The Championship season is almost upon us with Sunderland and Derby kicking the new campaign off on Friday night.
Teams have been busy adding to their squad, while trying to hold onto their leading stars but the phoney war is over with the real battle beginning.
But what has gone on behind the scenes at the west London clubs' Championship rivals?
Marc Iles of The Bolton News contacted local journalist representatives from each of the 24 clubs, with one representing two, have provided a rundown and given their three to go up as well as the three to take the plunge at the end of the season before collating the overview.
Middlesbrough were named by 22 of the 23 journalists to win promotion, with Aston Villa in second place with 17.
The third team to go up was split between Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham, with eight different journalists naming the Owls and Whites in their promoted three. Derby and Wolves were the only other teams named by more than one reporter.
Relegation was slightly more clear cut with Burton named by 18 journalists, Millwall by 14 and Barnsley by 12. Bolton and QPR were also tipped to be down at the bottom of the table by several reporters.
You can see the overview of all the teams below.
Aston Villa
Reporter name and paper: Joseph Chapman, Birmingham Mail
Ground: Villa Park
Manager: Steve Bruce
Main summer signings: John Terry, Sam Johnstone, Glenn Whelan, Ahmed Elmohamady, Chris Samba.
Main summer departures: Libor Kozak, Jordan Veretout, Carlos Sanchez, Carles Gil, Aaron Tshibola.
Fans’ expectation: In a word, promotion. That was the expectation last season, so Steve Bruce’s first full campaign in charge will be greeted with even greater levels of pressure.
He’s recruited with plenty of experience, so Villa as a whole are running out of excuses.
One to watch: If presented with an opportunity, Andre Green could have an impact this season.
Jonathan Kodjia and James Chester grabbed the headlines with their performances at either end of the pitch last season, but young winger Green has enjoyed a storming pre-season and could flourish.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Fulham, Aston Villa. Down – Millwall, Ipswich, Burton.
Barnsley FC
Reporter name and paper: Doug O’Kane, Barnsley Chronicle
Ground: Oakwell
Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
Main summer signings: Lloyd Isgrove, Ethan Pinnock, Liam Lindsay, Jason McCarthy, Joe Williams, Stevie Mallan, Cameron McGeehan, Ike Ugo
Main summer departures: Marc Roberts, Josh Scowen, Marley Watkins
Fans’ expectation: It is very hard to tell because more than half the squad are new signings and they have never played at this level before. Barnsley have had a lot of recent success with signing players from the lower leagues, but they have never had to gel together a new team in such limited time before. I think most fans would take 21st place right now, but Paul Heckingbottom has done everything right in his management career so far so they will be hoping for better than that.
One to watch: George Moncur struggled for the first half of last signing after joining from Colchester - and went on loan to Peterborough – but finished as Barnsley’s best player. An attacking midfielder who started to hit the net in April, he is expected to have a big season this time.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Villa. Down – Burton, Millwall, QPR
Birmingham City
Reporter name and paper: Joseph Chapman, Birmingham Mail
Ground: St Andrew’s
Manager: Harry Redknapp
Main summer signings: David Stockdale, Marc Roberts, Cheikh Ndoye.
Main summer departures: Andrew Shinnie, Greg Stewart, Viv Solomon-Otabor, Diego Fabbrini, Kerim Frei, Reece Brown
Fans’ expectation: While Blues fans can be forgiven for getting a bit excited with Redknapp’s recruitment so far, it could be a case of enjoying the ride this coming season. Stability at least is key after last season’s near miss with relegation.
One to watch: Che Adams burst onto the scene last season and has been the subject of interest from the Premier League.
Should they, as expected, hold onto the youngster, he could have a very promising season.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Fulham, Aston Villa. Down – Millwall, Ipswich, Burton.
Bolton Wanderers
Reporter name and paper: Marc Iles, The Bolton News
Ground: The Macron Stadium
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Main summer signings: Adam Le Fondre, Jem Karacan, Mark Little, Stephen Darby, Adam Armstrong (loan), Will Buckley, Sammy Ameobi.
Main summer departures: Jay Spearing, Lawrie Wilson, Conor Wilkinson, Dean Moxey, Mark Davies, Liam Trotter.
Fans’ expectation: Considering Bolton have been in a transfer embargo for nearly two years, last season’s promotion was a miracle. Stability on and off the pitch is desperately craved by the Wanderers faithful.
One to watch: Josh Vela – Messed around as a right-back in Bolton’s last stint in the Championship, he found his shooting boots in League One and has found a niche as a goal-getting midfielder in the Kevin Nolan mould.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Derby County and Aston Villa. Down – Millwall, Burton and Barnsley.
