Derby:
The Rams have endured a somewhat quiet summer break in the transfer market, offloading some fringe players in an attempt to trim the squad. While in terms of additions there have been no noteworthy signings.
Advert
In hindsight this strikes me as a very sensible course of action, Derby have a squad fit for purpose, more than capable of achieving promotion. The Ram's fatal flaw lies in their mental fragility at critical moments of the season, of which there have been many over the last 2 years.
Losing the 2013/14 play-off final in the dying seconds to a Bobby Zamora wonder finish was perhaps the architect for this mental capitulation. To play your opposition off the park for 90 minutes on the biggest stage, and then concede a smash and grab goal in the final moments, must have been sheer devastation.
The managerial appointment of Nigel Pearson is a sensible and calculated move, he needs to instil a mental toughness and stubbornness amongst the players, enabling them to flourish in the most pressurised circumstances.
Advert
Derby have the capacity to put a fabulous run of results together, it's now about the prevention of the ensuing collapse that has plagued their fortunes. Pearson's experience of gaining promotion with Leicester will serve them well.
Departures: Jake Buxton, Stephen Warnock, Raul Albentosa, Conor Sammon
Advert
Derby have acquired many high profile players over the last couple of years for large transfer fees, the foundations are in place for another promotion quest, there can be no excuses this season. The arrival of the three relegated sides certainly makes things tougher, but I still believe Derby achieving a top 6 finish presents excellent value @ 6/5.
Recommended Bets:
- Top 6 Finish @ 6/5
- Chris Martin Top Goalscorer @ 25/1
Advert
Bristol City:
Advert
Bristol City are a club making great strides of progression, with money at their disposal and an upgraded stadium there's real cause for optimism. Lee Johnson is a vibrant young manager who brings a freshness to the role, he strikes me as a very measured and level-headed character.
Despite struggling with consistency last season, Bristol City have a talented squad with plenty of room for growth and development.
Unlike many other Championship clubs, Bristol City sorted out their transfer dealings early, a signal of intent that prevents the close of window panic. Bristol City have spent in the region of £7m and added 7 new recruits, competition for places will be healthy and that may contribute to more consistency on the pitch.
Departures: Karleigh Osbourne, Scott Wagstaff, Wes Burns (loan)
Signings: Lee Tomlin (CAM/ST - Bournemouth), Gary O'Neill (CM - Norwich), Hordur Magnusson (CB - Juventus), Adam Matthews (RB - Loan - Sunderland), Josh Brownhill (CM - Preston), Callum O'Dowda (Winger - Oxford), Ivan Lulic (GK - Bayern Munich)
Signing Lee Tomlin on permanent terms is a cracking piece of business, he scored 8 goals in 18 games on a loan spell at City last season, adding to the goal threat already exhibited by Jonathan Kodjia.
Gary O'Neill is an experienced campaigner at Championship and Premier League level, he will add much needed leadership and guidance to the younger players around him. While new signing Hordur Magnusson has impressed massively in pre-season, displaying many desirable attributes of the modern day Centre-Back.
The manner in which City begin the season could be monumental in shaping whether they are relegation candidates, or worthy contenders for a top half finish, I'm opting for the latter. There's lot of ability on offer, stringing a run of sustained momentum will be the biggest challenge.
This team has a good blend of differing qualities that will challenge the top sides in the league, especially at Ashton Gate. I like the value on a City top half finish @ 11/8.
Recommended Bet:
- Top Half Finish @ 11/8