David Prutton’s opening day Championship predictions have been revealed, and as always, it’s caused a stir with supporters on social media.
The former Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Leeds, Swindon, Sheffield Wednesday and England U21 footballer who currently works as a presenter, pundit and commentator has given his thoughts on the outcome of all twelve Championship matches.
After looking at majority of his predictions, it’s found that last season he was mostly accurate and that if you put the scores he’s gone with into a table, it is was similar to the standings. See what he scores he went with below…
Watford vs Middlesbrough
Prutton said: We’re back! A new season and a fresh start in the Sky Bet Championship, although it’s not where Watford would want to be after five years in the top flight.
Middlesbrough will be happy to still be at this level after flirting with danger last season and Neil Warnock may quietly fancy his team to spring a surprise on a side that may still be a little unsettled in terms of players staying or going. I’m going to back a big away win.
Prutton predicts: 1-2
Birmingham vs Brentford
Prutton said: Another new era for Birmingham as Aitor Karanka comes in with aims of steadying the ship. No doubt the Blues’ support would take a comfortable season of mid-table and a bit of rebuilding.
Brentford, meanwhile, are favourites for promotion despite the departure of Ollie Watkins – while Said Benrahma also looks set to be on the way. Thomas Frank will want his side to start better than they did last season, but I think this will be a draw.
Prutton predicts: 1-1
Wycombe vs Rotherham
Prutton said: Welcome to the Championship, Wycombe! What a day this will be for Gareth Ainsworth and his side after their remarkable promotion last campaign.
The reward? A familiar fixture against Rotherham! Still, it presents both sides with a good opportunity of getting a first win on the board, and I think it could be the Chairboys who nick it.
Prutton predicts: 2-1
Bournemouth vs Blackburn
Prutton said: Bournemouth have it all to do again this season after five years in the Premier League. Going down and coming straight back up is not easy, particularly after a change of manager and several key departures.
Blackburn just fell short of the top six last season and Tony Mowbray will be hoping to go a bit closer this campaign. You feel they will be there or thereabouts, but I can’t see them taking anything on the opening day.
Prutton predicts: 2-1
Bristol City vs Coventry
Prutton said: After much toing and froing, Bristol City finally decided to appoint Dean Holden as their manager, now they have to back him as their man to take them that step further this season and get into the top six.
Coventry fully deserved their promotion last season despite the curtailment of the campaign, and it is great to see them back at this level after so long away. Even after so long without a competitive game, I fancy them to cause a bit of a shock here.
Prutton predicts: 0-1
QPR vs Nottingham Forest
Prutton said: QPR would have been braced for the departure of Ebere Eze, now it is up to others to step up and perform in his absence to help fire them up the table and push for a spot in the top half.
Nottingham Forest have had six weeks or so to dwell on that nightmare of a final day. Sabri Lamouchi has a big job to make sure they don’t let the hangover from that drag into this season, and an opening-day win would be a perfect pick-me-up.
Prutton predicts: 1-2
Barnsley vs Luton
The score David Prutton has predicted for this game is 1-1 (At 11/2 for those who are betting with Sky Bet). Both teams dramatically survived the drop last season. Certainly should make for a great watch.
Cardiff vs Sheffield Wednesday
The score David Prutton has predicted for this game is 2-2 (At 14/1 for those who are betting with Sky Bet). Cardiff ended up in the playoffs last season but couldn’t get to the final. Sheffield Wednesday start with -12 points, something that caused anger with fans with many suggesting they should have got it added to last season’s points total.
Derby vs Reading
The score David Prutton has predicted for this game is 1-0 Derby (At 13/2 for those who are betting with Sky Bet). Last season saw the Rams missed out on the playoffs by six points. Reading’s Mark Bowen guided the club to 14th place, but still, the club replaced him with new boss Veljko Paunović.
Huddersfield vs Norwich
The score David Prutton has predicted for this game is 1-1 (At 11/2 for those who are betting with Sky Bet). Huddersfield no longer have the Cowley brothers in charge, they departed and were replaced with Carlos Corberán who is hoping for a winning start. They face newly relegated Norwich who have managed to retain some of their promotion winning starts including Pukki.
Millwall vs Stoke
The score David Prutton has predicted for this game is 2-1 Millwall (At 17/2 for those who are betting with Sky Bet). The Lions missed out on a playoff place by two points last season under Gary Rowett. Their opponents, Stoke, climbed away from the drop zone in the second half of the season thanks t the appointment of Michael O’Neill.
Preston vs Swansea
The score David Prutton has predicted for this game is 1-0 Preston (At 6/1 for those who are betting with Sky Bet). The Lilywhites missed out on a playoff place by four points last season under Alex Neil. Their opponents, Swansea, dramatically claimed a playoff place on the final day of the season. Steve Cooper adjusted well to life in the Championship.
What do you make of David Prutton’s opening day Championship predictions? let us know for yourself by commenting HERE.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login