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The Championship promises to be as competitive as ever.

But how are the 24 clubs looking just a couple of days before the campaign starts on Friday night?

Writers covering the 24 clubs have had their say on the summer so far and what the future holds.

Barnsley - Doug O’Kane

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Goalkeeper Adam Davies as well as centre-backs Liam Lindsay and Ethan Pinnock have all left. That leaves a huge hole in the defence that conceded the EFL’s fewest goals last season while keeping a club record 21 clean sheets. The gaps in the squad have pretty much been filled by nine new arrivals, but only one of them is older than 22, which is also the average age of the squad.

The four centre-backs who have come in are 20 or 21 with only one Championship start between them.

Barnsley have a policy of only signing 25-year-olds and under but they are looking to bring in a bit more experience this window, with central midfield and full-back areas that could be strengthened.

One to watch this season? Cauley Woodrow.

Prediction for the season? I still think they have enough quality and the post-promotion momentum to survive, but the first month will be key.

Promoted: Fulham, Stoke, Bristol City

Relegated: QPR, Swansea, Nottingham Forest

Birmingham City - Joseph Chapman

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Che Adams has gone; though it was a fully expected departure, it doesn’t cushion the blow all that much.

Adams was quite brilliant throughout the entirety of last term, and I back him to thrive in the Premier League - ultimately, though, Blues must replace those 22 goals somehow.

Morrison has been replaced by Chelsea kid Jake Clarke-Salter, and the armband handed to Harlee Dean.

Then there’s Jota, who was part of the deal that saw Gary Gardner return to the club.

Though the Spaniard wasn’t at his best throughout his time at St Andrew’s, the quality he undoubtedly possesses needs replacing in a wide area.

Blues have brought in Dan Crowley, the former Arsenal youngster, and many are excited to see how he slots into Blues’ midfield.

One to watch this season? Dan Crowley

Prediction for the season? Survival and 50 points is the primary aim.

Promoted: Cardiff, Fulham, Leeds

Relegated: Charlton, Reading, Millwall

Blackburn Rovers - Alex James

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Rovers are blessed with options at the top end of the pitch with the arrival of Sam Gallagher for £5m adding to the depth of talent. Experienced midfield pair Stewart Downing and Bradley Johnson will provide extra competition in the middle of the park with the latter having an outstanding pre-season and looking a shrewd bit of business.

Defence is a different matter, Rovers conceded 69 goals last season and, thus far, have made no signings along the backline. Tony Mowbray remains keen to bring in at least one new defender before deadline day and if those deficiencies can be solved than the top half is achievable.

The Ewood chief has also made a brave call in goal, opting to sell David Raya to Championship rivals Brentford and replace him with loan keeper Christian Walton who has arrived from Brighton. It’s a bold move that Mowbray will be hoping pays off.

One to watch this season? John Buckley

Prediction for the season? If Rovers can solve the defensive issues then they can look towards the top 10.

Promoted: Stoke, Brentford, Cardiff

Relegated: Reading, Barnsley, Charlton

Brentford - Phil Spencer

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Brentford have a clear business model when it comes to transfer activity, and that’s based on buying players below market value, and selling them on for a profit.

The Bees have signed a number of players including Pontus Janssen from Leeds United, Ethan Pinnock from Barnsley, Mathias Jenson from Celta Vigo, David Raya from Blackburn and Christian Norgaard from Fiorentina.

These additions are a real improvement on Brentford’s squad, and the hope will be that they’ll make up for the departures of players such as Ezri Konsa and Romaine Sawyers.

The futures of Neal Maupay and Said Benrahma are likely to be a key talking before the close of the transfer window, but if the Bees can keep hold of them then they’ll be looking very strong for the season ahead.

One to watch this season? Mads Bech Sorensen.

Prediction for the season? Brentford may just miss out on finishing in the top six.

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff City, West Brom

Relegated: Charlton Athletic, Luton, Barnsley

Bristol City - Gregor MacGregor

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

The main quality missing is a regular goalscorer. Head coach Lee Johnson has been open on his desire to bring in recruits in the forward positions and to add quality. However, that has not been possible so far, due to price and competition. It may yet happen however, with a week still to go.

Lloyd Kelly is the big departure but he was not in the first team towards the end of last season. So selling him for a fee that could reach £20m seems smart work and has given the Robins financial firepower this summer.

