Dejphon Chansiri has failed to pay players on time - leading to wholesale departures at Sheffield WednesdayDejphon Chansiri has failed to pay players on time - leading to wholesale departures at Sheffield Wednesday (Image: PA)
24. Sheffield Wednesday
Last season: 12th
Players not being paid on time and able to leave, various embargoes and an all-round terrible situation. Owner Dejphon Chansiri is ruining Sheffield Wednesday, and I’d be more worried about them finishing the season than finishing bottom of the league.
Manager Danny Röhl has moved on. Various key players have followed him out the exit door and others probably will too. Keeping Barry Bannan was key, but I can’t see anything other than a rock-bottom finish.
Preston narrowly avoided relegation to League One last seasonPreston avoided relegation to League One by just one point last season (Image: PA)
23. Preston North End
Last season: 20th
I think Paul Heckingbottom is a really good manager for the level, but I'm not sold on the squad. They finished 20th last season, just a point above the drop zone, and I don't think the group has been strengthened enough.
They have lost a fair chunk of goals in Emil Riis' departure. Michael Smith should help fill the void, but Dan Jebbison looked lost on loan at Watford last season. There's still time to add new players, but as things stand, I think they will regress.
Charlton Athletic secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offsCharlton Athletic secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs (Image: PA)
22. Charlton Athletic
Last season: 4th (League One, promoted via play-offs)
People are quite bullish on Charlton's chances of avoiding the drop, some claiming that a mid-table finish is a real possibility. I'm not totally sold. They are rock-solid, which helps at the bottom end of the Championship, and have an excellent manager for the division in Nathan Jones, but the step up in quality is significant.
They have recruited a fair few players from Luton Town and Blackpool, also adding extra attacking quality in the form of Harvey Knibbs, Isaac Olaofe and Charlie Kelman. I'm just not convinced they will cut it in the second tier. I'm not willing to put my neck on the line and say they stay up.
Oxford United avoided relegation in their first season back in the ChampionshipOxford United avoided relegation in their first season back in the Championship (Image: PA)
21. Oxford United
Last season: 17th
I ended last season feeling really quite upbeat about Oxford, but they haven't set the world alight with their transfer business. Will Lankshear on loan from Spurs is exciting, as is the big-money move for Heracles' Brian De Keersmaecker.
The biggest positive for me is Gary Rowett, who I believe is a really solid Championship manager. There's little to separate them and Charlton, but having survived last year, I'm backing the Yellows.
Stoke City have struggled since suffering relegation from the Premier LeagueStoke City have struggled since suffering relegation from the Premier League (Image: PA)
20. Stoke City
Last season: 18th
I'm not quite sure how you fix Stoke. Parachute payments gone, Premier League days a long time ago. Various managers have come and gone - they remain stuck in lower mid-table. Wouter Burger's departure is a huge blow. I'm excited to see Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas should do well, but that's it.
I'm not convinced Mark Robins is the man for the job, to be honest, and I never thought I'd say that. Without Adi Viveash as his no.2, he doesn't quite seem the same. I'm backing the Potters to struggle again.
Blackburn Rovers narrowly missed out on the play-offs in 2024/25Blackburn Rovers narrowly missed out on the play-offs in 2024/25 (Image: PA)
19. Blackburn Rovers
Last season: 7th
I'm quite down on Blackburn. Yes, they narrowly missed out on the play-offs, but that was down to the hard work of former boss John Eustace. Valerien Ismael has yet to work his magic at Ewood Park and I'm not sure that will change.
I'm not massively impressed by their signings, and they have also lost key players like Andi Weimann, Joe Rankin-Costello, Tyrhys Dolan and Callum Brittain. Under the Venkys' ownership, I don't think they will be suitably replaced.
Hull City have looked sharp in pre-seasonHull City have looked sharp in pre-season (Image: PA)
18. Hull City
Last season: 21st
Hull have had a really strong pre-season and boast a squad that looks strong on paper, although many players are yet to prove their worth in the Championship or have faced recent injury issues.
I'm expecting an improvement on last year, although it could hinge on manager Sergej Jakirovic, who has never managed in England. The instability of Acun Ilicali's ownership stops me from putting them any higher.
Bristol City fell short in last season's Championship play-offsBristol City fell short in last season's Championship play-offs (Image: PA)
17. Bristol City
Last season: 6th
Liam Manning took an average squad to the play-offs last season. He's gone, with Gerhard Struber in as Bristol City's new manager. I think he's more than fine in the Championship, but don't see him working the same miracles that Manning did.
Riis should be a good addition after signing from Preston, with Adam Randell and Radek Vitek also solid, but they haven't done anywhere near enough in the transfer market for me to put them in the top half.