Brentford
Reporter name and paper: Tom Moore, GetWestLondon
Ground: Griffin Park
Manager: Dean Smith
Main summer signings: Henrik Dalsgaard, Luke Daniels, Kamo Mokotjo, Neal Maupay, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Marcondes (pre-contract)
Main summer departures: Alan McCormack and Jack Bonham.
Fans’ expectation: With the squad Brentford have at the moment, a promotion challenge is a realistic expectation for the Bees this season. The last three seasons have seen the club finish in the top 10 so that is the minimum expectation.
One to watch: Jota – If the Spanish wing wizard stays then Brentford have one of the best players in the second tier. The 26-year-old has a wand of a left foot and is capable of leaving Championship left backs in knots.
Three up, three down: Up – Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Brentford. Down – Bolton, Millwall, Burton.
Bristol City
Reporter name and paper: Gregor MacGregor – Bristol Post
Ground: Ashton Gate
Manager: Lee Johnson
Main summer signings: Eros Pisano, Famara Diedhiou, Nathan Baker, possibly a couple more to come.
Main summer departures: Mark Little, Lee Tomlin, possibly Aden Flint to come
Fans’ expectation: The fans will hoping for year on year improvement, especially given that the club has broken its transfer record this summer. Avoiding another relegation battle would be hoped for at least, though what happens before the end of the transfer window may influence that.
One to watch: Jamie Paterson. Most eyes will be drawn towards record signing, Senegal international striker Famara Diedhiou, but Paterson was in exquisite form towards the end of the season and a large reason why City climbed the table last March and April. Should be even better in 2017-18.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Birmingham, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. Down – Millwall, Bolton, Barnsley
Burton Albion
Reporter name and paper: Joshua Murray – Burton Mail
Ground: Pirelli Stadium
Manager: Nigel Clough
Main summer signings: Matty Lund, Liam Boyce, Stephen Warnock, Jake Buxton, Luke Murphy, Hope Akpan
Main summer departures: Jon McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan, Lee Williamson, Phil Edwards, Callum Reilly
Fans’ expectation: Brewers supporters know that their team upset all the odds and pre-season predictions to secure their Championship safety last term – and they’ll have to prove the doubters wrong all over again if they are to thrive again this season, given their resources in comparison to many of their second-tier rivals. If they start the season with the same quality as 12 months ago but can be more ruthless in front of goal, though, they have every chance of pushing on from 2016/17.
One to watch: Matty Lund – One of Nigel Clough’s summer signings, Lund is an energetic goalscoring midfielder in a similar mould to last season’s star man Jackson Irvine. In his first Championship campaign, the Northern Ireland international will be looking to carry on from a promising pre-season and offer a threat at both ends of the field for the Brewers alongside Irvine and a strong-looking Albion midfield
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Aston Villa, Fulham, Middlesbrough. Down – Millwall, Barnsley, Bolton
Cardiff City
Reporter name and paper: Paul Abbandonato, WalesOnline
Ground: Cardiff City Stadium
Manager: Neil Warnock
Main summer signings Neil Etheridge, Lee Camp, Callum Paterson, Loic Damour, Nathanial Mendez-Laing, Lee Tomlin, Danny Ward
Main summer departures: Peter Whittingham, Rickie Lambert
Fans’ expectation: There is a real buzz amongst Bluebirds fans that this could be their year again. The club has been divided for so many years, but with Warnock in charge everyone is pulling as one again. Warnock and Cardiff City seems a perfect fit, a sense of battling against the establishment. Watch the crowds soar in South Wales again.
One to watch Kenneth Zohore - Suddenly found his scoring boots in the second half of last season, he will have better service this time around and could challenge amongst the top Championship goal-getters. A Premier League quality centre-forward in the Championship.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Aston Villa, Cardiff, Middlesbrough. Down – Burton, Bristol City, Bolton.
Derby County
Reporter name and paper: Steve Nicholson, Derby Telegraph
Ground: Pride Park Stadium
Manager: Gary Rowett
Main summer signings: Curtis Davies, Andre Wisdom, Tom Huddlestone
Main summer departures: Will Hughes, Tom Ince, Cyrus Christie, Abdoul Camara
Fans’ expectation: Challenging for a top-six finish is what is expected. Finishing ninth last season was hugely disappointing and quite simply not good enough. Derby must improve on that and they have a manager in Gary Rowett who can spark an improvement. Fans have been encouraged by the signings although Will Hughes and Tom Ince have been sold.
One to watch: Tom Huddlestone - the holding/controlling midfielder is a key position and Huddlestone is comfortable in the role where he can showcase his composure, vision and passing range but in order for him to pull the strings Derby must get the balance right around him.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Norwich City. Down – Millwall, Barnsley, Bristol City.
