Grass Eye: August 2011

League 2

Here we go with a brand new season and my preview kicks off with a look at League 2 which welcomes new boys Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon in what promises to be a wide open league. In these previews I'll stick my neck on the line by attempting the impossible task of predicting all 4 league winners and backing up my views with cold hard cash. Crawley are many peoples tips to win promotion to League 1 mainly because of their financial clout. AFC Wimbledon may struggle at this level, manager Terry Brown admitted that his side had been 'battered' in their Carling Cup preliminary round clash which ended 3-2 to Crawley. Swindon, with their new controversial manager Paolo Di Canio are fancied by many to make an immediate return. It is little over a year since they lost in the League 1 play-off final to Millwall, since then they have nose-dived and will be hoping that Di Canio can give them a well needed boost. Perennial under-achievers Bradford City under former Huddersfield stalwart Peter Jackson are bidding to finally start their ascent and the signing of central defender Guy Branston should bolster their ranks. The well-travelled stopper has been immediately installed as captain.

Predictions

Champions - Swindon Town
Runners-up - Bradford City
3rd - Oxford United
Promoted through play-offs - Crewe Alexandra

League 1

There is a real mix of teams in League 1 this season. The two Sheffield clubs United and Wednesday will both fancy their chances as they compete in the 3rd tier of English football together for the first time in 31 years. Following on from their nightmare play-off final defeat to Peterborough, Huddersfield under Lee Clark are many peoples' tips to bounce back and clinch promotion. I'm not so sure that they have what it takes to succeed. True, they had a magnificent 27 games unbeaten run at the end of the season until their crucial game at Old Trafford but there really are so many contenders in this division. Preston under Phil Brown must be considered as well as Charlton and Scunthorpe. My team Oldham had a dramatic dip towards the end of last season falling from the play-off zone to eventually finishing 17th. I'm backing Paul Dickov to continue his good work and improve dramatically on last seasons' finish.

Predictions

Champions - Sheffield United
Runners-up - Charlton
Promoted through Play-offs - Oldham Athletic

The Championship

The relegated teams West Ham, Birmingham and Blackpool all have claims here. Blackpool have already started well, winning at Hull City on Friday night and although they have lost Charlie Adam I still feel that they can maintain a sustained challenge and buck the trend of unfancied teams fading away following relegation from the Premiership. West Ham will be strong and if they can hang onto Scott Parker will be a real force, although Chairman David Gold was on Radio 5 almost touting Parker around, claiming he was surprised that they had not received any bids for him but hoped they could keep him! Leicester City are another fancied to escape, and certainly have the money behind them to try and achieve their aim. Sven Goran Ericsson is a class act and their run at the end of last season suggests they could be up there in May. Dark horses could come in the form of Brighton at their new Amex Stadium and Nottingham Forest under Schteve Mclaren.

Predictions

Champions - West Ham
Runners-up - Blackpool
Promoted through play-offs - Nottingham Forest

And onto todays all-score bet. Both teams to score

Bristol City vs Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough vs Portsmouth
Carlisle United vs Notts County
Oldham Athletic vs Sheffield United
Rotherham United vs Oxford United

Grass Eye

Saturday, 13 August 2011

Premiership Preview

Saturday, 6 August 2011

Football League Season Preview