One to watch this season? Antoine Semenyo.

Prediction for the season? A top eight finish can be achieved again.

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff City, Brentford

Relegated: Charlton Athletic, Reading, Barnsley

Cardiff City - Tom Coleman

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Cardiff have, on the whole, recruited reasonably well. Joe Day has come in to really push Neil Etheridge for the No1 jersey, while the arrivals of Aden Flint and Curtis Nelson have gone some way to offsetting the disappointment of Bruno Manga’s departure.

Will Vaulks is a typical Neil Warnock midfielder, boasting steel, tenacity and bucket-loads of energy in the middle of the park, while young Aaron Bolger arrives with a sterling reputation in his native Ireland. However, the need for a new striker is there for all to see in light of Zohore’s departure. A replacement is now the top priority before the close of the window.

(Image: Getty Images)

One to watch this season? Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Prediction for the season? Cardiff should have enough to at least reach the play-offs.

Promoted: Leeds, West Brom, Cardiff

Relegated: Barnsley, Reading, Charlton

Charlton Athletic - Lewis Catt

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

In terms of quality our business so far has been pretty good but in terms of quantity we are probably six-seven bodies short. We’ve secured the services of Macauley Bonne from Leyton Orient, Chuks Aneke from MK Dons, Bristol Rovers skipper Tom Locker and also a return to SE7 for play-off final goal scorer Ben Purrington from Rotherham while securing a backup goalkeeper in former Addick Ben Amos.

One player of real quality we have managed to secure this season is Jonny Williams who won over Charlton fans last season after joining on a short term contract.

We secured further defensive cover in AFC Wimbledon Skipper Deji Oshilaja. This window has been pretty tough in terms of outgoings, we lost arguably our most influential and promising young player in Joe Aribo to Rangers and play-off final hero Patrick Bauer to Preston. The Addicks have some way to go before Lee Bowyer will feel he has a competitive squad.

One to watch this season? Lyle Taylor.

Prediction for the season? Staying in this division could be more of an achievement than getting back into it.

Promoted: Fulham, West Brom, Bristol City

Relegated: Reading, Birmingham City, Millwall

Derby County - Chris Watson

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Two new signings have been made at the time of writing, though the club are working hard to bring in a few more.

Scotland international Graeme Shinnie has arrived on a Bosman free transfer from Aberdeen, while fellow midfielder Kieran Dowell has come in on a season-long loan from Everton.

A raft of players have left the club - many at the end of their contracts - as the Rams look to cut the wage bill.

Departures include two-time player of the year Craig Bryson, Bradley Johnson, David Nugent, Alex Pearce, Marcus Olsson, Nick Blackman, Ashley Cole and Efe Ambrose.

(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, young forward Luke Thomas has been sold to Barnsley for £1.2m.

And not forgetting that three key players from last season’s team - Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Harry Wilson - have returned to their parent clubs after successful loan spells.

Reinforcements are needed, with Derby in the market for a centre-back, midfielder and winger, in particular.

One to watch this season? Kieran Dowell.

Prediction for the season? Derby will be once again aiming for a top-six finish but this could be tough to achieve with the squad in its current shape.

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff, Brentford

Relegated: Charlton, Hull, Millwall

Fulham - Phil Spencer

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

It’s been a fairly quiet summer for Fulham so far.

The Cottagers have made just two signings in the shape of Ivan Caveleiro on a loan deal from Wolves, and Anthony Knockeart on loan from Brighton.

Other clubs have certainly signed more players, but with the quality at Scott Parker’s disposal, you’d think he has more than enough quality to challenge for promotion this term.

As far as outgoings are concerned, it’s basically been a case of undoing the damage of last time around. Jean-Michael Serri, Andre Anguissa, Ryan Babel and Lazar Markovic have all been moved on, and the hope must surely be that reuniting the team that got Fulham promoted two seasons ago will see them recreate the same level of consistency that served them so well last time.

One to watch this season? Matt O’Riley.

Prediction for the season? If they can get off to a good start, I’d back them to secure automatic promotion.

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff City, West Brom

Relegated: Charlton Athletic, Luton, Barnsley

Huddersfield Town - Steven Chicken

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Tommy Elphick brings bags of experience and leadership ability, Josh Koroma is a raw talent from the National League, the undoubtedly talented Reece Brown is looking to continue a career rehabilitation after coming back into the Championship from League One, Herbert Bockhorn is a reliable and flexible disciple of Jan Siewert’s and Liverpool loanee goalkeeper Kamil Grabara solves the biggest issues Town faced this summer.

