The 2021/22 season is just around the corner, and with that in mind, we look to FourFourTwo who predicts the Championship table.
We turn our attention to the second flight division, and as always, it causes plenty of reaction and debates on social media.
You can order your copy of the FourFourTwo magazine, including the much loved season preview magazine by clicking HERE.
Have a look at who they thought would finish from 24th to 1st below, some will surprise, others not so…
24) DERBY
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Rams to finish in 24th place (relegated) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: The Rams need fresh investment before they can avoid relegation, let alone move forward, In the meantime, Wayne Rooney must hope a cluster of talented kids cab pad out of a wafer-thin squad in what could be a very difficult campaign. This may get messy.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Derby County would end up finishing 4th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in a rubbish 21st place, fair to say FourFourTwo got this completely wrong!
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that Rams would finish 7th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 10th.
23) PETERBOROUGH
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Posh to finish in 23rd place (relegated) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Posh went up with a close-knit, settled XI but could be stretched in an injury crisis. Boss Darren Ferguson will hope to get by with some versatile operators and formational flexibility, but staying up will be tough – even with new midfield technician Jorge Grant.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough United will end up finishing 2nd and promoted from League One for the 2020/21 season.
The club went on to finish in in 2nd place and secured promotion to the Championship. Meaning the magazine had them spot on.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Posh would finish 4th in League One, instead, they finished in 7th place.
22) HUDDERSFIELD
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Terriers to finish in 22nd place (relegated) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Last season was another tough one for Town, who were crippled by injuries. Recruitment was crucial to avoid another struggle – but do no-nonsense defender Matty Pearson and predator Jordan Rhodes really fit into the fluid style outlined last summer?
FourFourTwo have predicted that Carlos Corberan’s Huddersfield Town would end up finishing 15th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in a bleak 20th place, five places below the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Terriers would finish 11th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 18th.
21) BRISTOL CITY
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Robins to finish in 21st place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Nigel Pearson was unable to halt City’s slide, so after departures on and off the field, the former Leicester chief is tasked with leading a cultural reset. Signing gifted centre-back Rob Atkinson from Oxford heps, but it could be a long season for the Robins.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Bristol City would end up finishing 16th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 19th place, a few places down from the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Robins would finish 5th and in the Championship playoffs, instead, they ended up finishing 12th.
20) HULL
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Tigers to finish in 20th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Grant McCann returns to this level with a rather large point to prove, while deserved first tastes of the second tier are in store for keeper Nathan Baxter, stylish stopper Jacob Greaves and midfield dynamo Greg Docherty. Survival is definitely achievable.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Grant McCann’s Hull City will end up finishing 14th in the League One table for the 2020/21 season.
The club went on to finish in 1st place, earning promotion to the Championship. Meaning the magazine had them to finish much lower than their final position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Tigers would finish 16th in the Championship table, instead, they finished 24th and relegated.
19) PRESTON
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Lilywhites to finish in 19th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Playoff outsiders not long ago, North End risk regression. Liam Lindsay and Sepp van den Berg rejoin to add defensive quality, while playmaker Ben Whiteman could relish his first full season – but the Lilywhites’ top attacking performers are getting on now.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Preston North End would end up finishing 7th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 13th, lower than the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Lilywhites would finish 12th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 9th.
18) BIRMINGHAM
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Blues to finish in 18th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: With popular head coach Lee Bowyer transforming fortunes, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Harlee Dean back their best, scorned CEO Xuandong Ren gone and more transparency, things feel different. After several relegation fights, though, safety is the aim.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Birmingham City would end up finishing 17th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 18th place, just one down from the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Blues would finish 23rd and relegated from the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 20th.
17) BLACKPOOL
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Tangerines to finish in 17th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Neil Critchley has clearly learned from Jurgen Klopp: his side press with intelligence, tenacity and courage, making them devilishly awkward to face. Striker Shayne Lavery arrives with some glowing reviews from Northern Ireland and fits their strategy perfectly.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Neil Critchley’s Blackpool will end up finishing 6th in the League One table for the 2020/21 season.
