HOW THEY'LL FINISH

CHAMPIONSHIP football is back this weekend and we've predicted where each team will end up.

- BY DAN MARSH

1 - IPSWICH TOWN

They blitzed their way to successive promotions two years ago and Ipswich should be all the stronger for last season's unsuccessful crack at attempting to stay in the Premier League.

2 - SOUTHAMPTON

The Saints have way too much firepower to not be in the promotion mix and in Will Still (top circle), they have one of the most promising young coaches in football.

3 - COVENTRY CITY

Frank Lampard (bottom circle) will get another crack at the playoffs this time around. Coventry have added to what is already a quality squad and will be all the better for their failed playoff campaign last season.

4 - SHEFFIELD UNITED

The Blades have quality all over the pitch and in Michael Cooper and Gus Hamer, they have two of the division's best players in their respective positions.

5 - MILLWALL

The signing of Alfie Doughty from Luton is a major coup and his quality can keep Millwall's front two well fed, while in Alex Neil the Lions boast one of the Championship's most consistent coaches.

6 - BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham have one thing on their mind this season: promotion back to the Premier League. The Blues look nailed on for a top-six finish.

7 - WATFORD

Watford's summer business on paper looks exciting under new head coach Paulo Pezzolano. And there's lots to like about them this year.

8 - LEICESTER CITY