Saturday 7th August
The start of a new season often brings around optimism for many teams, with everyone thinking that finally this can be their year. The Football League kicks off today (With the exception of Norwich V Watford, played early for the evil that is) with teams up and down the land kicking off on an even slate. With the three leagues all holding credible promotion candiates, the top contenders in each league are summed up below:
The Championship
Burnley - Having been relegated from the premiership last season, Burnley hold a strong squad still and have even been able to strengthen with the additions of Iwelumo and Wallace, from Wolves and Preston respectivley. This compares favourably to the other two relegated teams who have had major cut backs already this transfer window.
Middlesbrough - Boro have spent this summer bringing in may players from north of the border, giving the nickname "McBoro". Strachan has bought in stirker kris Boyd in the hope that he can provide the goals to push them back into the premiership. His expierence of playing at the top level for Scotland, and previously Rangers should prove useful in the coming season.
League One
Southampton - Undoubtedly the runaway favourites for the title, Alan Pardew has assembled a very strong squad for this league, and without the points deduction, they should be able to push on and gain promotion back to the Championship, with key players, Rickie Lambert, and Adam Lallana playing for the Saints they should prove tough to beat on goals scored, the test will be for their defence to hold out the whole season.
Huddersfield Town - Having last season made the playoffs, Huddersfield scored a lot of goals, espically at home. Having a good strike force however is backed up at the Galpharm by a great keeper in Alex Smithies who at the age of 20 is chasing down his 100th game for his hometown club already. With Novak, Roberts and Pilkington, they can expect to score heavily again in League one this season.
League Two
I won't try to pretend I know too much about league two. League two is most certainly my weakest league in England, following teams in the other two leagues makes it a lot easier to follow and for that I apologise. If I were looking at teams to get promoted, Rotherham with Le fondre up front will be worth a shout, so long as they can hold onto him. Bradford with Peter Taylor at the helm should also be up there come the end of the season.
Of course, there is always the long shots from each division who have the outside chance of making a run and managing to gain promotion, I have guessed at two of these from what I know about the teams and divisions, if you disagree, let me know who you think have a better shot at promotion!
Championship - Bristol City & Doncaster Rovers
League One - Brighton & Charlton
League Two - Burton Albion & Aldershot
This blog running this season will hopefully provide views that other outlets don't provide and that you cannot find elsewhere. If you enjoy, dislike or just want a chat about the blog, please don't hesitate to contact me through the comments section.
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