The club went on to finish in 3rd place, and won promotion via the playoffs. Meaning the magazine had them to finish much lower than their final position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Tangerines would finish 13th, and that is exactly where they ended up.
16) COVENTRY
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Sky Blues to finish in 16th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Despite their Ricoh return, Cov’s squad doesn’t look significantly stranger than the one that spent much of last season dicing with the drop. Another finish around lower-mid-table is achievable, however, thanks to manager Mark Robins’ tactical reliability.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Mark Robins’ Coventry City would end up finishing 21st in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 16th place, higher than the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Sky Blues would finish 8th in League One, instead, they ended up in 1st place (based on PPG).
15) BLACKBURN
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Rovers to finish in 15th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FTT VERDICT: Unable to deliver a playoff push last season, Tony Mowbray has come under scrutiny even with the previous credit of three progressive seasons in the bank. It’s hard to see improvement, although Harry Pickering looks a shrewd pick-up from Crewe.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn would end up finishing 12th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 15th place, a few places below the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that Rovers would finish 13th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 11th.
14) LUTON
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Hatters to finish in 14th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: The Hatters boast an excellent manager in Nathan Jones, who has evolved his squad by adding experienced pros Henri Lansbury and Cameron Jerome. Talented forward Carlos Mendes Gomes could set set the Championship alight… even if Luton don’t quite.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Nathan Jones’s Luton Town would end up finishing 20th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 12th place, higher than the magazine’s prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Hatters would finish 19th in the Championship, and that is one of two they got correct.
13) QPR
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the R’s to finish in 13th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Long haunted by their previous overspending, QPR are turning the page, sensible work upstairs made a permanent deal possible for legendary poacher Charlie Austin. The Rs remain a wok in progress though a playoff tilt may have ti wait another year.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Mark Warburton’s Queens Park Rangers would end up finishing 14th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in a decent 9th, higher than the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the R’s would finish 22nd and relegated from the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 13th.
12) CARDIFF
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Welsh outfit to finish in 12th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Equally capable of fortuitous winning streaks as undeserved losing runs, Cardiff’s true value last term was unclear. Whether the Bluebirds can dodge those slumps this time may hinge on whether Crewe’s Ryan Wintle brings much-needed creativity.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Cardiff City would end up finishing 6th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 8th place, not too far off the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that Bluebirds would finish 3rd in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 5th.
11) MIDDLESBROUGH
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Boro to finish in 11th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Neil Warnock’s hope that Uche Ikpeazu, impressive at Wycombe, can be the focal point his side missed last season in their quest for a playoff place. Boro may fall short, though, despite the best efforts of Paddy McNair, Anfernee Dijksteel and Duncan Watmore.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough would end up finishing 13th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 10th place, three places higher than the magazine’s position prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Boro would finish 9th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 17th.
10) STOKE
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted Stoke City to finish in 10th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: The Potters have been forced to scale back financially. But with smart freebies like Mario Vrancic, ending their season of splurges doesn’t have to result in ambition taking a hit – especially if injured frontman Tyrese Campbell can replicate his excellence when fit.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Michael O’Neill’s Stoke City would end up finishing 9th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 14th, a fair few places below the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that Potters would finish 6th and in the Championship playoffs, instead, they ended up finishing 15th.
9) MILLWALL
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the the Lions to finish in 9th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: After successive top half finishes, the Lions are aiming to go one step further. Daniel Ballard adds to a formidable defensive unit, but it remains to be seen whether striker Benik Afobe can elevate the solid outsiders into becoming serious playoff contenders.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Gary Rowett’s Millwall would end up finishing 8th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 11th, just three places below the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Lions would finish 24th and relegated from the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 8th.
8) NOTT’M FOREST
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Forest to finish in 8th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: After forest stabalised the ship by dominating bottom 10 sides last season, Chris Hughton must find a formula to beat the division’s stronger opposition if he wanted to make a mark much higher up. Trusting nippy up-and-comers like Alex Mighten could be vital.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Nottingham Forest would end up finishing 5th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 17th place, much lower than the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that Reds would finish 14th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 7th.
