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.
13. Millwall
Millwall finished just two points behind the play-off places last season but are expected to finish further down the table next term. | Getty Images
14. Swansea
A solid but unspectacular mid-table season is expected for Swansea with Alan Sheehan being named the club's new manager. | Getty Images
15. Bristol City
Bristol City recorded their highest league finish since 2008 last term by finishing sixth under Liam Manning. However, Gerhard Struber is yet to convince the bookmakers that he can improve on that result this time around. He faces an interesting summer of transfer activity and will hope to forge a team that can prove the doubters wrong. | Getty Images
16. Hull City
Hull City flirted with relegation throughout last season but are expected to be in a more solid mid-table position this time around. | Getty Images