Fulham
Reporter name and paper: Ryan O'Donovan, GetWestLondon
Ground: Craven Cottage
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
Main summer signings: Marcelo Djalo, Ibrahima Cisse, Tomas Kalas
Main summer departures: Scott Malone, Lasse Vigen Christensen
Fans’ expectation: Fulham fans will be hoping the club can go one better than last season and gain automatic promotion this time around.
One to watch: Tom Cairney - He's the metronome in this Fulham side an arguably one of the best midfielders in the Championship. He was instrumental last season and after signing a new contract will be looking to push on.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Derby, Fulham. Down – QPR, Burton, Barnsley
Hull City
Reporter name and paper: Will Jackson, Hull Daily Mail
Ground: The KCOM Stadium
Manager: Leonid Slutsky
Main summer signings: Ola Aina (loan), Fraizer Campbell, Kevin Stewart, Ondrej Mazuch, Michael Hector (loan)
Main summer departures: Alex Bruce, Curtis Davies, Harry Maguire, Josh Tymon, Shaun Maloney, Tom Huddlestone, Eldin Jakupovic, Ahmed Elmohamady, Andy Robertson
Fans’ expectation: Work is still to be done in the transfer market if Hull are to be considered contenders this season. With the club bitterly divided optimism amongst the fanbase is unfortunately in short supply.
One to watch: Fraizer Campbell – The striker is already a firm fans’ favourite after rejoining the club this summer after nine seasons. He will be hoping to have a similar impact this time around.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Wolves. Down – Preston, Barnsley and Burton
Ipswich Town
Reporter name and paper: Stuart Watson, East Anglian Daily Times & Ipswich Star
Ground: Portman Road
Manager: Mick McCarthy
Main summer signings: Joe Garner, Emyr Huws, Bersant Celina (loan), Dominic Iorfa (loan), Tom Adeyemi
Main summer departures: Tom Lawrence (loan expired), Christophe Berra, Brett Pitman, Jonathan Douglas.
Fans’ expectation: Few expecting more than mid-table, but increased entertainment value is demanded. It wasn’t so much last season’s 16th place finish (worst in 58 years) which grated, rather the utterly forgettable footballing fare.
One to watch: Bersant Celina – Tricky left-winger has borrowed from Man City to fill the void left by last season’s star loanee Tom Lawrence. Kosovan international can hopefully provide the star dust.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Wolves. Down – Millwall, Bristol City and Bolton.
Leeds United
Reporter name and paper: Leon Wobschall, Yorkshire Post/Evening Post
Ground: Elland Road
Manager: Thomas Christiansen
Main summer signings: Pontus Jansson, Mateusz Klich, Hadi Sacko, Felix Wiedwald, Vurnon Anita, Caleb Ekuban, Samuel Sainz, Ezgjan Alioski, Matthew Pennington.
Main summer departures: Charlie Taylor, Giuseppe Bellusci, Marco Silvestri, Luke Murphy (loan).
Fans’ expectation: Despite the shock exit of Garry Monk in late May, the glass is very much half full among Leeds followers, who have been impressed by the early work of Andrea Radrizzani in buying back Elland Road, cultivating a professional ethos and sanctioning a fair outlay on several signings. The desperate hope is that the feel-good factor can be sustained when it matters.
One to watch: Chris Wood - Leeds have made a number of signings in the attacking third, but Wood remains very much the main man. Golden Boot winner with 27 Championship goals in 2016-17 - just under half of Leeds' total of 61 league goals last term. Say no more.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Aston Villa, Derby, Fulham. Down – Ipswich, Preston, Burton.
Middlesbrough
Reporter name and paper: Philip Tallentire, Teesside Gazette
Ground: Riverside Stadium
Manager: Garry Monk
Main summer signings: Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite, Jonny Howson, Cyrus Christie, Darren Randolph, Connor Roberts (loan)
Main summer departures: Viktor Fischer, Victor Valdes, Bernardo Espinosa, Cristhian Stuani, James Husband, Antonio Barragan
Fans’ expectation: The arrival of a new manager and half a dozen new signings has lifted the mood of gloom that's been hanging around since last season's pitiful campaign and relegation. Ticket sales are strong and there's a feeling that Boro are capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge.
One to watch: All eyes will be on record signing Britt Assombalonga, who arrived with a big reputation and an impressive goals-to-games ratio. The key will be to provide him with plenty of ammo because recent Boro teams have starved their strikers of service.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Reading and Wolves. Down - Millwall, Preston and Burton.
