Strengths: Rangers are nowhere near as strong as they ought to be given the money they have spent in the last three years. But they do have good Championship players in every position and an experienced manager in Warnock.
Weaknesses: QPR's biggest problems lie off the pitch and the knock-on effect has been seen on it, which is reflected by poor season-ticket sales.
Key man: Getting the best out of fit-again playmaker Akos Buzsaky - especially if QPR sign the erratic Adel Taarabt from Tottenham - could be crucial to their chances.
Strengths: Reading are young, athletic and high on confidence after an excellent 2010.
Weaknesses: Consistency. The Royals were dreadful before Christmas last season and cannot afford another run like that if they are to reach the play-offs.
Key Man: Striker Noel Hunt missed all of last season through injury and is the natural goalscorer Reading so badly missed during their poor run last term.
Strengths: Going forward - Adkins has stated many times that he likes his team to play open and attacking football.
Weaknesses: Defensively the Iron have been left wanting for a couple of seasons now. Also, it will be interesting to see how they cope with the departures of Paul Hayes, Grant McCann and long-serving Matt Sparrow.
Key man: Former Rochdale striker Craig Dagnall has been given the task of replacing the departed Gary Hooper. His performances in pre-season suggest that Adkins may have unearthed another diamond in the rough.
Strengths: Under the guidance of Blackwell the Blades are a difficult side to beat, their work ethic is second to none and they should pick up points against all teams home or away.
Weaknesses: Their squad is relatively light on numbers, so if United get hit with the injuries they had last season then they will not be able to achieve a top-six finish.
Key man: On the ball, there are few better than new arrival Leon Britton. The Blades will need the midfielder to succeed where Brian Howard and James Harper failed.
Strengths: Despite missing out on the play-offs last season and the departure of manager Paolo Sousa, there is a new air of optimism at the Liberty Stadium. The bulk of the last term's squad, which boasted one of the best defences in the Championship, has been kept intact.
Weaknesses: The Swans only found the net 40 times last season, but fans will be hoping that will change under new boss Rodgers. The loss of midfielder Leon Britton is also a massive blow.
Key man: Midfielder Darren Pratley has been a key figure for the Swans and will continue to be so again this season if they can keep hold of him.
Strengths: Some good youngsters and a strong community feel, plus the ability to attract good young players from Premier League clubs.
Weaknesses: Financial problems which will make it difficult to compete in the Championship.
Key man: Watford need striker Danny Graham to build on a successful first season in the Championship. If he fails, much will depend on what young talent Watford can bring in from the Premier League.
Reporting by Dave Mcintyre, BBC Three Counties Radio's Simon Oxley, BBC Radio Humberside's Mike White, BBC Radio Sheffield's Seth Bennett and BBC Wales' David Dulin.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?