1. Leeds 2. Burnley ---------- 3. Luton 4. Coventry 5. Sheff Utd 6. Boro ---------- 7. Sunderland 8. Stoke 9. WBA 10. Norwich 11. Bristol City 12. Millwall 13. Oxford 14. Watford 15. Sheff Wed 16. Blackburn 17. Hull 18. Portsmouth 19. QPR 20. Preston 21. Plymouth ---------- 22. Swansea 23. Cardiff 24. Derby
https://www.efl.com/news/2023/november/24/opta-s-championship-predictions--2023-24-update/# Had the top four spot on!! The bottom four too if not for intervention (two incredibly good head coach appointments by QPR and Sheff Weds when they were otherwise adrift). Obviously the computer can’t predict interventions and a lot can change even between now and the end of the window.
Have we already had our intervention when looking at stats? Not completely sure how it works but assume it going off recent form? We were shocking but tlwe appointed a new head coach who hopefully gets a better tune out of the squad than Dodds did? Would the stats account for that I assume not?
Bottom line is...We were in relegation form at the end of last season, was just as well we had points in the bag. During the close season we have not really improved the squad significantly to suggest we can push for play-offs. We have a very talented squad and need someone to lead the line, without that I am worried slightly...with a centre forward I think with our wide players we would be a match for anyone. Also. we really don't know a thing about the new gaff. I get good vibes from him, but we don't know until the season starts. Of all the sides in the Championship I would think most pundits would have a big question mark against Sunderland...as we just don't know
The squad as it is is capable of being in and around the playoffs as it showed for the first half of last season. It’s also obviously capable of relegation form as it was in the second half. I think it mainly comes down to the head coach for me. Someone up thread mentioned momentum though and it is huge in football. I just hope the introduction of Le Bris is enough of a refresh to cut any downward momentum we had at the end of last season.
We made the Championship play-offs with virtually the same side ... ... and how can anyone make predictions with so much of the window left.
I think we've moved past that period of being seen as a wannabe prem team with a fancy stadium who need teaching a lesson, and now we're just a decent championship side. I think most other teams will see us not spending much, after having another mixed season, and will probably underrate the quality of the players we already have.
Being honest I can see why. Worst form at the seasons end, new manager that could go either way, not addressed our greatest weakness from last year player wise. Hopefully we’re in a better place when the competition heats up and we plug some holes in the next three weeks. Can’t blame people really but I’m not feeling what he is.
I think we have a decent squad with some very talented players,most of whom have good experience of this division. We know we need some fire power up front,and I think we'll struggle to reach our full potential until that's fixed. It would be nice to get our injured players back and not to suffer any more nasty,long-term injuries. We're due a season of good fortune on that front. I hope our crowd show some patience and get up behind the lads,and the new coach, for 90 minutes every game,even if we're struggling a bit to put visiting teams away. That is so important. We aren't world beaters yet and the wheels will come off from time to time.The top 7 or 8 will give us a decent chance and is where I expect us to be. Edit: Also,I hope RLB gets off to a decent start and proves to be the coach we all want to see. We surely need stability and to put the chaos of last season behind us.
I am good friends with a lass from Plymouth and she was unaware of Rooneys past, I told her to get herself in there, charge him £5,000 then we can have a holiday out of it
I don’t know about the Telegraph but Opta did (had them 2nd), Not The Top Twenty (had them 3rd), Second Tier (had them 2nd) and Gab Sutton all had them right up there too. The bookies themselves had them in the playoff mix going into the season.
In relegation form from end of last season mainly due to the dire way which we approached games tactically. Every game from February was more or less the same. Sit back and give it to Clarke. Sit deep and don’t dare go within 30 yards of the opposition goal. Just give it to Clarke and hope. This pre season I’ve seen a change. We push high, we get bodies in the box & we attack with more intent. We’re missing a proper focal point of a striker, but Mayenda is looking okay for a young lad - and I’m okay with him for a game or two. I’m cautiously optimistic for the season ahead, but I say that every year…
I don't think I could stand being Managed but Lampard,Gerrard or Rooney because the press ****in insist on putting their names before the teams they Manage. Nothing major to moan about but it boilds my piss.