Julien Stephan is managing in England for the first time in his careerJulien Stephan is managing in England for the first time in his career (Image: PA)
16. QPR
Last season: 15th
I think there's every chance that QPR have a really good season, but I'll need to see some early signs before I'm fully bought in. Julien Stephan looks like a good replacement for Marti Cifuentes, and their transfer business looks impressive.
The R's have some really strong options to play behind the no.9 - Kwame Poku stands out in particular. Keeping defender Jimmy Dunne was crucial. More depth will be required for them to push into the top half and around the play-offs.
Wrexham have secured three successive promotions to reach the ChampionshipWrexham have secured three successive promotions to reach the Championship (Image: PA)
15. Wrexham
Last season: 2nd (League One)
Understandably a lot of hype surrounding Wrexham, but the reality is that they come into the league with a pretty poor squad by Championship standards. Their season will be defined by recruitment, which has gone well so far.
Conor Coady is the big name. Lewis O'Brien and Josh Windass bring a high standard to a second-tier team, as will ex-Town promotion winner Kieffer Moore. I really like the look of Liberato Cacace and Nathan Broadhead would obviously be an excellent addition. Not sold on Phil Parkinson as a manager at this level.
Portsmouth are looking to consolidate in the Championship after a strong campaignPortsmouth are looking to consolidate in the Championship after a strong campaign (Image: PA)
14. Portsmouth
Last season: 16th
I've seen a lot people putting Portsmouth quite high up, but I'm not quite as big on them. Consistency is key - the same manager and core group of players, but I think that will only take them so far.
Their transfer business has been alright, but I wouldn't go further than that. John Swift should be a top performer, but I don't know enough about their foreign recruits to say much more. Home form, as always with Fratton Park, will be vital.
Watford will start the campaign with another new managerWatford will start the campaign with another new manager (Image: PA)
13. Watford
Last season: 14th
In my mind, Watford could be anything next season. My gut feeling is that they are more likely to be good than bad. Paulo Pezzolano seems a good fit for the Championship, and the likes of Hector Kyprianou and Nestory Irankunda should take the Hornets up a level.
The big thing for me is keeping their star players. If they end the transfer window with Imran Louza, Edo Kayembe and Giorgi Chakvetadze all at the club, they could be a threat to the top six.
It remains to be seen whether Middlesbrough keep star midfielder Hayden HackneyIt remains to be seen whether Middlesbrough keep star midfielder Hayden Hackney (Image: PA)
12. Middlesbrough
Last season: 10th
I'm not amazed by the core of their squad, which is a concern. If Hayden Hackney leaves, as expected, they will lose a key part of their midfield, and I'm not sure Middlesbrough will re-invest that money properly.
The jury is out on Rob Edwards. He did exceptionally well to take Luton into the Premier League and compete for safety, but his stock has dropped since then. Can he do it at another club?
West Brom will look to push for the play-offs once againWest Brom will look to push for the play-offs once again (Image: PA)
11. West Brom
Last season: 9th
A solid Championship squad. The likes of Josh Maja, Alex Mowatt and Tom Fellows should all perform to a high level. I'm excited to see young midfielder Isaac Price get a full season under his belt.
The depth is there, but I'm not sure on the quality of it. Is Ryan Mason the man to get the best out of them? I'm really not sure at the moment. I think he'll either be a huge success or an early managerial casualty.
Swansea City have managed to gain investment from Luka Modric and Snoop DoggSwansea City have managed to gain investment from Luka Modric and Snoop Dogg (Image: PA)
10. Swansea City
Last season: 11th
Even though I don't see Swansea making a huge jump from last season's finish, I think they will be a better team. I really like the signings of Cameron Burgess and Ethan Galbraith, while Zeidane Inoussa arrives with a big reputation in his native Sweden.
Aside from Harry Darling, most of the signings are minor. With some extra squad depth, they could definitely challenge for a play-off spot. What will Alan Sheehan be like in his first full season in charge? If he doesn't hit the ground running, the owners may look for an early change.
Derby County will aim to avoid another relegation battleDerby County will aim to avoid another relegation battle (Image: PA)
9. Derby County
Last season: 19th
I've gone for Derby in 9th but I think they could be higher. I've been really impressed by John Eustace. He's taken two fairly poor squads at Birmingham and Blackburn up and around the top six, so I could see him doing the same here.
Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Andreas Weimann should transform their goal output. Add Rhian Brewster into the mix and it's looking really good. Defensively, they look solid and will only improve. I think they will be my pick for dark horses.