Millwall
Reporter name and paper: Richard Cawley, South London Press
Ground: The Den
Manager: Neil Harris
Main summer signings: George Saville, Conor McLaughlin, Jed Wallace, James Meredith, Tom Elliott.
Main summer departures: Jimmy Abdou, Joe Martin, David Forde.
Fans' expectation: Millwall can't hope to match their Championship rivals in the spending stakes and a season of consolidation will be the target. Form at The Den - so hostile for the opposition - is absolutely key.
One to watch: Steve Morison - Veteran striker turns 34 in late August but still the one who makes the Lions tick. The Wembley matchwinner gives a snarl to the Lions' attacking play.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up - Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Derby. Down - Bolton, Burton, QPR.
Norwich City
Reporter name and paper: Paddy Davitt, Eastern Daily Press
Ground: Carrow Road
Head Coach: Daniel Farke
Main summer signings: Marley Watkins, Christoph Zimmermann, Harrison Reed (loan), Angus Gunn (loan), Mario Vrancic, James Husband, Marcel Franke.
Main summer departures: Jonny Howson, Graham Dorrans, John Ruddy, Seb Bassong, Youssouf Mulumbu, Kyle Lafferty.
Fans’ expectation: Norwich City finished eighth last season, which was failure given the aim was an instant return to the Premier League. A new head coach, a major turnover of players and there is renewed optimism and excitement. But those inside the club are calling for a healthy dose of realism until things gel. Pushing for the top six again should be the aim.
One to watch: Harrison Reed - .The Southampton youngster looks set for a key role as the deep-lying midfield playmaker. New head coach Farke wants a possession-based game and Reed is excellent taking the ball in confined spaces. He also loves a tackle, which will immediately endear him to the City fans.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. Down – Millwall, Burton and QPR.
Nottingham Forest
Reporter name and paper: Paul Taylor, Nottingham Post
Ground: City Ground
Manager: Mark Warburton
Main summer signings: Jason Cummings, Barrie McKay, Daryl Murphy, Adreas Bouchalakis, Tendayi Darikwa
Main summer departures: Britt Assombalonga, Damien Perquis, Jorge Grant (loaned out), Gboly Ariyibi (loaned out)
Fans’ expectation: New owners and a reasonably new manager have led to the start of a new era at the City Ground but, while there is plenty of optimism, a top half finish would be acceptable to most fans, as it would represent a step forward after five years of decline.
One to watch: Barrie McKay has only played in a handful of pre-season friendly games – but already looks like he will be a big influence either from the left side or in the number 10 role. An intelligent, exciting player.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham. Down – Barnsley, Millwall, Bolton.
Preston North End
Reporter name and paper: Dave Seddon, Lancashire Post
Ground: Deepdale
Manager: Alex Neil
Main summer signings: Declan Rudd, Josh Harrop, Sean Maguire, Kevin O'Connor, Darnell Fisher
Main summer departures: Anders Lindegaard, Jermaine Beckford, Clive Smith, Aiden McGeady (end of loan), Alex Baptiste (end of loan), Simon Makienok (end of loan) Tyias Browning (end of loan)
Fans’ expectation: The expectation is to finish higher than the last two seasons (11th place both times) and compete for the play-offs. North End briefly flirted with a play-off push last season but were always playing catch-up after a poor start.
One to watch: Sean Maguire. Preston have gone shopping in Ireland again and signed striker Maguire for £150,000. He arrives at Deepdale have scored 20 goals in the League of Ireland this season and more in the Europa League. A real livewire and one to watch once he gets to grips with the Championship.
Prediction time… Up: Derby, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough: Down: QPR, Burton, Barnsley
QPR
Reporter name and paper/site: Phil Spencer/ Get West London
Ground: Loftus Road
Manager: Ian Holloway
Main summer signings: Josh Scowen
Main summer departures: Karl Henry, Josh Bowler
Fans’ expectation: QPR fans are expecting a tough season with additions few and far between after last season's 18th place finish. A relegation battle or lower mid-table finish is the general consensus.
One to watch: Conor Washington. Hasn't hit the goal trail as hard as he would have liked since joining from Peterborough United, but certainly has the ability to be a threat if utilised properly.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday.
Down – Millwall, Barnsley and Burton Albion.
Reading
Reporter name and paper: Jonathan Low, getreading (www.getreading.co.uk)
Ground: Madejski Stadium
Manager: Jaap Stam
Main summer signings: Vito Mannone, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Pelle Clement.
Main summer departures: Ali Al-Habsi, Danny Williams, Jake Cooper.
