Predicting the 2017/2018 Championship table
By Josh Tonti
3. Aston Villa
Key Players: CF – Jonathan Kodjia, CB – James Chester, CB – John Terry
Aston Villa, who you are probably here reading for, will finish in the play-off zone. Anything less than a top-six finish represents an unmitigated disaster for Steve Bruce and Villa ownership.
Led by an astute spine of: Sam Johnstone in net, James Chester and John Terry leading the back line, and Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak in midfield, Villa will be extremely hard to score on.
A lack of creativity in the final third and untimely injuries ultimately prevent automatic promotion. Aston Villa will have to do it the hard way.
Expect Villa to lead the league in 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws.
4. Fulham
Key Players: CM – Tom Cairney, CB – Tomas Kalas, LB – Ryan Sessegnon
Fulham have perhaps the most talented first eleven in the Championship. A relative lack of depth could prove to be the unwinding for The Cottagers.
On-loan Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas returns to partner American Tim Ream in defense. They are flanked by budding superstar, 17-year old Ryan Sessegnon at left back.
Tom Cairney scored 12 Championship goals from his center midfield position last term.
5. Derby County
Key Players: CDM – Tom Huddlestone, CB – Richard Keogh, CF – David Nugent
The Rams lost many of their best performers from last season. England youth international Will Hughes joined Watford, while Tom Ince joined Huddersfield Town.
However, the club is still filled with proven Championship performers: Ikechi Anya, Scott Carson, Darren Bent, Richard Keogh, and many others.
6. Hull City
Key Players: CB – Michael Hector, CF – Abel Hernandez, CB – Michael Dawson
Many people are sleeping on Hull, and perhaps rightfully so. Following relegation from the Premier League, Hull City saw major overhaul in the squad. Gone is Tom Huddlestone, Eldin Jakupovic, Harry Maguire, Andy Robertson, and Ahmed Elmohamady.
Virtually, the entire starting backline is gone. However, Hull acquired Chelsea defenders Michael Hector and Ola Aina on loan. With the Abel Hernandez banging in goals and Leonid Slutskiy on the touch line, Hull City squeeze into the final play-off zone.