Apols if fixtures.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/04/championship-2016-17-season-preview
Play-off contenders
Disappointed title contenders must face the dreaded play-off lottery where the competition, again, promises to be strong. After missing out so narrowly to Middlesbrough in the race for last season’s automatic promotion slot, the presence of such strong competition this time round suggests Brighton & Hove Albion may have to settle for further play-off drama.
Chris Hughton’s expertly managed side – tipped as relegation candidates this time last year – finished 15 points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday yet still lost to them in the play-off semi-finals. Desperate to put that shattering blow behind them, Brighton’s board have turned down bids for three of their best players, Anthony Knockaert, Lewis Dunk and Dale Stephens. Should Hughton be permitted to keep that trio beyond the end of August – and Newcastle are desperate to lure Knockaert – a side who began last season unbeaten in their first 21 games cannot be underestimated.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/04/championship-2016-17-season-preview
Play-off contenders
Disappointed title contenders must face the dreaded play-off lottery where the competition, again, promises to be strong. After missing out so narrowly to Middlesbrough in the race for last season’s automatic promotion slot, the presence of such strong competition this time round suggests Brighton & Hove Albion may have to settle for further play-off drama.
Chris Hughton’s expertly managed side – tipped as relegation candidates this time last year – finished 15 points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday yet still lost to them in the play-off semi-finals. Desperate to put that shattering blow behind them, Brighton’s board have turned down bids for three of their best players, Anthony Knockaert, Lewis Dunk and Dale Stephens. Should Hughton be permitted to keep that trio beyond the end of August – and Newcastle are desperate to lure Knockaert – a side who began last season unbeaten in their first 21 games cannot be underestimated.