The beginning of the new Championship season on 9 August is fast approaching, bringing with it a fresh sense of optimism, anticipation and excitement for fans across the country.
Nobody knows quite what to expect heading into the new campaign, particularly those who support Bristol City, who are preparing for a new era at Ashton Gate with Gerhard Struber replacing popular boss Liam Manning in the dugout.
Manning led Bristol City to a sixth place finish in his one and only full season with the club, marking the team’s best league campaign in the second tier since reaching the play-off final in 2007/08.
They’ll hope to go one step further with Struber at the helm but are more than aware of the huge task in front of them, with the likes of Ipswich Town, Southampton and Leicester City looking to bounce back to the big time after relegation last year and a big summer of transfer activity.
There’s also likely to be big competition from League One winners Birmingham City, fellow promoted side Wrexham and of course many of the usual suspects such as Sheffield United, Coventry and West Brom.
With that in mind, we take a look at the latest Championship predicted table from the bookmakers at SkyBet and how they see things panning out. Starting from the bottom of the division and building our way up to the top.
5. Portsmouth
Portsmouth avoided relegation after a calimitous start to last season but know they can't afford to start the season in such poor form this time around. | Getty Images
6. QPR
QPR have replaced Marti Cifuentes with Julien Stéphan. The Frenchman, who previously led Rennes to a domestic cup triumph in 2018, is expected to lead his new side to safety in his first season. | Getty Images
7. Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers finished eighth last term but are expected to have a much more challenging campaign this time around, according to the bookies. | Getty Images
8. Hull City
Hull City are expected to avoid relegation under new manager Sergej Jakirović. | Getty Images