2015/16 Boro Season Preview

2015/16 Boro Season Preview

The 2015/16 Championship season is almost upon us and as usual, it's sure to be an exciting but tough campaign, for all the teams involved.

Middlesbrough are the one team who suffered the biggest heartache of last season, losing in the play-off final and they will be looking to bounce back with a win on the opening day. The purchase of Stewart Downing from West Ham, is a clear sign of intent, that Middlesbrough mean business this season. The addition of defender Tomas Kalas from Chelsea, is also a good piece of business by the club. However, the recent loss of Lee Tomlin to Bournemouth is a blow, having been a regular during last season's push for promotion. Furthermore, the 17 goals of Patrick Bamford, plus his numerous assists, have to be replaced, as the forward joined Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea this season.

If a striker, such as Kike or new signing Cristian Stuani can step up and get close to the 20 goals mark for the season, then there is every chance Middlesbrough will find themselves in the top two places, come the end of the Championship season.

However, such is the nature of the Championship, there are numerous other teams hoping to achieve the holy grail of promotion to the Premier League.

Derby County are strongly fancied to do well and it's easy to see why. Despite the sacking of Steve McClaren, Derby have former Real Madrid assistant, Paul Clement in charge and he has added a number of new players to the squad, including Chris Baird, Darren Bent, Scott Carson and Tom Ince.

Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also made some decent signings and with experienced managers at the helm, will be very dangerous this season. Three teams who can not be ignored, are Hull City, Burnley and and Queens Park Rangers. All three clubs have lost some key players over the summer but they still have squads which are more than capable of being promotion contenders. That being said, making the transition back to the Championship from the Premier League is not always easy, so don't expect to see any of them dominating the league.

If Middlesbrough can find a 20 goal a season striker, from within their own ranks or from outside the club, they will be difficult to stop. If the team from the Riverside and Derby County can regain their form from the first half of last season and continue it in to the new year, promotion to the Premier League is there for the taking.

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