The English Soccer Championship League Contenders

Promotion 2008/09



The Contenders:



Wolverhampton Wanderers
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! With just one win in their last nine games, Wolves are officially in @panic mode@! Just to put that in prospective, their last away win was on December 20th at Doncaster Rovers (W 1-0).  With their only other win since, being at home to struggling Watford.

The run-in: The good news is that apart from this Sunday’s home game with Cardiff City and an away game at Birmingham City, they have no other games against the other top teams.  It’s going to be a wild ride, for sure, with Sunday’s result a crucial one. 

My predicted finish – 2nd 


Birmingham City

Birmingham’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, was the first time that they had scored more than one goal in a game since beaten Watford 3-2 on December 6th.  Alex McLeish must be worried about this serious lack of firepower.  Kevin Phillips has been a success with 13 goals to date.  However, unless he can get more help from the supporting cast of strikers, Birmingham may ultimately fall short this season.

The run-in: Stand-out fixtures are away at both Sheffield United and Reading.  With a home game with Wolves to boot!  I’m not 100% convinced the locals are believers to be honest.

My predicted finish – 4th


Reading

If you take out Reading’s 4-0 win over poor old Watford, they have only scored 3 goals in their last 6 games.  Where Reading differ from the others though, is that they do have a good defense which will squeeze out points over the next couple of months.  They also seem to have the calm heads required for the big games to come.  Experience is vital and Reading has the edge in this department.

The run-in: Bristol City at home this Saturday should be a cracker.  After that, apart from a home game against Sheffield United, it’s relatively without trouble!

My predicted finish – 1st Champions!


Preston North End

Preston’s away form has obviously been a major problem (only 3 wins, so far).  Not having an even near prolific goalscorer (Neil Mellor has 7) is also hurting them.  To be fair though, they have had some very tough games over the last 5-6 weeks or so and came through them quite well.  A win at Wolves and a draw at Reading bode well, but it does look as though it will be home form that will be their best bet as the season draws to a close.    

The run-in: Two games in April that catch the eye.  On April 18th, Cardiff City at home and then on April 25th, Birmingham City away.

My predicted finish – Outside of the top 6!


Cardiff City

Unbeaten in the Championship since November 22nd (Plymouth Argyle (A    ) L 1-2)!  That says it all really.  It’s an amazing run, but the big question is, how will the recent 4-0 drubbing at Arsenal affect them?  It would be a genuine shame if this meaningless result conspires to ruin their confidence as they have been outstanding recently.  A team full of goals and only four defeats all season.

The run-in: With three of their last four games away from Ninian Park, Cardiff may have to get the edge they need now, sooner rather than later.  Back-to-back home games against Sheffield United and Swansea will also be key.

My predicted finish – 3rd


Sheffield United

Losing James Beattie has hurt the Blades!  Their last two home games have also done nothing to inspire confidence, Doncaster Rovers (L 0-1) and the disaster of all disasters, Sheffield Wednesday (L 1-2).  Now lagging well behind the serious contenders with only 7 home wins, surely this won’t be their season.

The run-in: Birmingham, Cardiff, Reading and Burnley all to come, away from home!

My predicted finish – Outside of the top 6!


Burnley

Five league defeats in a row, which started on Boxing Day has completely drained Burnley.  However, such is the point leakage in the Championship, they are still in contention.

The run-in: An easier run-in than most, apart from a mid-April trip to Cardiff City.

My predicted finish – 5th


Swansea City

The outrageous run of consecutive draws (eight) have left Swansea off the pace, to be sure.  I still believe that a team that plays the way they do can make the playoffs.  The players seem to be having fun and that can only help!  

The run-in: Cardiff City and Sheffield United, both away, still to come.

My predicted finish – 6th


Akhenaten