial muscle in the transfer market, and the likes of Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher and Jonny Howson have boosted their bid to bounce straight back.

Play-offs

Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday are among the favourites to secure a top-six finish. Slavisa Jokanovic’s Cottagers produced a storming end to last term to overhaul Leeds and pinch the last play-off spot before misfiring in the semi-finals against Reading.

The London club have strengthened with the key signings of Marcelo Djalo, Ibrahima Cisse and Aboubakar Kamara, and their best piece of business this summer was keeping hold of Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon.

Wednesday have fallen short in the play-offs for the last two campaigns. They under-achieved last season despite finishing fourth and, if they can improve on their travels, it could be third time lucky.

Last season’s play-off finalists Reading, plus Norwich – relegated in 2016 – Derby, Leeds and outsiders Wolves could compete for the other two play-off spots.

Relegation

Burton, Bolton and Millwall face a daunting task in their bid to retain second-tier status. The Brewers defied the odds last season to survive their first campaign in the Championship, and manager Nigel Clough has recruited wisely, but it will be an even bigger achievement if the smallest club in the division can survive again.

Bolton bounced straight back to the Championship and, although boss Phil Parkinson has drafted in a string of summer signings, questions remain over their ability to compete consistently in one of the world’s most competitive divisions.

Millwall fought their way back into the second tier after a two-year absence via the play-offs last term and their fortunes also rest on summer signings who are largely unproven at this level, while talisman Steve Morison – who scored their Wembley winner in May – will be 34 later this month.

First manager to depart

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy’s position at Portman Road looks vulnerable before a ball has been kicked. The Tractor Boys, who finished last season four points above the relegation zone, were thrashed 6-1 by Charlton in their final pre-season friendly in a performance McCarthy described as “a complete shambles”.

There were calls for McCarthy to be sacked last term and, if Ipswich make a poor start, the Yorkshireman’s near-five-year tenure will be at risk.

Hull head coach Leonid Slutsky faces a tough baptism as the first Russian to manage in English football. The former Russia and CSKA Moscow coach studied the English language and culture in order to boost his bid for a job on these shores, but his best-laid plans could quickly unravel. A player exodus following the Tigers’ relegation has depleted his squad and, if their replacements fail to gel, his time in England could be short-lived.

Harry Redknapp’s commitment to Birmingham will also be tested if his side fail to improve after narrowly escaping the drop last season, while Barnsley head coach Paul Heckingbottom has spoken of his frustration as the South Yorkshire club struggle to replace key players who left during January’s transfer window.

Leading goalscorer

Chris Wood struck 27 league goals for Leeds last season to top the Championship’s scoring charts and is likely to be among the leading marksmen this time round.

His closest challengers in 2016/17 – Tammy Abraham, Dwight Gayle and Glenn Murray – will all ply their trade in the Premier League this season, but Assombalonga is fancied to push Wood close.

If Assombalonga stays fit, his £15million summer move to promotion favourites Middlesbrough could help him hit top form after three injury-hit seasons at Nottingham Forest.

Villa pair Jonathan Kodija and Scott Hogan could also be among the goals if Bruce’s side live up to their expectations, while Wednesday’s Jordan Rhodes will be desperate to put last season’s disappointing three-goal return behind him.