Crystal Ball Gazing 2014-2015

At the start of every season fans try to predict what will happen in the coming season, and at FTRE we are no different. Here are our predictions for the coming 2014-2015 Championship season.

Who will be Watford's top three for the Player of The Season award?

Mike: It’s impossible to imagine that a fully fit Almen Abdi wouldn’t feature prominently in the end of season awards. If he stays injury free, it will be like having a new signing – I can’t wait to see him in action again. I won’t be surprised to see the imperious Gabi Angella being popular whilst if he repeats anything approaching his 2012/13 form, Matej Vydra will surely feature.

Jon: However much I wish it was going to be Diego Fabbrini, I think it will be between Cristian Battocchio (see my next answer), the midfield puppeteer/fog horn Daniel Tozser or the saviour of Watford who will score us the goals for promotion, Matej Vydra.

Jason: Almen Abdi first, Toszer second, Vydra third. If they all stay fit of course!

Which player will be a revelation of the season?

Mike: One of the biggest disappointments of last season was the form of Joel Ekstrand. He rarely looked comfortable and after an excellent debut season, that was a big let-down. I think he’ll have learned from last year though and will use this season to remind us all what a great player he is. I reckon Mathias Ranégie will turn a few heads, too.

Jon: I think this season Cristian Battocchio will florish and make himself into a first choice player. When he's left out, fans will be screaming "Why is Battocchio not playing?", because he contributes so much to the games he does play in. I made this revelation at the St Albans pre-season game, he followed it by scoring two goals - just saying. 

Jason: Josh Doherty - we're not overrun with fullbacks and he may be given a few opportunities to shine if we now go four at the back as preseason games suggest.

Who will be the highest scoring defender?

Mike:  Gabriele Angella. Next?

Jon: The obvious answer is Angella, but I'm going to go with  Juan Carlos Paredes. All South Americans can score, right?

Jason: Gabi Angella

What will be the biggest winning score line of the season?

Mike: We’ll obviously score 6 (six) at Elland Road, but I reckon we’ll dish out a few 4-1 beatings.

Jon: There will be a bizarre game, sometime in the winter, where we score 5 second half goals and keep a clean sheet. Let's say it's the Blackpool home game.

Jason: 4-0. The days of scoring 5 & 6 away from home are behind us.

Who will be the clubs 'Top Goal Scorer'?

Mike: The obvious temptation is to say Matej Vydra, but 1) I don’t want to jinx him and 2) things have changed since his last stint with us. IN his first season, teams didn’t realise he was quicker that most standard cars until it was too late whilst now they’ll have a plan to deal with him. I think Ranégie may benefit from the attention Vydra will undoubtedly get from opposition defenders and will carry off the coveted golden (yellow?!) boot.

Jon: Again, the obvious answer would be Vydra, but he'll be getting more attention than he got two seasons ago. I think Fernando Foresteri will steal the show as he stays health and flourishes in the spaces left by Vydra. 

Jason: Vydra. But he won't get as many as last time around.

Which away game are you most looking forward to?

Mike: It’s great to have Brentford back in the Championship as a trip to Griffin Park is always fun. I’m looking forward to getting to the revamped Molineux, but if we’re in the shake-up come the end of the season, Brighton on 25 April has the makings of a memorable away day.

Jon: I can't wait to head to Brentford, maybe something to do with my old Primary School teacher being a Brentford fan.

Jason: Brentford. Old Skool.

Which team will be the thorn in our side?

Mike: We’re hopeless against teams that we “should” beat, so I’m always nervous about the promoted teams. This year they are perhaps stronger than usual, but I fully expect us to lose both games against Rotherham.

Jon: We will not enjoy our afternoons against Wolves. Not that they will make us look like fools, but they will be "Oh so close!" loses that were no more than 1 goal.

Jason: Derby County. They like scoring against us and they're making good strides in the transfer market again.

Which 5 teams will make up the Championship Top 6 this season along with Watford?

Mike: Norwich, Wigan, Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn.

Jon: Wolves will storm up the league, Norwich, Brighton, Bournemouth and Wigan.

Jason: Derby, Wolves, Fulham, Wigan and Bolton (just ahead of Forest!).