Football League World
·20 dicembre 2024
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·20 dicembre 2024
Don Goodman gave his thoughts on who will win promotion from League One this season.
Don Goodman has given his verdict on who will win promotion from League One this season, as an intense race for the top-two spots is unfolding.
Everyone expected Birmingham City to win League One at a canter before the season kicked off, considering the amount of money they spent and the quality of their signings. However, Wycombe Wanderers have proven to be the party crashers, as the Chairboys occupy the top spot.
With Wrexham, Stockport County, and Huddersfield Town all lurking just below the automatic promotion places, the January transfer window could prove decisive in the battle to secure Championship football next season.
There are many questions to be answered in the second half of the campaign, which will make for compelling viewing.
Speaking to CoinPoker, Sky Sports pundit, Goodman, weighed in on the promotion race in League One, and who he thinks will secure those all-important top-two positions.
The 58-year-old said:" Birmingham City, with the squad they've got, should be breaking League One records and winning every game but they're not doing it at the moment. It would be an incredible failure if they didn't get promoted. But, despite a few indifferent results, I still see them going up. Ultimately, Blues will get a grip on this division in the same way Leeds have done in the Championship. I only see them getting better.
“Wycombe have been the surprise, going 17 games unbeaten after losing their first two matches of the season. You can't rule out Wrexham either, given their defensive record of 12 clean sheets in 20 games. I think it will be one out of those two teams joining Birmingham in promotion.”
The ex-striker expects Birmingham to get the job over the line but believes that their closest challengers, Wycombe and Wrexham, will do battle for the final position. Given the incredible form of those three teams, Goodman's prediction doesn't seem farfetched.
There are so many ifs, buts and maybes to come in January. All the promotion hunters will likely strengthen their squads, as well as some of the clubs who find themselves playing catch-up to the leaders. This could make for an even more enthralling second half of the season.
Of course, Birmingham have a pulling power that can't be matched by anyone in the division, which is a massive advantage. However, as proven, spending enormous fees doesn't guarantee three points every week. Wycombe's recruitment was shrewd in the summer, which has become a staple of their success over the years. If they continue that, then there's no reason they can't challenge the Midlands club.
If they can keep hold of key loanees, such as Aaron Morley, then Wycombe will be in excellent stead to maintain their challenge. Wrexham will also be looking to secure themselves a goalscorer in the transfer window, as after Jack Marriott's injury, they've been missing a clinical forward. If they secure a new talisman, Phil Parkinson's side will have the top two looking nervously over their shoulders.
When the window slams shut, there will be a much clearer picture for everyone as to who will secure promotion. A lot is hinging on what happens in the upcoming month of madness, so whilst we may have a broad idea of who will be up there now, we'll have to wait until February to get a better idea of who's in the best shape.