Fans’ expectation: Expecting another good season after last year's surprising third-place finish - given the past two seasons. Squad still relatively thin (at time of writing) but the nucleus of a good team is there, so with a few additions a top-six finish once again will be the target.
One to watch: Liam Kelly. Enjoyed a breakthrough year last season under Stam and has become an influential figure in the team. Came through the club's academy and recently signed a new contract for the third time in a year.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Aston Villa. Down – Sheffield United, Barnsley, Burton Albion.
Sheffield United
Reporter name and paper: James Shield, The Star
Ground: Bramall Lane
Manager: Chris Wilder
Main summer signings: Richard Stearman, John Lundstram, Enda Stevens, Nathan Thomas, Ched Evans, George Baldock, Jamal Blackman (loan)
Main summer departures: Stefan Scougall, Marc McNulty
Fans’ expectation: The Championship's finances have changed beyond recognition since Sheffield United were last in the division but a combination of shrewd-management and momentum could see them have a Preston-esque campaign this time around.
One to watch: Samir Carruthers - Made a relatively slow start to his Sheffield United career after arriving during the January transfer window but has looked exceptional during pre-season.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Fulham. Down - Queens Park Rangers, Burton Albion, Barnsley
Sheffield Wednesday
Reporter name and paper: Dom Howson, The Star
Ground: Hillsborough
Manager: Carlos Carvalhal
Main summer signings: George Boyd
Main summer departures: Vincent Sasso, Darryl Lachman, Modou Sougou, Claude Dielna, Urby Emanuelson.
Fans’ expectation: A third successive promotion push. Having missed out on going up in the most heartbreaking of fashions, Wednesdayites will be hoping, in an ideal world, the team can avoid the play-off lottery and mount a serious top-two challenge.
One to watch: Jordan Rhodes - Has looked in good touch during pre-season. Rhodes will be hungry to prove a point after failing to make a big impact in their promotion charge last time around.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday. Down - Millwall, Bolton, Burton
Sunderland AFC
Reporter name and paper: Richard Mennear, Sunderland Echo
Ground: Stadium of Light
Manager: Simon Grayson
Main summer signings: Aiden McGeady, Tyias Browning (loan), Brendan Galloway (loan), James Vaughan, Lewis Grabban (loan), Jason Steele.
Main summer departures: Jermain Defoe, Vito Mannone, Jordan Pickford, Fabio Borini, Victor Anichebe, Jan Kirchhoff.
Fans’ expectation: I don't think Sunderland fans expect the club to storm the Championship given the huge turnover in players and financial restrictions facing the club given the £110million debt. Fans will of course want Sunderland to be challenging near the top and getting back to winning on a regular basis is the first aim, as the club looks to bounce back from relegation.
One to watch: Josh Maja, promising teenage striker is one to watch this season. The 18-year-old has been one of the standout performers in pre-season with four goals. Sunderland have added James Vaughan and Lewis Grabban with another striker to come but Maja is one to keep an eye on.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up - Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Sunderland. Down - Burton, Millwall, Bolton
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Reporter name and paper: Tim Spiers, Express & Star
Ground: Molineux
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo
Main summer signings: Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota (loan), John Ruddy, Ryan Bennett, Willy Boly (loan), Barry Douglas, Roderick Miranda, Ruben Vinagre (loan), Will Norris, Phil Ofosu-Ayeh.
Main summer departures: Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Mike Williamson, George Saville, Silvio, James Henry, Jed Wallace,
Fans’ expectation: Season ticket numbers are up and so are expectations. A top six finish is the target but that's the case for at least 15 other teams in Europe's most competitive division. After a £47m outlay in the past 12 months Wolves can't afford another season of mediocrity.
One to watch: Ruben Neves - One of three additions from Porto who've linked up with their ex-boss. A deep-lying playmaker who has been courted by some of Europe's top clubs, Neves could be the creative cog Wolves have been crying out for.
Prediction time… Three to go up, and three to go down: Up – Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham. Down – Burton, Barnsley and QPR.
Final league table
This is based on the amount of individual votes received for each club with any ties being decided on alphabetical order.
1 Middlesbrough (22)
2 Aston Villa (17)
3 Fulham (8)
4 Sheffield Wednesday (6)
5 Derby (5)
6 Sunderland (3)
7 Wolves (3)
8 Birmingham (1)
9 Brentford (1)
10 Cardiff (1)
11 Norwich (1)
12 Reading (1)
13 Hull
14 Leeds
15 Nottingham Forest
16 Sheffield United (1)
17 Ipswich (2)
18 Bristol City (3)
19 Preston (3)
20 QPR (7)
21 Bolton (10)
22 Barnsley (12)
23 Millwall (14)
24 Burton (17)
