Championship Predictions: Who is going up and who is going down?

With the 2018/19 Championship season kicking off this weekend and with huge sums being exchanged, its looking as if this season could be an interesting one as the big clubs and underdogs will all fight it out for places in the Premier League and Championship surrival.  

With it being one of the most unpredictable leagues in Europe, it is only right that I attempt to make some kind of prediction on how I believe the table will look come May.

 So, here are my predictions: 

Champions: Middlesbrough 

Despite only bringing two players this summer, I think Tony Pulis is the perfect man to propel Middlesbrough into the top flight.  His philosophy is perfect for the Championship and the addition of Aiden Flint only increases their chances, with the centre back scoring 35 times in 206 games for Bristol City. Despite a stuttering start to last season under Gary Monk, Pulis steadied the ship after the Christmas and secured them a play-off place. They only lost three times since March and I expect them to recreate this form next season. 

Runners up: West Brom 

The baggies have lost several key players this summer with the likes of, Ben Foster, Clauidio Yacob, Johnny Evens all leaving and now nearly Solomon Rondon. But in Darren Moore they have appointed a man who the players want to play for as his presence at the end of last season was a key factor in them nearly overturning thier relegation. I think the baggies have the understanding and what it takes to become the first club since Newcastle to go straight back into the Premier League. 

Play Offs: Brentford, Derby, Stoke City and Nottingham Forrest 

Brentford last season surprised many with the the way they played last season. I expect their key man Ollie Watkins to find his stride next season and build on his 10 goals. Brentford will be a surprise package and I expect them to reach the play offs and win it unexpectedly. 

The appointment of Frank Lampard is a big statement from Derby County. I think the ex-Chelsea midfielder will be a successful manager and with the signings of Mason Mount on loan and Jack Marriot from Peterborough I think Lampard can be the man to bring Derby to meet their expectations. 

Having just come down from the Premier League, I think Stoke will be up there challenging for a play-off place. The signings of Benik Afobe and Tom Ince, who are both proven Championship players is a statement that Gary Rowett is trying to transform Stoke into a team that can compete in the Championship. 

Nottingham Forrest have spent over £20 million on players this summer and although they have an act for over spending and then underachieving I think they might get their bang for their buck this season. The signings of Lewis Grabban and Gil Dias are two quality players who will definitely breed goals. Expect Forrest to have a bit more umph behind them under Aitor Karanka and push for a play off spot. 

Relegation: Rotherham, Ipswich and Bolton 

Rotherham were promoted by the skin of their teeth last season and will struggle in the Championship. They have made a total of five signings so far but none really stand out as players who have what it takes to play at Championship level. 

Ipswich will realise what a brilliant job Mick McCarthy did over the past six years when they find themselves struggling next season. The loss of David MCGoldrick, Adam Webster and what looks like Martyn Waghorn to Derby is a huge blow to them. New manager Paul Hurst has no championship experience and no funds at his exposal either, expect Ipswich Town to be down their next season. 

Another team destined to go down is Bolton. They survived by the skin of their teeth last season, as a 86^thand 88^thminute goals on the final day kept them up. Their financial woes are now going to have a say on their results this season as several first team players have left the club after unpaid wages and bonuses. In turn, they have signed a total of 7 players on a free which suggests that there may be a lack of chemistry in the side. 

Other Predictions: 

Im tipping QPR to also be a contender for relegation while I also believe Leeds will also be challenging for a play off spot under thier new manager, Marcelo Biesla. 

Top goal scorerer - Britt Assombalonga