Looking at these first few results, obviously it's very early, is anybody starting to eye up who's going to be challenging at the top this year. It's very difficult as loads of teams are putting in a mixture of results and performances and it's looking as though it's going to be a close run thing. Closer than it's ever been. Obviously picking outright contenders now is sort of a lottery guess but teams such as us, 'Uddersfield, Blackburn, Leicester, Blackpool, Cardiff, Florist, Brighton etc etc look as though they're going to make it very challenging up top. I honestly don't think L**ds will be up amongst it too long and if they do it'll be brief spells. Palace also look as though they've turned the tempo on. There's still of course Bolton and Wolves still to find their feet too. P.S. Does anybody have extended highlights of the Leeds game at Elland Road, the SkySports ones don't show everything and the only video I can find on Youtube is the reaction: [video=youtube;DziZc0z-gQ8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DziZc0z-gQ8[/video]
Super Tiger, I like how you specifically single out leeds united as a non-contender but with the amount of injured players returning over the next few weeks (except probably the most important, McCormack) we will be stronger than before. Also we have had quite a tough start and not done too badly. We've been told that the takeover/investment will be completed by the next TW so if we are still there or thereabouts come january I'll be pleased and think we can push on. Although saying that I think Brighton will drop off considerably and if Blackburn decide to sack Kean, while hes a **** manager it'll still cause unrest and I'd expect them to drop off as well in all honesty. Its tough to say at this stage with Huddersfield, I expect them to concede to many goals for auto but challenge for top 6
I think we'll be definitely up there, I can't see Leeds being involved and I think Leicester might be. The likes of Wolves and Bolton are anyone's guess, teams like Forest and Palace I just cant see making it because theyve been treading water so long you just dont expect them to get any better. Does that make sense? The promoted teams are always unpredictable but they usually rely on a good start so Charlton and Wednesday seem unlikely to threaten at this point.
Agree with our Leeds friend about Brighton - I can't really see why they are doing so well to be honest so I expect them to drop off like last year. Also I think Blackpool have a very strong side on paper and thery've been steadily getting better for a while, so I expect them to be up there.
I would be surprised if Leicester didnt finish top 6 but I would be even more surprised if Leeds finished top 10.
Prepare to be surprised Whether we make the play-offs or not is a different matter but I can see us being top 10
Brighton will finish top 6 IMO. Have you seen the players they have brought in? The two best fullbacks in the league plus other quality signings. They have the money to sign a big name in January too. The AMEX was full with over 27,000 fans. They will finish higher than last season.
I think Brighton are dead Certs for the top 6. We beat them in the first game of the season, but I was really impressed with them. One of the best sides I've seen visit the KC recently. Had they had better shooting boots on they'd have left the KC with 3 points, they certainly had the chances.
Lets wait until the end of October and then take the championship league table a bit more seriously. At the moment its just a bit of fun.
The school of thought has it that until everyone has played each other at least once then the league table does indeed lie. For me it gets very serious after the New Year games have been played.
OK. But,,In other words after the New Year games every team has played each other at least once and then you have a true reflection of who is doing what. In saying that, Look @ Hull City's league position at the end of January 2008 and we all know what followed from there ?
There are always teams who are the exceptions and come with a late run. I accept that. But there has been so much hissy fitting over our loss to Lesta on sunday. Hence why its far to early to read much into the current league table. Win a game you move up many places and lose and you can drop down alot. Lesta this time last week were just above the bottom 3 now they are just below the top 6. Huddersfield jumped from 8th to 2nd after last nights win. No doubt come the next international break many teams will have played musical chairs yet again. With the exception of Peterboro of course.
Thats why i try and tell you to keep your feet on the ground when we win but you get all excited and think we are going to walk the league
To be honest I've not seen much "hissy fitting" about the defeat. Most people seem to be pragmatic in saying that it was just one of those days?
T'was so. We were researched well and the flaws of our formation were picked out and exploited. A straightforward defeat, nothing to worry about.