Friday 24 April 2015 08:25, UK
In his latest column, Peter Beagrie invites Colin Cooper, David Prutton and Uwe Rosler to join him in giving us their Championship promotion predictions.
Peter Beagrie - Top two: Bournemouth, Watford. Play-offs: Norwich.
About three or four weeks ago I went for Bournemouth and Watford, and I have no reason not to go for that now.
Other sides have gone top of the division and then found themselves in fourth such is the close proximity of the teams up there.
I expect Bournemouth will hold their nerve, and Watford’s attacking triumvirate of Deeney, Vydra and Ighalo will make sure they get one of those top two spots.
Norwich had one of the strongest squads in the Championship at the start of the season, and they have added to that.
That makes them favourites to be promoted through the play-offs. They have found ways to win now, and have become strong and resolute in order to do that.
Derby have a fighting chance. They have some really big players.
Martin is back now, they have options out wide, and with plenty of creativity and craft from Russell, Dawkins, Ince and Ward they are a force to be reckoned with.
Their problems lie in defence. The loss of Jake Buxton, who was their combative centre half, has been huge. They can’t get the blend right since at the back.
Colin Cooper - Top two: Bournemouth, Middlesbrough. Play-offs: Watford
Bournemouth are the best team in the division without a shadow of a doubt.
They are the best footballing team, play the most expansive football and that’s what gets them promoted. Last weekend must have been a kick in the teeth for them conceding a penalty late on, but they will get over the line.
I am from a different part of the country and would love to see Middlesbrough go up.
I am going to stick my neck out and say Boro will do it. They have enough in there, just.
The play-offs is all about mental ability. Norwich and Watford are to two strongest teams that will be in there.
Derby score a lot of goals, but they have been on a huge wobble of late.
Having seen plenty of Watford of late, I think they will win the play-offs.
David Prutton - Top two: Watford, Bournemouth. Play-offs: Norwich
Watford and Bournemouth are looking pretty ominous.
With the firepower that Watford have, and with Bournemouth having the momentum, they are in the driving seat.
Watford have the experience of being so close before, which will benefit them, and with them coming from so far behind, they have an extra incentive to finish the job.
They’ve got good players who have been there a long time, and with Troy Deeney as the spearhead, they have set up really well.
Bournemouth have benefitted from being the unknown entity, and sometimes being in uncharted territory takes the pressure off, and they go for it.
Norwich are finishing so strongly, and have been brilliant since Alex Neill took charge.
They play some great football at times, and on their day can beat anyone – which will stand them in good stead in the play-offs.
Uwe Rosler - Top Two: Bournemouth, Watford. Play-offs: Too close to call!
Bournemouth with go up. They have two winnable games to come. They have played the best football and deserve it.
Two or three weeks ago I would have said Norwich, but after their defeat at home to Middlesbrough, they have passed the momentum on to Watford, who look too good at the moment.
Those two will take some beating.
The play-offs are crazy. You can spend the whole season in the top two and then miss out on promotion.
Sometimes it is that team who sneak into the top six after a very good run who take the momentum in.
Experience is also crucial. If you have played at Wembley before you have an edge. It is the most expensive game in the world.
