Aston Villa

A proper run at promotion is surely non-negotiable at this stage. The squad is as good and as deep as one could realistically hope for in the Championship, and Steve Bruce has now had a full pre-season and two transfer windows to bring in his own players. Given his reputation as a promotion specialist, Bruce has to deliver. Although, given what’s happened in the past seven years, cautious optimism is probably the way to go as a Villa fan.

One to watch: André Green. A young, pacy and direct winger who would solicit interest at just about any club but particularly so at Villa given the lack of those particular qualities in the existing squad. Jon

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Henri Lansbury prepares for the new season at the club’s training camp at Gütersloh in Germany. Photograph: Neville Williams/Aston Villa/Getty Images

Barnsley

The hope for all Barnsley fans is a repeat of last season. Just how realistic that is depends on the coaching quality of our esteemed manager and his staff. That in itself is a double-edge sword; if Paul Heckingbottom can again confound the bookies, critics and pundits with a top-half finish, with a relatively new squad of young and hungry players brought in from the lower leagues and Scotland, it would surely attract attention from richer clubs. The dream would be to finish higher than all the other Yorkshire clubs.

One to watch: With the current trend for attacking full-backs, Zeki Fryers could be an interesting prospect. It will also be good to see a fully fit Sessi D’Almeida in action for the season. Having signed in August 2016 after being released by Paris Saint-Germain, he injured his cruciate knee ligament after only three games. Matthew Spencer

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Zeki Fryers during a pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town. Photograph: Greig Cowie/Rex/Shutterstock

Birmingham City

We’ve made a much-needed signing in defence (Marc Roberts from Barnsley), a less-needed but nevertheless good addition in goal (David Stockdale from Brighton) and a destroyer in midfield (Cheikh N’Doye). Rumours suggest we’re after every ageing player going – Cole, Downing, Keane – but so far nothing has materialised. It’s clear Harry Redknapp is going for broke with his one-year contract and I expect us to be doing business right up until the last seconds of the window. We desperately lack pace but I don’t expect this to be addressed. With Preston’s Jordan Hugill on the radar, we seem keen to aim crosses into powerful forwards and rely on a sensible defence. A passionate push to the play-offs is achievable but anything else is dreamland.

One to watch: Che Adams is a real talent who is still really young. I expect him to improve on a respectable first season for the club. Hopefully a run in the side will help develop him into the goalscorer we’ve lacked for years. Lloyd Thomas

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Will this be Che Adams’s season to shine at Birmingham City? Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA

Bolton Wanderers

We have higher hopes than previous seasons but ultimately the goal is survival. We have to make sure we are still in the Championship come next summer and we can then build on that. Hopefully by then we will have a resolution to the ongoing financial problems and the transfer embargo will have been lifted, giving us a chance to compete with the teams nearer the top of the division with Premier League money.

One to watch: Sammy Ameobi. He was electric down the right flank for us last season and added that bit of flair you need in the lower leagues to turn a tight game. A run of games should do his confidence the world of good and he can be a real asset in not only scoring, but providing for Adam le Fondre as well. James Davies

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Sammy Ameobi during a pre-season friendly against Stoke City. Photograph: Rachel Holborn/CameraSport/Getty Images

Brentford

After three seasons in the Championship, we have cemented ourselves firmly in mid-table. After selling our best players in the last few years, the club have bought intelligently and now look to climb the table. We have a young team with a lot of potential and Dean Smith has us playing exciting, attacking football. We will enter the new season with a very strong side, some fans would argue even more impressive than the 2014-15, which made it to the play-off places. If we can mount a serious challenge for a play-off position and continue our great form off the back end of last season, it will be a fantastic year.

