Battle for Premier places

Friday, 05/08/2011

Arguably the most competitive division in England is about to get underway again this weekend, as the npower Championship springs back into action this evening, with Hull City taking on newly-relegated Blackpool.

Traditionally one of the hardest divisions to get out of and also one of the most challenging to predict, it’s conceivable that at least half of the teams will have genuine aspirations of reaching the promised land of the Premier League come May.

Of the three Premier League teams to drop down to the Championship, West Ham appear the best equipped for an immediate return. Big Sam Allardcye has taken up the reins at Upton Park and made some shrewd moves in the transfer market, bringing in seasoned pros and consistent performers like Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor to supplement what is still a very talented squad.

At present, the likes of Scott Parker and Rob Green remain at the club and they are a cut above anybody else in their positions in the division, and youngsters like James Tomkins, Mark Noble, Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas are sure to relish the drop down in level.

Birmingham City have made a clever move by appointing Chris Hughton following Alex McLeish’s departure, but there are clearly problems behind the scenes at St. Andrews and that combined with numerous arrivals and departures is likely to have an unsettling effect. Marlon King will probably score goals, but losing experienced pros like Lee Bowyer, Kevin Phillips, Barry Ferguson and Ben Foster will make things tough for the Blues.

The third team to taste relegation from the big league are Blackpool and they have also lost key performers like Charlie Adam, David Vaughan and DJ Campbell, but Ian Holloway has been shrewd with the signings of Kevin Phillips and Barry Ferguson and you would expect the Tangerines to be competitive, if not challenging for promotion.

Teams likely to improve this season include Ipswich Town, who have bought well under Paul Jewell with Michael Chopra and Lee Bowyer likely to add goals to a well-organised team. Cardiff City have been busy in the market and new boss Malky Mackay will be keen to make an impact expecting Robert Earnshaw and Kenny Miller to score goals at this level.

Hull City are a good bet for a top six finish under Nigel Pearson and Middlesbrough will go well after a full pre-season with Tony Mowbray, likewise Burnley with Eddie Howe. Of the promoted sides, Southampton look best equipped for a promotion push and talented youngsters like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana are sure to step up a level.

But, the biggest challengers to West Ham United are likely to be one of the biggest spenders in the Championship; Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Leicester City. The Foxes have strengthened in all areas, bringing in both Championship and Premier League experience.

Kasper Schmeichel will add presence between the posts, Matt Mills and Sean St. Ledger will bolster the defence, as will Paul Konchesky, Lee Peltier and John Pantsil in the full-back berths. Neil Danns is a clever addition in midfield and David Nugent’s workrate and ability to hit the target should see him score between 15 and 20 goals.

Another top striker is surely on the menu for Leicester, and if they can snare that final signing they will be handily positioned to push Big Sam and his Hammers all the way.

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