Championship 2018-2019

[footyskillz]

I'd expect Swansea to be contenders, too. They were never outclassed in the Premier League so see no reason why they should struggle massively in the division below.

Aren't they selling most of their good players? Fabainski, Ayew (Andre), Mawson all gone and what's left is pretty mediocre.

Similar to Hull last year who had huge turnover and nearly got relegated.

I expect Swansea to not contend. I saw them as often boring and towards the end of season had no fight what so ever losing matches constantly.
In some ways out if depth.
I also saw them outclassed by man city home and away  and  Liverpool away from home as well.

Swansea have made some daft managerial appointments .
It's a shame as they were a team I enjoyed watching and admired there progress.
However I don't see the manager will be so good because coming from Swedish league he needs to adapt to a higher level.

It's not even Bob Bradley standards .

Unfortunately for them the days of the football were over after Martinez Rodgers Laudrup era and were on a steady decline .

On Paul Clement and Carvajal were 2 appointments were stock was not high and were doomed.

Also found both had a charlatans feel about them that
I can't go as far to say they are false goods but neither were suitable at time of appointing after both managers recent lack of success.

I agree seeing as they will be selling players they would be similar to a Hull or Sunderland from the 3 going down .

WBA remains to be seen and good luck to big Dave . I like any team that shows some spirit however I really not fussed if they go down again of course 

Stoke are the team that would concern me  though the manager may level things up as temperament wise he's could enjoy a yellow or red card or two with the new 'management discipline' to be in place.

[footyskillz]

The Sky predictor league thing has us finishing 9th.

Would you enlighten us on the whole table .

I mean need context of where other teams would supposedly finish.
Thanks

[footyskillz]

Just listened to the Notthetop20 podcast. They had us 9th, based on how ordinary we were before grealish came back into the side, especially in terms of creativity; plus the disruption of the summer

I found it hard to disagree, tho suspect incoming players would send us a bit higher than 9th

But I am increasingly reminded of how mediocre we were before Xmas, most of the time

Still think the most likely outcome is a fairly boring season, hopefully with the emergence of some youngsters, and then hopefully a more visionary manager for next season, with some more headroom for signings and some high quality loans

But I still think sacking Bruce a week ago would have been a big risk

Sounds reasonable arguments however could you give context as similar to reply from last post.

It's interesting to know how league is seen and where all clubs would finish.

I mean would have to have the information on all 20 clubs and then they make their argument .

As there is no money or prestige involved I can suspect that a prediction of 9th and predictions of other teams would not be amazingly in depth knowledge and research more a guess work from some know how on each club. Also the window hasn't closed so signings from all teams make all the difference coming and goings.

But appreciate the post and that hearing views.

Matt Collins in context in a league with these other clubs where would you predict villa will finish . That would be as interesting to h and v as it is sharing other people's opinions

[mr underhill]

Skillz the Sky predictor thing is easy to google - I'm not reading too much into it as they had Brentford finishing third.

[Damo70]

SKY Predictor                        Bookies Odds

1 Stoke                                1 Stoke
2 Derby                                2 Boro
3 Forest                                3 WBA
4 WBA                                   4 Forest
5 Leeds                                  5 Leeds
6 Swansea                              6 Swansea
7 Villa                                     7 Villa
8 Boro                                     8 Derby
9 Preston                                 9 Brentford
10 Millwall                                10 Sheff W
11 Bristol C                               11 Norwich
12 Sheff U                                 12 Bristol C
13 Sheff W                                 !3 Preston
14 Brentford                               14 Sheff U
15 Norwich                                 15 Wigan
16 QPR                                       16 Small Heath
17 Reading                                  17 Millwall
18 Bolton                                     18 Blackburn
19 Blackburn                                19 Hull
20 Small Heath                             20 QPR
21 Wigan                                      21 Ipswich
22 Rotherham                               22 Reading
23 Ipswich                                    23 Bolton
24 Hull                                         24 Rotherham

[Mister E]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/aug/01/championship-season-preview-2018-19
Grauniad's view of the runners and riders. We are not seen as contenders.

[cdbearsfan]

We are listed under "Playoff Contenders".

[OCD]

I think that's fair with how the squad currently looks. Obviously I hope we can do some good business between now and the end of the month (when the loan window closes).

[mr underhill]

I keep telling you the Guardian is a shit rag! Also rans my arse.

[David_Nab]

It's hard to say with us currently as we have not recruited a single player and have lost players who made of the spine of the side ...as it is I think we may have enough to creep into the play-offs but no more than that.

Forrest / Stoke will be the 2 strongest sides
WBA/ Swansea should be there or there abouts
Leeds/Derby recruited well but new managers to league or in Derby's case an inexperienced manager full stop so could go either way with them

I think Shef United will be close to top 6 again

[cdbearsfan]

I keep telling you the Guardian is a shit rag! Also rans my arse.

And again, we are listed under "Playoff Contenders".

There are four clubs listed under "Title Challengers", seven, including us, mentioned under the subheading "Playoff Contenders" and four cited as being "Relegation Candidates".

There isn't even an "also rans" section, but if there was, we wouldn't be included.

Take the blinkers off, maybe?

[robbo1874]

We’ll piss it obviously 😄

[garyshawsknee]

I thought Paul McInnes write up of us seemed pretty fair.

[Axl Rose]

We just need momentum. From the off, fucking go for it. Start well, lose under 6 games all season, and we won't be far off.

[Hookeysmith]

We just need momentum. From the off, fucking go for it. Start well, lose under 6 games all season, and we won't be far off.

And then you woke up and realised Steve Bruce is still here and your dreams were shattered