Ollie’s Championship predictions

It could be his toughest task in football to date as we’ve asked Sky Sports Football League analyst Ian Holloway to predict the exact outcome of the Sky Bet Championship table.

Trying to keep Blackpool up in the Premier League was a doddle in comparison!

Holloway is back to spearhead our Football League analyst team for what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Championship seasons in many a year.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Norwich City – relegated from the Premier League – have joined a division brimming with illustrious football clubs, most of which have expectations of winning promotion. But only three can taste success. 

Let’s take a look at his predicted table:

1st Newcastle

They have the biggest budget, arguably the biggest fan base and the most experienced and illustrious manager ever to have graced the Championship in Rafa Benitez. It’s hard to look past them for the title.

2nd Brighton

I think Brighton will use the disappointment of last season to their advantage and get automatic promotion. They have a solid defensive unit, but also can attack you from all angles. It’s a great mix. The relationship between the manager and the board also is very stable while their recruitment policy is spot on. It’s only a matter of time until they reach the Premier League. This could be their year.

3rd Norwich

By keeping Alex Neil, who is a bright and inventive manager, it looks like Norwich are focusing on stability, which will stand them in good stead. He’ll have learned a lot last season and will get stronger. If they find a goalscorer they could easily go up automatically – I’ve seen their in for Ross McCormack, that could make the difference. He’s the best player outside the Premier League.

4th Derby County

Nigel Pearson deserves big credit for what Leicester City achieved last season – Claudio Ranieri definitely benefited from Pearson’s work. I can’t wait to see how he handles Derby County – what will the ‘Derby Way’ be under Pearson? I think the first thing he needs to look at his chairman and tell him ‘I want you to do this but don’t do that’. They have a wonderful squad of players – I think he’ll unite them to get them playing as a team.

5th Sheffield Wednesday

I can only see Wednesday spending more money and getting better. They’ll have to deal with more expectation, but I can see them growing as a football club. It was a privilege to see them progress last season. It’s amazing what togetherness can do. They could easily finish higher, but finishing fifth would be no mean feat.

6th Leeds United

These are my dark horses for the season. Well done, Mr Cellino – you’ve made your best ever signing in Garry Monk. No-one was applauding louder than me when he appointed Monk. He was a huge part of what Swansea achieved – he’ll build an …

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