One to watch: It’s between the Spaniards, Sergi Canos and Jota. The latter was withdrawn from a pre-season game against Aldershot, pending an “imminent” bid from a Premier league club. If we keep him, we are a very deadly side. The two of them can provide moments of magic, beat their men and look to attack at every opportunity. Though if I had to pick one, I would choose Sergi Canos. He plays for the shirt, loves the club and is a huge fan favourite. He’s always looking for the quick counter, links up well with the team and has his best years ahead of him. Jordan Pettitt

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Lasse Vibe finds the net during a pre-season friendly against Southampton at Griffin Park. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Bristol City

Manager Lee Johnson needs a quick start or the fans’ patience won’t last long after an inconsistent first 18 months in charge. Realistically, avoiding another relegation battle and achieving a mid-table finish would do nicely, as a young squad and manager can hopefully then push on over the next couple of years. The club-record signing of Senegal striker Famara Diédhiou for £5.3m is promising but a play-off push is probably out of reach for now.

One to watch: Local boy Bobby Reid has been in stunning form in pre-season, scoring seven goals from midfield. Has always shown flashes of real quality but never established himself in the team – at 24 this could be his year. Tom Ireland

Facebook Twitter Pinterest There’s pressure on Lee Johnson this season at Bristol City. Photograph: Matt McNulty/JMP/Rex/Shutterstock

Burton Albion

We’re hoping to stay in the Championship – and hopefully do so a bit earlier than last season. The team played some good football last season and, with possibly two new strikers in Liam Boyce and (hopefully) Matty Fryatt, we would have two good strikers to finish off moves.

One to watch: Liam Boyce and Matty Fryatt will be great additions. Jackson Irvine proved to be a great signing when he came from Ross County and hopefully Boyce will be as good. Julian Cartwright

Facebook Twitter Pinterest How will Jackson Irvine and Burton Albion fare in their second season in the Championship? Photograph: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Cardiff City

Stability and possibly a play-off push. Neil Warnock has settled the club down on the playing side and created a structure to build on. There is not much money around these days but he’s made a few shrewd signings and, Warnock being Warnock, he has turned players who were stuck in stasis into potential gems. It’s a small squad but if we can stay free of major injuries, we could be sniffing around the play-offs.

One to watch: Kenneth Zohore. He barely got a kick before Warnock joined the club, but now he is unplayable at times and scored for fun in the second half of last season. If he continues where he left off last season, we could have 20-plus goals striker and star of the league on our hands. Edward Tobin

Facebook Twitter Pinterest After stabilising the club in his first year, will Warnock push Cardiff on to greater things? Photograph: James Baylis/Getty Images

Derby County

Promotion. Always the aim, and after a few seasons of coming close but not quite getting there, the club seem to be taking a different approach under Gary Rowett – by building from the back with the signings of Andre Wisdom, Curtis Davies and Tom Huddlestone. Tom Ince provided a big chunk of our goals and assists so choosing the right replacement for him will be key to our promotion hopes.

One to watch: Tom Huddlestone. The boy from the academy returns with a wealth of experience. His passing is a joy to behold. Adam New

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tom Huddlestone could be one of the signings of the summer. Photograph: Andy Clarke/Rex/Shutterstock

Fulham

Fulham are an evolving unknown quantity. We always seem to be on the verge of something. Whether that something is total disaster or total greatness we don’t know – either way we seem to achieve neither. We just are. Last season was a revelation. We were an absolute joy to watch, but beneath all the joy there was a smattering of uncertainty. Manager and board tensions, plus a weird Moneyball transfer policy leads us to believe that all is not well behind the scenes. While there has been the brilliant contract extensions of Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon, the rest of our transfer activity has been all but non-existent. Most Fulham fans would agree that we would be in the Premier League if we had another decent option up front last season. So it comes as a great surprise that we are still without a senior striker. We will be pushing for play-offs. I also hope to keep the manager we Fulham fans all love so much. Fourth to eighth place is a realistic target but if we don’t sign anyone we could meander into mid-table. Other clubs around us have really gone for it! Look at Wolves. I mean... what?!

One to watch: All the talk is of Ryan Sessegnon, as it should be. The way he plays is far superior to his years. However, I am intrigued by the mercurial and somewhat enigmatic Ryan Fredericks. His pace and athleticism make him one of the most feared full-backs in the league. On his day he is unplayable. It’s just his day does not come often enough. If he can kick on this year, he could have a really bright future. Joel Defries

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Will Slavisa Jokanovic and Fulham improve on their play-off spot from last season? Photograph: Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Hull City

I have no idea how we’ll do. Our owners are unpredictable, our manager is highly rated but new to English football. We could quite easily finish in the top two or bottom three. If forced, I’d predict us to finish upper-mid-table. In the last three transfer windows we’ve sold off many of our most prized assets and largely replaced them at the last minute with loanees, panic buys and free transfers. That sort of thing has a tendency to bite you on the backside eventually.

One to watch: Kevin Stewart looks like a decent signing from the fringes of the Liverpool first team, but the return of Fraizer Campbell – a key player in our first ever promotion to the top flight of English football in 2008 – is highly satisfying. Youngster Jarrod Bowen could be set for a big season too. Richard Gardham

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Hull manager Leonid Slutsky embraces Jarrod Bowen after their recent friendly against Benfica. Photograph: Robbie Stephenson/JMP/Rex/Shutterstock

Ipswich Town

Following Ipswich during pre-season feels like being the kid outside the sweet-shop, face pressed to the glass. As parachute payments and rich owners (richer than ours, at least) allow others to spend money we can only dream of, our best hope is to keep hold of our top performers while picking up bargains and loans to stay competitive in a league of ever-increasing quality. While the flair of recently promoted clubs may be beyond us, if we can stay solid and other expensively assembled squads under-perform, then an assault on the play-offs is not impossible. Realistically, the prospect of ending our record of consecutive Championship seasons (16 this year) is slim, though currently League One seems a closer alternative than the Premier League.

One to watch: If new loanee Bersant Celina, a tricky winger from Manchester City, has even half of the impact of Tom Lawrence, last year’s season-saving loan, then he will become a fan favourite. That said, it would be refreshing to see one of our academy graduates make the grade and there are murmurings that youngster Flynn Downes could do just that after impressing in pre-season. Peter Lefort

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Mick McCarthy talks to David McGoldrick during Ipswich’s friendly against Peterborough United. Photograph: Chantelle McDonald/JMP/Rex/Shutterstock

Leeds United

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. With the exception of Kyle Bartley (who has returned to parent club Swansea), Marco Silvestri (who has returned to his native Italy) and academy product Charlie Taylor (who has left for Premier League football under Sean Dyche), our squad from last season remains unchanged. With this foundation in place, manager Thomas Christiansen has worked with director of football Victor Orta to build for promotion. Ten signings in and more scheduled for arrival, Leeds will expect to mount a serious push for the Championship’s top two. Automatic promotion, however, will be tougher than last season with Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa investing in their first team. Leeds are likely to finish inside the top four – a position Christiansen would be satisfied with – however automatic promotion is by no means out of sight.

One to watch: Leeds have invested substantially this summer, recruiting some serious talent. Samuel Saiz, Ezgjan Alioski, Caleb Ekuban and Felix Weidweld have joined the club from Europe but I am more excited by our existing talent. Kemar Roofe, top scorer for Oxford United two seasons ago, opened his account for Leeds last season. Played out wide under a supportive role for hitman Chris Wood, Roofe will hopefully unveil his true potential this season in what will be his second Championship campaign. Christian Cardiss

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Leeds will be aiming for promotion. Photograph: John Clifton/Reuters

Middlesbrough

Promotion. It has to be. After the elation of being promoted only to make a hash of it and go straight back down, we need to go back up the first time of asking. The squad did not show their potential last season, while the former manager’s overly cautious tactics did nothing to please the fans. The tactics pushed the squad over the line in the Championship but we were outclassed in the Premier League. If we can go up first time of asking by playing exciting football, that is all that any Middlesbrough fan ask for.

One to watch: Britt Assombalonga, our marquee signing, can offer goals, link-up play and pace to our forward line. The squad has good technical ability but has lacked pace in certain areas. We have not had an out-and-out goalscorer in many years (excluding Patrick Bamford on loan). Ryan Dixon

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Middlesbrough’s promotion push starts here. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Millwall

Mid-table would be good but survival is the more realistic aim. This is the fifth time I’ve seen us promoted to this division, but this is probably the weakest of those teams. We have strengthened, but our spending power is peanuts compared to other teams at this level. Neil Harris has done a brilliant job with limited resources and I hope he’s given the time and support (especially from our thrifty chairman) to build a squad good enough to compete.

One to watch: We don’t really have any stars but veteran Steve Morison has become what we see as a proper Millwall player; he gives 100%, is often a real nuisance for other teams and scores important goals. Mike Deegan

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Steve Morison will be key to Millwall’s campaign. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Norwich City

After the disappointment of last season, when we could only manage to finish eighth, this season sees the arrival of Daniel Farke as our first ever foreign manager. Farke has brought a few players across from Germany with him and the rebuilding job the squad needed seems to be well underway. With that in mind, it seems anything less than a top-six finish this season will be a disappointment.

One to watch: Mario Vrancic. The Bosnian international midfielder joined this summer from Darmstadt and will fill the void left by Jonny Howson after his departure to Middlesbrough. Vrancic has impressed in pre-season and, if he can step up and deliver in the competitive games, he could be the man we need to push us into the play-offs. Nathan

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Daniel Farke during a pre-season match at Carrow Road. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA

Nottingham Forest

Last year I asked the football Santa for a new owner and the chance to finish the season with the same manager we started it with. Well, we got the new owner, who thus far has proved quiet and efficient, something we are not accustomed to. As for the manager, he did well with both Brentford and Rangers so the hope is that he can transfer those skills to the City Ground and bring a season of stability. No changes of manager, no relegation scares, just some decent football and a chance to see some of the young players coming through the academy before the Premier League vultures swoop in and carry them away.

One to watch: Ben Brereton. A young, strong and quick striker from the academy. We barely saw Oliver Burke before he was sold. This time it would be nice to get a season out of the academy prospects. Hopefully Ben Osbourn can continue his development and I wouldn’t mind seeing Karl Darlow back if Newcastle aren’t interested. Lee Smith

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Ben Brereton battles with Steven Defour during a pre-season friendly against Burnley. Photograph: Matt Bunn/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

Preston North End

As usual we have one of the lowest budgets in the league so it is important to remain realistic. But then Huddersfield were one of the bookies’ favourites for relegation last season and went up without breaking the bank. Simon Grayson has gone but in comes Alex Neil who brought glory days back to Carrow Road albeit briefly. We have an outside shot at the play-offs.

One to watch: Josh Harrop excited Manchester United fans when he scored on his debut. Big things were predicted for him yet he turned down a contract offer from José Mourinho and signed for PNE. It brings back memories of David Healy when he came to Deepdale. Let’s hope he can score as many. Sam McLoughlin

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Alex Neil looks on during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle at Deepdale. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Queens Park Rangers

We’re paying the price for poor, misguided and expensive signings. With no money in the pot we have to take a punt on talent from League One and League Two, our academy and a shrewd loan or two from Europe. Ian Holloway pulled off some good signings last season – including Luke Freeman from Bristol City – and saw the potential in Ryan Manning, one of our fringe players. We have to play a patient game and with nous and luck we may do a Huddersfield and get back into the Premier League in a few years. This season I’d settle for lower mid-table as long as I can see a team building with integrity and playing the QPR way.