7) WEST BROM
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Baggies to finish in 7th place for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Valerien Ismael inherited a squad that had one player under 24 with senior experience: defender Dara O’Shea. Even allowing for excellent late recruitment and youth stepping up, the task of replicating an extreme high pres is arduous. Expect a sticky start.
FourFourTwo predicted that West Bromwich Albion will end up finishing 20th in the Premier League table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the West Midlands outfit finished 19th, and were relegated, with Sam Allardyce in charge rather than with Slaven Bilic who was axed during the season.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Baggies would finish 1st in the Championship, instead, they finished 2nd and promoted.
6) BARNSLEY
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Tykes to finish in 6th place (champions) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Aside from losing boss Valeren Ismael and Alex Mowatt to West Brom, Barnsley have largely retained the personnel who got them into the playoffs. With that, there’s no reason why relentless Reds can’t repeat their heroics under Markus Schopp.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Barnsley would end up finishing 18th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in an impressive 5th place, getting a playoff place but lost to Swansea. Much higher than the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Tykes would finish 20th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 21st.
5) SWANSEA
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Swans to finish in 5th place (playoffs) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Having delivered successive playoff finishes with a superbly organised side, Steve Cooper arguably deserves more credit. The question is how much his team relied on Andre Ayew – one that will be answered, now the Ghanaian has departed.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Steve Cooper’s Swansea City would end up finishing 10th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 4th place, losing to Brentford in the playoff final. Much lower than the prediction by FourFourTwo.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that Swans would finish 15th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 6th and getting a playoff place, before losing to Brentford in the semi finals.
4) READING
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Royals to finish in 4th place (playoffs) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Reading’s task is a simple one, replace left back Omar Richards and creator Michael Olise to add depth, especially at the sharp end. A transfer embargo makes that tougher for manager Veljko Paunovic, but the Serb can improve in a strong debut year.
FourFourTwo have predicted that Veljko Paunovic’s Reading side would end up finishing 19th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 7th place, just missing out on the playoffs. Much higher than the prediction.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Royals would finish 20th in the Championship, instead, they ended up finishing 14th.
3) BOURNEMOUTH
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Cherries to finish in 3rd place (playoffs) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Languid individualism was good enough to keep Bournemouth in the mix last season, but it’s not a reliable template. Scott Parker, who may see shades of his old self in midfielder Ben Pearson, must turn the enigmatic Cherries into automatic contenders.
FourFourTwo have predicted that AFC Bournemouth would end up finishing 11th in the Championship table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the club finished in 6th place, losing in the playoffs to Brentford. Much higher than the predicted position.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Cherries would finish 15th in the Premier League, instead, they ended up finishing 18th and relegated.
2) FULHAM
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Cottagers to finish in 2nd place (promoted) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Fulham boast a squad packed full of Championship quality including a healthy mix of proven promotion winners and quick, energetic operators who should suit new boss Marco Silva’s styLe. The Whites will be confident of an instant return to the top flight.
FourFourTwo predicted that Scott Parker’s Fulham will end up finishing 19th in the Premier League table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, they were accurate in guessing they would be relegated again. They finished in 18th place.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Cottagers would finish 4th in the Championship, instead, they indeed finished in that position and promoted via a playoff final win against Brentford.
1) SHEFFIELD UTD
The FourFourTwo magazine have predicted the Blades to finish in 1st place (champions) for the 2021/22 campaign.
FFT VERDICT: Slavisa Jokanovic must show faith in a squad that finished ninth in the Premier League 14 months ago, while re-energising it with young talents like Daniel Jebbison. Perfect the balancing act and the Blades could scythe down the competition this term.
FourFourTwo predicted that Sheffield United will end up finishing 11th in the Premier League table for the 2020/21 season.
Compared with the actual final standings, the Blades continued to struggle their form they had before the pandemic started. They finished 20/21 right at the bottom and waved goodbye to Chris Wilder.
For the 2019/20 season, FourFourTwo predicted that the Blades would finish 18th and relegated in the Premier League, instead, they finished 9th.
SEE MORE: FourFourTwo predicts the 2021/22 Premier League table
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