Fans won’t shed a tear over Philip Billing’s departure as – fairly or not – he has come to be regarded as a turncoat after telling the club he wanted to leave midway through last season. Zanka and Abdelhamid Sabiri are in much the same boat.

Now it’s a case of seeing whether Town will hold on to Aaron Mooy and/or Terence Kongolo – and, after signing a lot of youth and potential, whether they have Championship-ready replacements already lined up for it they do move.

One to watch this season? Karlan Grant.

Prediction for the season? A challenge for a playoff spot.

Promoted: Leeds, Fulham, Brentford

Relegated: Charlton, Reading, QPR

Hull City - Philip Buckingham

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

It’s so far been quieter than Grant McCann would’ve liked. He inherited a squad depleted by the exit of 12 senior players at the end of last season and at the time of writing there had been only five new arrivals to redress the balance.

Goalkeeper Matt Ingram was effectively a replacement for David Marshall, before Tom Eaves, Ryan Tafazolli, Josh Bowler and Sean McLoughlin all arrived to plug further gaps.

Only Ingram and McLoughlin have required transfer fees and both of those are understood to have been nominal. That reflects the changing times at the KCOM Stadium, with costs being cut across the board now that Premier League parachute payments have vanished.

There’s only really Fraizer Campbell that supporters are pining for from last season’s squad. He was the popular attacking talisman but continues to be a free agent.

Eaves will have make a big impact if he’s going to fill those shoes. McCann needs at least three more players before the window closes. Another defender, a midfielder and a forward if only to add depth and competition for places.

One to watch this season? Tom Eaves.

Prediction for the season? Somewhere around 16th will be where this team ends up.

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff, West Brom

Relegated: Charlton, Barnsley, Reading

Leeds United - Beren Cross

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Costa is evidently the headline name in this summer’s transfer window. It’s an acquisition which has been coveted by other clubs across the division and a major statement of intent from Andrea Radrizzani. The Portuguese has done little in pre-season and struggled in the Premier League last season, but his impact in this league with Wolverhampton Wanderers cannot be ignored. Jack Harrison, criticised last season, returns on loan, but has impressed in pre-season.

The little known Ben White arrives in defence, while impact substitute Jack Clarke was sold to Tottenham Hotspur and loaned back. Pontus Jansson’s exit will be tough to get over, especially if the club does not add another centre-back before the window closes. Fans want another striker, but it’s hard to see with Patrick Bamford and Kemar Roofe already competing for one berth.

One to watch this season? Mateusz Bogusz.

Prediction for the season? I expect United to finally do it and win promotion.

Promoted: Leeds, Fulham, Cardiff

Relegated: Barnsley, Charlton, Hull

Luton Town - Simon Pitts

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

The transfer window has been very mixed, due to two key departures with James Justin and Jack Stacey both joining Premier League Clubs in multi-million pound deals.

While the transfers in have mainly been free/released players we did break a 30-year-old club record by paying over £1m for goalkeeper Simon Sluga. At the time of writing we are needing a couple more in, with probably a right back and a striker the key areas.

One to watch this season? Andrew Shinnie.

Prediction for the season? Luton are good enough to be looking at surviving.

Promoted: Three from Leeds, Derby, Middlesbrough and West Brom

Relegated: Wigan, Reading, QPR

Middlesbrough - Philip Tallentire

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Two weeks before the closure of the transfer window Boro had signed one player – returning Spanish keeper Tomas Mejias – and had sold want-away Dane Martin Braithwaite. As a result the natives were restless. But two signings inside 72 hours settled the nerves going into the first week of the season.

Attacking midfielder Marcus Browne, who joined from West Ham, and former Blackpool full-back Marc Bola are both 21, didn’t cost the earth and have their best years ahead of them, fitting the recruitment model introduced this year.

Boro are also expected to add another full-back, possibly a centre-back, hopefully another creative midfielder and potentially another striker. If that happens the books will have to be balanced and there will almost certainly be outgoings with an over-stocked central midfield favourite to be thinned out.

That said, losing the two prize assets – keeper Darren Randolph and striker Britt Assombalonga – would be a blow. Boro hope to keep both but money talks.

