Doctor Fox's Super Seven Selections

The Good Doctor Fox has provided his thoughts on the first ever SUPER SEVEN predictions:

West Bromwich Albion v Derby County

I think the new boys will struggle in their first game in top flight.

West Brom have so far decided not to rock the boat with transfer activity leading into the new season and will be looking to build upon bottom half of the table mediocrity, they have the talent to do so. Solid performances from MIGNOLET should help the foundation and they will be looking to creative midfielder DIEGO to provide ammunition for MATRI, who bagged an impressive 23 goals in their last campaign.

Derby have brought in some talented stars to help their campaign and they could well do enough to keep in the top level, but these tough away games might be where they become unstuck. LOPEZ has been brought in to run the midfield as well as talented goalkeeper ADRIAN and created attacker PAULINHO. They could well spring one or two surprises but the Baggies look too solid.

2-0

Blackburn Rovers v Leicester City

By contrast, if anyone is going to get a solid start out of the Div 1 newbies, I will be putting money on Blackburn in a tough encounter winning with home advantage.

Leicester City did a fantastic job staying up last season, comfortably too! They will be desperate for DIAME and MATAVZ to stay fit all season as they will be integral to their survival.

Blackburn have done a tremendous job with their squad development and they have some great young talents across most of the pitch. AYEW in particular is going to be a very exciting watch in Division 1. I think it might take them a little while to settle in the top flight but Rovers have enough talent to perhaps take the 3 points.

2-1

Barnsley v Crystal Palace

Palace will be making every effort to get back into Div 1 and will be eager to start with a win.

New signing ARDUIZ will be expected to hit the ground running after a successful career at Athletic Club, especially last season, scoring 19 goals. Although Barnsley are at home, expect them to pack out the midfield and a lot will be demanded of  EBECILIO and BIYOGO POKO

1-2

Middlesbrough v Wigan Athletic

7-0 Boro!!!!!!!

Realistically, Wigan have to be considered one of the favourites for the Division 2 title this season, they have some exceptional talent and LAMPARD is still considered one of the very best players of his position, add into the mix ISLA and CLEVERLEY and you have an unbelievable midfield for this division!

Middlesbrough fought against what seemed inevitable at one point last season and managed to stay up. We have brought in some great talent and also re-captured ZOUMA in on loan for the season to strengthen the back line. BENASSI also joins in on loan to help strengthen the middle of the park. I am a little concerned however that we may need a little more creativity in midfield in order to make real waves this season.

I hope for us to take the 3 points but I think our home advantage will match Wigan’s spectacular midfield.

2-2

Rochdale v Forest Green Rovers

Now I will be the first to tell you my knowledge at Division 2 and under is a little foggy to say the least however I do know that Rochdale and Forest Green were battling for two very different reasons last season.

Rochdale have, what looks to be on paper, a very stable back line and an experienced goalkeeper in LINDEGAARD, conceding goals may not be a real issue for them and if they can bag a few on the way, they might see themselves having another good season.

Forest Green survived by 5 points last season and won only one of their last 12 games of the season. It seemed like a real struggle. ABREU is by far their most talented player (outside of loanee’s) but he is 38 years old. This experience could well be a blessing though as he will be under a lot of pressure to produce when it is needed. To their credit, three great loan signings of BIGIRIMANA, AMAVI and BRANDT could make the difference in their survival again this season but I can’t look past Rochdale in this one.

3-0

Chesterfield v Bristol Rovers

Tight, tight, tight… on paper.

Chesterfield had a spectacular season last season, finishing 5^th in the table after a disasterous season the year before. Contrastly, Bristol Rovers will want to put last season behind them as they had a rather successful one the year before it. A bit of a back and forth this one, Chesterfield look to have bolstered their defensive line bringing in FABINHO on loan and COSTAS.

Bristol Rovers focused a little more on their attacking options, bringing in LUNA and DONGOU but also brought in defensive player PATRIC on loan too. The two sides are about even and if we treat this one as a fresh start then we may be in for a draw.

1-1

Barnet v Kiddeminster Harriers

Barnet have done some cracking work in the transfer market ahead of this season not only in loans but to bring in GRIGORIEV and ALANIS in on permanent deals is simply inspired. They will be a huge boost and may even bring promotional/championship glory to the club if they hit the right vein of form.

Kidderminster have strengthened their squad no doubt but it is in their loan signings that they have shined. Some absolutely tremendous young talent in FERREIRA CARRASCO, SULE and LAXAL, they will be a joy to watch and keep an eye on this season.

A tough call but I think the home team will just barely sneak it.

2-1