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Predicting the 2017/2018 Championship table

By Josh Tonti

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Aston Villa's new signing John Terry, manager Steve Bruce and Chairman Keith Wyness during the press conference at Villa Park on July 3, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Barrington Coombs/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Aston Villa's new signing John Terry, manager Steve Bruce and Chairman Keith Wyness during the press conference at Villa Park on July 3, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Barrington Coombs/Getty Images) /
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SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 17: The Sheffield Wednesday team look on during the penalty shoot out during the Sky Bet Championship play off semi final, second leg match between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town at Hillsborough Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 17: The Sheffield Wednesday team look on during the penalty shoot out during the Sky Bet Championship play off semi final, second leg match between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town at Hillsborough Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /

1. Sheffield Wednesday

Key Players: CF – Jordan Rhodes, LW – George Boyd, CAM – Fernando Forestieri

The Owls are my pick to win the league this year after a solid 4th-place finish last season. Wednesday narrowly missed a place in the Championship play-off final, losing to eventual winners Huddersfield Town.

The club returns most of its attacking options, including Jordan Rhodes, Fernando Forestieri, Steven Fletcher, and Gary Hooper. It even added ex-Aston Villa target George Boyd in a shrewd move to add depth to the wide areas.

Anchored by goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, Sam Hutchinson, Daniel Pudil, and others in defense, Sheffield Wednesday remains my pick.

2. Middlesbrough

Key Players: GK – Darren Randolph, CF – Britt Assombalonga, LB – George Friend

Everyone’s favorite pick to win it all this year is also one of mine to finish near the top. Middlesbrough introduced several big-money signings, led by ex-Forest striker Britt Assombalonga for £15 million. That’s a Championship league record.

Boro hold a wealth of attacking options. Danish speedster Martin Braithwaite joins from French side Toulouse. Rudy Gestede is still kicking too, following his January move away from Aston Villa, as is ex-Villan Adama Traore.

Middlesbrough, coupled with long-serving captains Grant Leadbitter and George Friend, are going back to the Premier League.

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