One to watch this season? Marcus Browne.

Prediction for the season? There’s no reason to think Boro can’t finish in the top 10 and potentially threaten the play-off spots.

Promoted: West Brom, Stoke City, Leeds United

Relegated: Millwall, Birmingham, Luton Town

Millwall - Jake Sanders

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Neil Harris made it clear that he wanted change after a disappointing campaign in 2018/2019 and the Lions boss has been a very busy man in the transfer window.

Despite losing the ever-reliable Lee Gregory and Steve Morison, Millwall have made severe progress over the past couple of months. After releasing no less than nine first-team players, including Ryan Tunnicliffe - which received a mixed reception from fans - Harris has built a strong squad that consists of Championship experience and genuine quality.

The goalkeeping department is suddenly looking one of the most impressive in the division, with Frank Fielding and Bartosz Bialkowski fighting for the number one spot. Not to mention the capture of Alex Pearce on a permanent basis, who has since been made club captain.

Moving forward, the likes of Jayson Molumby and Connor Mahoney will add some much-needed firepower to Millwall’s attacking department, whilst Jon Dadi Bodvarrson and Matt Smith look like shrewd signings given the combination of their strengths and Millwall’s style.

Apart from maybe one more striker to replace the departing Tom Elliott, Harris looks to have all bases covered, which is why I would rate the window a solid 9/10.

One to watch this season? Connor Mahoney.

Prediction for the season? Between 13th-16th.

Promoted: Fulham, Leeds United, Stoke City.

Relegated: Barnsley, Reading, Wigan Athletic

Nottingham Forest - Tom Leach

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

It has been a strong window for the Reds, with arguably the worst moment of the summer being the injury to midfielder Joao Carvalho, but the length of his time on the sidelines looks far less severe than it was first expected.

The Reds have brought in a number of talented stars from Portugal, again, and have landed Albert Adomah on a free from Aston Villa - a player who certainly know what it takes to be a threat at this level.

One to watch this season? Tiago Silva.

Prediction for the season? They could be that side who turns up in the play-offs.

Promoted: Fulham, West Brom and Forest

Relegated: Luton, Reading, Charlton

Preston North End - Alex James

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

North End haven’t made the signings Neil would have hoped for over the summer.

Patrick Bauer is a commanding arrival on a free transfer at centre back while David Nugent brings valuable experience up front.

But, having sold Callum Robinson to Sheffield United, Neil will be keen to replace the Irishman’s goals.

There is still time to strengthen further before deadline day and attacking reinforcements are high up the list, while a new goalkeeper is also on the agenda.

One to watch this season? Billy Bodin.

Prediction for the season? Top six but you sense the squad needs one or two new faces to bring that to fruition.

Promoted: Stoke, Brentford, Cardiff

Relegated: Reading, Barnsley, Charlton

Queens Park Rangers - Phil Spencer

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Anyone who was expecting a quiet window in west London was sadly mistaken.

After losing the likes of Jake Bidwell, Joel Lynch, Jordan Cousins and Pawel Wszolek at the end of their contracts, the club off-loaded key players such as Luke Freeman, Darnell Furlong and Matt Smith as they looked to raise some funds by clearing out the higher earners.

While many feared how the club would cope with losing so many stars, Mark Warburton acted quickly by bringing in 12 new additions – including the likes of Yoann Barbet from Brentford, Geoff Cameron from Stoke City, Marc Pugh from Bournemouth and Jordan Hugill on loan from West Ham.

I wouldn’t expect many more arrivals at Loftus Road before the close of the transfer window, however there could still be a handful of players being ushered out of the exit door.

One to watch this season? Ebere Eze

Prediction for the season? There’s at least three teams with a weaker squad than the Hoops.

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff City, West Brom

Relegated: Charlton Athletic, Luton, Barnsley

Reading - Jonathan Low

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Reading have made four signings to date with Joao Virginia, Michael Morrison, Charlie Adam and Matt Miazga all joining.

Virginia is untried a senior level so is a gamble, but hopefully one which pays off.

The signings of Morrison and Miazga, along with current centre-back Liam Moore, mean Royals are looking very strong defensively.

Adam’s best days are arguably behind him but on a one-year deal the Scot is a low risk signing and should add leadership on and off the pitch.

The team still lacks wingers and a striker, as although there are a number of attackers at the club, there might not be enough goals in the side on a regular basis to make the side a competitive Championship force.

