With half the season gone, it is time to get a fair idea on how the battle for Premier League promotion is shaping up. Unlike previous years’, this season the competition is going to be tougher primarily because of the £5.14 billion deal involving Sky and BT. Big money means better competition and more business. Championship clubs have been busier than ever in the transfer market last summer trying to edge out one another for coveted players. Here we have our Championship predictions and tips.
The Championship this season boasts of 17 clubs out of 24 who have made it to the Premier league many times before and a few even winning it. It is not just the club’s brand value or pride at stake but also the desperation to make an all-out effort to enter the best league in the world. The pre-season odds favoured Middlesbrough and Derby County who are both battling for the league. Teams like Hull City, Brighton and Burnley continue their march upwards adding more fuel to the intensity of matches. With Championship always springing up surprises season after season, it may be too early to make a final call on which two teams look more likely to achieve the automatic promotion qualification. But the stage looks well set, for what could be a mouth-watering finish at the top of the table. At the half halfway mark, a top 5 category seems to have developed with at least 2 of these teams sure to make it through to the Premier League come May.
Here is our prediction on which 5 teams have the best shot of going through to the elite stage…
5. Brighton & Hove Albion
A surprising inclusion to start with, Brighton finished in the bottom half of the table last season, fighting relegation in the 20th spot. This time around they have managed a terrific turnaround in their form and currently occupy the number 4 position in the league. Brighton have lost just 3 out of their 24 games which show a massive improvement in their defensive performance. For a team that does not have any star names in their line up, it is a big achievement on how well they have kept their game together with all credit going to Chris Houghton. Manchester United starlet James Wilson who is on loan at Brighton has started well for the club, while old war horse Bobby Zamora looks to get back amongst some goals this season. For a team that has been doing well defensively, attack minded players will be the final pieces of the puzzle.
4. Burnley FC
They lasted in the premier league only for one season after they were promoted from the Championship. But nevertheless, Burnley always had the quality to get back in there with great football and good players who play well as a team. Except Danny Ings and Kieran Trippier, most of the first team names have been retained, and once again manager Sean Dyche will try his best to attain top spot in the Championship by the end of game 46. Andre Gray from Brentford was said to be an expensive purchase for £9 million but 13 goals in 20 games means he was worth every penny they paid for. With the likes of Newcastle and Swansea showing interest in the player, Burnley must not sell him at any price if they have to make it to the Premier League this season. With the goals coming and players who have the hunger to succeed, Burnley must up their game in the next few matches if they have to continue their journey upwards.
3. Derby County
One of the big spending teams of the Championship, Derby County got their act together after a forgettable early performance. With only one win in their first 5 games, the fans were clearly not impressed, especially after spending close to £20 million on new signings. The team however managed to register 9 wins in their next 12 games, thereby avoiding any embarrassment for the management that was under severe pressure, having shelled out huge amount of money for a team in the Championship. Chris Martin and Bradley Johnson have been the two exceptional players, who have carved out match winning performances over the last few games. A lot also depends on their winger Tom Ince and how crucial his involvement will be in the attacking aspect of the game. If everything does go right, Derby will be back in the Premier league after a long time. Prior to that they face a nervy FA Cup tie at home against Premier League giants Manchester United.
2. Hull City
The Hull City tigers are amongst the best bets to make a return to top flight football under Steve Bruce. The former Manchester United player has managed to hold on to his key players amidst interests from different clubs and that might well prove vital in the end. Players like Jake Livermore, Michael Dawson and Abel Hernandez will have to play anchor roles in their respective departments to bail out the tigers from tight situations. Steve Bruce’s vision and style of play has always been impressive but what they lack is consistency. For a team that has the ability and potential to knock out even the big names in Premier League, a far more responsible approach is required.
1. Middlesbrough
Having beaten Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, Middlesbrough have been on a high ever since and carried that impetus and positivity into their league games. Currently occupying the top spot in the league table, Boro have shown signs of a dominant team playing attacking and fearless football. With players like Stewart Downing, Carlos De Pena and David Nugent, the team have many leaders who can inject energy into the game at any point of time. Having conceded the least number of goals so far, the side’s defensive unit has been held together like a fortress. Cristhian Stuani has been the one amongst the goals, and Middlesbrough look certain to make it to the Premier League especially if they can maintain a good record against their rivals in the league.
Article by Sajeesh Soman of Sbat.com.