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Championship Predictions

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The Championship will be as competitive as ever in 2016/17. From the 24 teams, 16 will have promotion aspirations with the remaining eight happy to be tucked safely away above the drop zone.

Trying to make sense of it all is difficult – as is predicting what will happen over the next nine months. But here goes…

AUTOMATIC PROMOTION

The three relegated teams will always be the first batch you consider for promoting. Newcastle are the obvious favourites, they have a world class manager and a good squad which has been strengthened with proven Championship talent.

Norwich have a good squad and will be expecting to mount a challenge as will Villa.

Sheffield Wednesday have gone about their transfer business quietly and will be in good stead. Brighton can never be ruled out, nor can Derby County.

There’s always a surprise package too. Blues perhaps? We can dream. Maybe Fulham, Brentford or, God forbid, Wolves.

PLAY-OFFS

Every club is capable of finishing in the top six. Some will have to punch above their weight, some will have to remain consistent and some will be expecting it.

Take a pick from any of the clubs mentioned above plus Nottingham Forest (always an unpredictable side) Cardiff, Leeds, QPR or even Wigan.

RELEGATION

Like the promotion race, the relegating scrap isn’t cut and dry. The bookmakers currently make Burton Albion, Rotherham and Barnsley their favourites for the drop. Blackburn, Preston, Blues and Huddersfield aren’t far behind.

PREDICTION

1. Newcastle
2. Sheffield Wed
3. Norwich
4. Villa
5. Brentford
6. Brighton

22 Huddersfield
23 Blackburn
24 Burton Albion

Wolves: 9th
Blues: 11th

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