One to watch this season? Andy Rinomhota.

Prediction for the season? They will hold their own in lower mid-table.

Promoted: Leeds, Fulham, Stoke

Relegated: Luton, Barnsley, Charlton

Sheffield Wednesday - Alex Miller

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Thanks partly to a lack of cash departures and a soft transfer embargo that didn’t allow the club to buy or loan players for fees, it’s been a fairly sedate summer on Wednesday’s transfer front.

Three have come in on frees and they look like astute additions; Kadeem Harris from Cardiff, Moses Odubajo from Brentford and Julian Borner from German second-tier outfit Armenia Bielefeld.

(Image: Getty Images)

Harris has looked especially exciting in pre-season and might well be the attacking spark Wednesday have missed since the departure of Michail Antonio five years ago.

Odubajo looks every part the Championship-quality player he was at his previous clubs, while Borner - captain at his previous club - looks an assured presence at the back.

Despite the club’s efforts to shed some weight from a swollen squad this summer, all player departures have also been free, with the likes of Gary Hooper, Marco Matias, George Boyd, Daniel Pudil, Almen Abdi and David Jones moving on.

One to watch this season? Kadeem Harris.

Prediction for the season? Challenge for the top six and certainly finish in the top half.

Promoted: Leeds, Fulham, Brentford

Relegated: Charlton, Reading, QPR

Stoke City - Martin Spinks

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

It’s been largely free transfers as Stoke get to grips with a new financial reality after relegation in 2018 and with so many high earners still saddling the club.

Common sense has been the name of the game in the transfer market this summer and the big advantage, hopefully, has been the arrival of half-a-dozen new faces for the very start of pre-season training.

If nothing else, Stoke City should be a collection of players who know each other and know the midfield diamond being imposed by their manager.

One to watch this season? Nick Powell.

Prediction for the season? Who’s to say they can’t squeeze into the top six.

Promoted: Leeds, West Brom, Stoke City

Relegated: Reading, Millwall, Barnsley

Swansea City - Mathew Davies

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

Two players have arrived so far in the shape of Jake Bidwell and the loan signing of Ben Wilmot. Much more is needed, and Cooper is hopeful of getting another couple across the line before the season starts. Kasey Palmer, the youngster at Chelsea, would be a start. Getting players off the books has been key - Jordan Ayew has gone, but further departures are necessary. Swansea simply have to keep McBurnie, though.

One to watch for this season? Matt Grimes.

Prediction for the season? Ollie McBurnie (If he stays).

Promoted: Fulham, Cardiff City, Leeds United

Relegated: Charlton, Barnsley, Luton

West Bromwich Albion - Joseph Chapman

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

James Morrison and Gareth Barry were among those released, Jay Rodriguez, Salomon Rondon and Craig Dawson sold and very little was happening on the surface as regards to incomings. Then, all of a sudden, Albion burst into life; they added Kenneth Zohore, Semi Ajayi and Darnell Furlong in the space of four days and at the time of writing are closing in on Romaine Sawyers.

As mentioned above, Albion still need more. Competition at right-back is crucial, while the depth in midfield remains light and at least another forward is desperately needed to help fill the Gayle-Rodriguez void.

One to watch this season? Filip Krovinovic.

Prediction for the season? If Albion add the four or five players they need there is no reason they can’t be a top six side.

Promoted: Cardiff, Fulham, Leeds

Relegated: Charlton, Barnsley, Millwall

Wigan Athletic - Paul Kendrick

The transfer window so far - key arrivals/departures and what else is needed?

As Paul Cook has been the first to admit, it’s been a hugely frustrating summer so far in terms of recruitment. With 13 first-team squad members having departed and only two having come in - plus Antonee Robinson, who was here on loan last season - the squad is quite a way short of where it needs to be in terms of quality and quantity.

Those departures have included Chelsea loanee Reece James, who was arguably the best player in the division last year, and Nick Powell, who can be on his day, so those are very big shoes to fill. It’s not been for the want of trying, but several targets have gone elsewhere, with Latics staying within their means and not throwing around money they don’t have. We’re hoping for a few additions between now and the deadline.

One to watch this season? Josh Windass.

Prediction for the season? The first priority will again be to stay up - which I’m confident they will do.

Promoted: Leeds, Cardiff, Stoke

Relegated: Charlton, Hull, Millwall