One to watch: Given our precarious position it’s time to appoint a new skipper who can inspire and lead from the front. Massimo Luongo has this in him and I’d love to him fulfil his potential and lead the Hoops. Jools Roberts

Facebook Twitter Pinterest QPR manager Ian Holloway during a pre-season friendly against Peterborough United. Photograph: Chantelle McDonald/JMP/Rex/Shutterstock

Reading

Following on from last season’s performance, we have to be hoping for promotion. The backroom mess has been sorted out and giving Jaap Stam a new two-year contract is our best bit of business this window. Losing Ali Al-Habsi was big as he was our player of the season for two years running. However, signing Vito Mannone for only £2m is a brilliant bit of business. If we can score more than we did last season, promotion is achievable.

One to watch: Liam Kelly. Watching him grow as a player is a joy. Let’s hope it continues this season. Ewan Miller

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reading manager Jaap Stam. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Sheffield United

After storming to the League One title last season, hopefully we can use some of that momentum to rock the apple cart a bit. Chris Wilder seems to have an eye for a gem and has brought in a few new players, so I’m hoping for a comfortable season at least. Also we’re hoping to give Wednesday a good hammering.

One to watch: There are quite a few. Youngster David Brooks and the returning Ched Evans will be interesting. However, I’m really looking forward to seeing John Fleck in this league. He was a class above last season and I can’t see him struggling at a higher level. Mike

Facebook Twitter Pinterest How will Sheffield United’s return to the Championship work out under Chris Wilder? Photograph: Robbie Stephenson/JMP/Rex/Shutterstock

Sheffield Wednesday

We’ve missed out in the play-offs for the last two seasons, so the hope is the adventure of head coach Carlos Carvahal’s first season can be married to the defensive pragmatism of last season’s fourth place to finally deliver the promotion the fans crave. The Championship seems to get harder every year though and whether promotion is achievable in the club’s 150th anniversary season remains to be seen. A derby double over our newly promoted city neighbours would also be nice.

One to watch: Fernando Forestieri. His second season with the team failed to live up to the first, following various niggling injuries and the fallout over his refusal to play at Norwich last year. These issues seem to be resolved now and hopefully he can get back to the heights of his first season with us. On his day he is easily the best player in the division. Liam Foweather

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Carlos Carvalhal inspects the pitch before a pre-season friendly against Doncaster Rovers. Photograph: Robbie Stephenson/JMP/Rex/Shutterstock

Sunderland

We need a season of transition and consolidation after years of destabilisation. Grayson has the right attributes to mount a top-10 finish. Promotion isn’t realistically on the agenda as the club seem to be trying to right the wrongs of the previous mismanagement strategy of buying overpriced mercenaries. I would take promotion but it’s a big ask.

One to watch: If the club can retain them and they show desire to stay and perform, Wahbi Khazri and Jeremain Lens have the ability to shine in this league. Aiden McGeady could also be a player if Grayson gets him ticking. Look out for 18-year-old Josh Maja, who has potential if given a run in the team. Stu Tench

Facebook Twitter Pinterest There’s plenty to ponder for Simon Grayson and Sunderland. Photograph: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland/Getty Images

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League One and League Two: a fan from each club previews the 2017–18 season Read more

With the amount of money spent, automatic promotion should be a realistic expectation. However, this is Wolves and we are used to disappointment. The Chinese owners said they had learned from the mistakes of last year, so it’s strange that they have done exactly the same as in 2016 – sacked a British manager, appointed an overseas ex-goalkeeper, signed a whole raft of new players (many of whom are clients of Jorge Mendes), broken our transfer record, neglected to sign a recognised goalscorer. What was Einstein’s definition of madness?

One to watch: Rúben Neves is – at the time of writing – the Championship’s most expensive signing ever. With his silky skills and Champions League pedigree, there is anticipation but also bewilderment at the prospect of seeing him in a Wolves shirt. Why on Earth has he agreed to come to Molineux? Is this just Mendes and Fosun grandstanding? How effective, and indeed willing, is he going to be on wet nights at the less glamorous grounds in the Championship? If he lives up to his billing, he could be the man to lead us back up to where we like to believe we belong. James Allen