The English championship – the second tier of English football kicks off Friday at the Madjeski stadium in an interesting contest against two former Chelsea colleagues. Paul Clement is in charge of Reading while Frank Lampard will be taking his managerial bow as he leads Derby County this season. Derby have enjoyed a positive pre-season including victories over Premier League clubs while Reading have failed to win in any of their six pre-season games?
What do we expect in the championship 46 match-days marathon season?
Will Stoke City, West Brom and Swansea all challenge for an immediate return to the Premier League? And will Wigan, Blackburn and Rotherham be able to continue their momentum after being promoted from League One?
Last season championship finalist Aston Villa are under new owners this seson. The NSWE, an Egyptian company will provide significant investment to the club and the new owners have kept Steve Bruce in charge for the new season. John Terry had left the club and the club will be doing everything within its power to convince Jack Grealish to stay. With Steve Bruce still in charge, Villa can be considered play-off candidate for the season again.
Nottingham Forest believe they can mount a serious promotion challenge this season and the club’s board have wasted no time in breaking their transfer record to by Joao Carvalho from Benfica for £13.2m. Aitor Karanka will expect a similar breakthrough season like Carvalho’s compatriot Ruben Neves had with Wolves last season as they push for a play-off spot this time.
Tony Pulis will face three of his former clubs during the season. West Brom, Stoke City and Bristol City are all in the championship the season. Defensive stability is the bedrock of all Pulis team; Aden Flint’s acquisition is Middlesbrough’s most important and you can understand the frustration of Bristol City’s fans seeing their 6.6ft centre half moving to Teeside which could effectively make them one of the toughest sides to break down.
There is excitement at Elland Road. El Loco has finally arrived in England. Can he take Leeds United back to the top division? We are guaranteed fascinating football if the Argentine methods work in the championship. His pacing up and down the touchline, squatting and sitting on the team’s cooling box with his coffee cup are some of the new traits The Whites can expect during games. His chaotic season with Lille is another side to Pep Guardiola’s idol but his presence means Leeds United fans can dream of the play-offs.
Frank Lampard has taken his first steps in management and appointing Jody Morris as his assistant looks well thought out. Both are using their influence in persuading Chelsea youngsters to ply their trade with the Rams. Frank is a first-timer in the business but in recent times, we have seen inexperienced campaigners take up big roles and excel. Derby County would be expected to challenge for the title.
Can Stoke City make an instant return to the Premier League? The Potters spent 10 years in the top flight until they got relegated last season and they have been preparing for life in the second tier by fortifying their squad. New manager Gary Rowett has added James McClean, Tom Ince, Benik Afobe and Nigerian international Oghenekaro Etebo to his team to accommodate key losses like Xherdan Shaqiri. Stoke have kept a significant number of their squad from last season and are one of the favorites to win the championship. Saido Berahino will be expected to find his scoring boots which has deserted him.
Swansea City have had eight manager in eight seasons; seven different managers take charge of the Swans in their seven years in the Premier League. The Welsh club would be expecting Graham Potter to work his wonders at the Liberty stadium just like he did with Swedish side Ostersund, taking them from the fourth division to the top flight and winning their first major trophy in 2017. The 43-year-old English coach has a huge challenge before him; Swansea have lost key players – Lukasz Fabianski, Ki Sung-yueng and Andre Ayew have all departed with no major arrival in sight. Potter will be required to work his magic if the Swans are to return to the top flight immediately.
Darren Moore was handed the West Brom job when relegation from the Premier League was inevitable but the former Baggies player did an excellent job in keeping them alive as long as possible. He has been given the opportunity to build on the work he started last season with instant return to the Premier League as the target.
The 2018/19 championship season is anticipated to be one of the toughest to predict. The expectation from several club chairmen at the moment is high.
Don’t miss out in the fun. We have 552 games in English second tier for you. Visit babaijebu.ng predict and win big. Reading take on Derby County on Friday 03 August 2018.