It’s the toughest season to predict as the biggest clubs don’t appear to have recruited well, while the smaller clubs will be relying more heavily than usual on loan players given the perilous state of finances in the lower divisions.
Posh seem well equipped to go well again if they can replace Ivan Toney adequately, but how well?
Here is my predicted finishing order for the 2020-21 season.
9.
16th SHREWSBURY TOWN: Manager Sam Ricketts went for a very pragmatic (i.e negative) style last season and it sort of worked. That strong defence is still intact and their well-run finances will ensure they don’t struggle like some of the smallest third tier clubs. They will be as entertaining as Peter Crouch’s awful TV show, unless former Posh striker Jason Cummings (pictured) comes good, but they won’t care. Photo: Midlands
10.
15th WIGAN ATHLETIC: You’d have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for the Latics after last season’s shocking shenanigans led to an undeserved relegation. The after effects look set to linger as well. The manager has gone, the better players have left and the firesale will continue. Some decent players are still there, and fleet-footed Viv Solomon-Otabor (pictured) is an interesting signing, but they are most likely to finish bottom half. Photo: PA
11.
14th BURTON ALBION: New manager Jake Buxton has bolstered his squad with so much experience like former Posh hardman Michael Bostwick (pictured) their end-of-season jolly will be organised by Saga. They’ll survive comfortably, but they will struggle to last the pace. Photo: Midlands
12.
13th MK DONS: Top man Russell Martin (pictured), a fine former Posh player and personality, is now manager at stadium:mk which instantly makes the club more likeable. He enjoyed a honeymoon period as manager when he took the reins last season, but he’ll be tested more severely this time around. I can see them staying out of trouble which will be seen as success. Photo: Midlands