Many Championship fans believe that Millwall can finally bridge the gap to the top sixMany Championship fans believe that Millwall can finally bridge the gap to the top six (Image: PA)
8. Millwall
Last season: 8th
There has been a lot of change at Millwall since the tragic passing of owner John Berylson. His son, James, has taken charge and guided the club in a different direction. Things are starting to settle after a lot of change, and I think they will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Lions have a top young striker in Mihailo Ivanovic, an excellent defender in Japhet Tanganga and a strong blend of youth and experience elsewhere. Manager Alex Neil knows the division well, but without huge investment, I can't see them cracking the top six.
Significant changes are expected on and off the pitch at Norwich CitySignificant changes are expected on and off the pitch at Norwich City (Image: PA)
7. Norwich City
Last season: 13th
New Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper has been exceptionally busy in the transfer market. Darling and Mathias Kvistgaarden look like good signings, while Mirko Topic, Pape Diallo and Jakov Medic have arrived slightly under the radar.
Yes, the departure of Borja Sainz will hurt, as will Josh Sargent's if he does leave, but I think Manning will have the Canaries over-performing, like he did with Bristol City last season.
Coventry City will hope to forget last season's play-off heartbreakCoventry City will hope to forget last season's play-off heartbreak (Image: PA)
6. Coventry City
Last season: 5th
For me, there's a very settled top six that I can't really envisage changing. Coventry are part of that. They are, once again, a side that will benefit from consistency, with Frank Lampard still in charge and very little in the way of transfer business.
Milan van Ewijk could depart, but they have already signed Kaine Kesler-Hayden in his position. Carl Rushworth should be a top-tier goalkeeper for the Championship, and key players like Ben Sheaf, Jack Rudoni and Haji Wright are currently still at the club. I can't see a major regression.
Birmingham City are the big spenders in the second tierBirmingham City are the big spenders in the second tier (Image: PA)
5. Birmingham City
Last season: 1st (League One)
They have sky-high ambitions and money to match. The expectation will be back-to-back promotions and, in the eyes of many fans, falling short will be a failure. That worries me a bit.
Their transfer business is obviously eye-catching. They came up with a strong squad, but despite their 111-point tally in League One, I think it needs major improvements to fulfil what they want to achieve. A switch in style will probably be needed to achieve that - is Chris Davies the man to pull that off?
Ruben Selles has taken charge of Sheffield UnitedRuben Selles has taken charge of Sheffield United (Image: PA)
4. Sheffield United
Last season: 3rd
I feel a bit concerned putting Sheffield United in fourth. Chris Wilder is gone, and as much as I admire Ruben Selles as a manager, this is unchartered territory for him. There will be some damaging departures, like Vinicius Souza to Wolfsburg, and most of their replacements are new to English football.
With parachute payments, I expect them to flex their muscles before the end of the window. If they can get Gustavo Hamer, Louie Barry and Callum O'Hare in the same team, they have a chance of replicating last season's 90-point campaign.
Leicester City are set to be hit with a points deductionLeicester City are set to be hit with a points deduction (Image: PA)
3. Leicester City
Last season: 18th (Premier League)
For all the talk of Leicester being a basket-case club, they still have a squad that most Championship teams could only dream of - Bilal El Khannous, Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi, etc. There's no guarantee they will all stay, but those who do will be top-level players in this division.
Marti Cifuentes is someone I think will adapt well to a promotion battle, the big concern is the possible points deduction. Given how tight their last top-two battle was, anything more than five points would be extremely damaging.
Will Still has left Ligue 1 to manage in the ChampionshipWill Still has left Ligue 1 to manage in the Championship (Image: PA)
2. Southampton
Last season: 20th (Premier League)
Will Still has finally arrived in English football. Will he be the roaring success that fans hope he will be? His CV, for a 32-year-old manager, is remarkable. He comes into a high-pressure environment with a strong squad at his disposal.
Matheus Fernandes, Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer should be among the best players in the Championship. Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs look like good additions too. Will Tyler Dibling stay or go? Regardless, the biggest issue is curing the hangover from last season's agonising relegation. I think Still will do just that.
Ipswich Town are the bookies' favourites for promotionIpswich Town are the bookies' favourites for promotion (Image: Ross Halls)
1. Ipswich Town
Last season: 19th (Premier League)
The best manager in the division, and in my eyes, the best squad. Ipswich recruited for this situation, knowing that relegation from the Premier League was a distinct possibility.
Now they have a star-studded group for the level, including the likes of Jack Clarke, Sammie Szmodics, Jaden Philogene and Jacob Greaves, who have been excellent in the second tier before.
Azor Matusiwa and Ashley Young bring real quality, as will Jens Cajuste and Chuba Akpom if they sign. Everything points towards a team that's above the level in my mind, but we all know how hard it is to get out of this division, let alone win it.