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.
21. Preston North End
Preston are tipped to narrowly avoid relegation by the finest of margins. They finished 20th last term and are expected to have another difficult season. | Getty Images
22. Charlton Athletic
League One play-off winners Charlton Athletic are expected to struggle at the wrong end of the table, but have a manager in Nathan Jones that has previously been in this position and steered Luton away from trouble. | Getty Images
23. Portsmouth
Second season syndrome is expected to effect Portsmouth next season despite a solid 16th place finish last term under manager John Mousinho. | Getty Images
24. Oxford United
Gary Rowett's Oxford United are the bookmakers favourite to be relegated back to League One in their second season at Championship level. | Getty Images