Boss Joe Royle is tipping the Championship to be even harder than usual this season. Royle expects around half the division to be in the running for promotion to the Premiership.

The Town manager says: "I see it being stronger for a number of reasons. Firstly, both Crystal Palace and Norwich have come down as stronger sides than when they came up the previous year. They have both made new signings.

"Leeds seem to be spending freely and then you have teams like Wolves, who finished very strongly last time, and Leicester, who are expected to be stronger.

"Also, you have the usual suspects - Sheffield United, maybe Preston and Derby again, and Reading - and when you look at the promoted clubs there is strength there too.

"Luton and Hull stayed out in front in League One virtually all the way through and Hull have some tremendous resources. It's the same for the other club who came up, Sheffield Wednesday."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls