Bristol City begin a new era on Saturday 9 August when they travel to face promotion hopefuls Sheffield United on the opening day of the season, in a repeat of last season’s play-off semi-final.
Well-traveled former Barnsley and New York Red Bulls boss Gerhard Struber is the man tasked with replacing Liam Manning in the Ashton Gate dugout as he looks to build on the success of the 39-year-old after his intriguing decision to swap the South West of England for a move back to his hometown in Norfolk with Norwich City.
Last season was statistically Bristol City’s best in terms of league position since returning to the second tier in 2015 and marked the club’s first genuine attempt to win promotion since Gary Johnson’s side reached the play-off final in 2008.
The Robins will have high hopes of once again being in the mix this season, but will have their work cut out amid strong competitions from relegated trio Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town as well as the usual contenders such as Sheffield United, Coventry City, West Brom and others.
There’s also plenty of intrigue surrounding Manning’s Norwich in his debut season at Carrow Road and whether Wrexham and Birmingham City after winning promotion can make it back-to-back, or even four in a row in the case of the former.
With that in mind, we take a look at the bookmakers' predicted Championship table at this stage and where Bristol City are tipped to finish in Struber’s first season in the South West.
5. Middlesbrough
Rob Edwards has replaced Michael Carrick in the Riverside dugout and is aiming to get Middlesbrough back into the top-flight for the first time since their relegation in 2017. | Getty Images
6. Coventry City
Coventry were one of the in-form teams in the second half of the season under Frank Lampard and are expected to push for promotion once again under the guidance of the Chelsea legend. | Getty Images
7. Leicester City
PSR issues, managerial uncertainty and the loss of Jamie Vardy make them a tough one to predict for the bookmakers. However, they are still likely to have one of the stronger and more experienced squads come the start of the season. | Getty Images
8. Norwich City
Former Bristol City boss Liam Manning is tasked with trying to lead Norwich City back into the Premier League and a play-off push will be the minimum target. | Getty Images