Prutton’s predictions for the Championship
Prutton’s predictions for the Championship: Birmingham vs Huddersfield
Birmingham started the season with victory over a Luton side that made it to the playoff semi-finals last year, keeping a clean sheet on their way. Despite not being able to put a single shot on target, Troy Deeney and Scott Hogan’s lack of shots is indicative of Luton’s good defense rather than anything else at this point.
Burnley’s last game was hugely disappointing. They didn’t seem to know what they wanted to do in the match and could not muster any exciting moments. Huddersfield are still looking for their identity and will have to accept that they won’t be able to rely on a wildcard manager for too long, although I’m going for a draw.
Norwich vs Wigan:
Norwich’s manager Dean Smith bemoaned his team’s lack of quality in the final third following the opening defeat to Cardiff, which was a feisty affair, with both teams getting dismissed late in the match. The Canaries created chances and forced plenty of corners, but were unable to make the breakthrough against a team that had made a recent flurry of signings.
Wigan only signed one player this summer, and remain one of the early favorites to go straight from the Championship to League One. However, they looked like a real threat in their goalless draw with Preston and put 20 shots on target, five of which were on target. Norwich should edge this one, though. Peter predicts: 2-1
Bristol City vs Sunderland:
Bristol City lost a match last season that they led early on by doing the same thing seven times. Nigel Pearson did not appear to be someone who would put up with that for too long.
Sunderland had a very good start with a draw on Sunday. Though they were close to defeat, Coventry couldn’t break them down as Viktor Gyokeres scored an amazing goal. The Black Cats have adapted to the league and will take time, but they’ll be up there. A point apiece. Paul Prutton predicts: 1-1
Burnley vs Luton:
Burnley became the toast of England with a win over Luton in their Premier League opener. Burnley has been transformed into an authoritative team with confident, quick passes and quick movement that ultimately led to the 1-0 result. Burnley legend Vincent Kompany says it’s “a step in the right direction” and he’ll be determined to continue this streak of success.
Luton have the potential to score a lot of goals this term. Nathan Jones has had to manage some new attacking options, but they have good depth. Nathan predicted a draw in their first match of the season against Birmingham before backing Burnley, who seems like the best bet. Prutton predicted: 2-1
Sheffield United vs Millwall:
Sheffield United seemed to be in the game all game, but they never looked like scoring, aside from a few fleeting moments. Swansea’s Daniel Jebbison and I’m talking about Leicester’s Iliman Ndiaye who had an impressive matchup. I’m looking forward to seeing these young forwards progress this season.
Millwall and Burnley were the only two teams to score more than one goal before the weekend, with one coming from center-back Charlie Cresswell. Gary Rowett’s men are so good when it comes to set piece goals and will no doubt be keen to cause other teams problems down the line. This could be a very entertaining 2-2 draw. Prutton predictions: Millwall and Burnley each to earn a point at home…
West Brom vs Watford:
West Brom showed a strong performance against Middlesbrough with new signings Jed Wallace and John Swift combining to score in the equalizer. The duo look like key players for manager Steve Bruce this season already.
Rob Edwards had an excellent start to his debut because of a tough matchup and the score was 2-2. I’m predicting a moderately engaging draw in this match at the Hawthorns. Prutton predictions: 2-2