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City team news
Bristol City kick off their season against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road tomorrow hoping to keep their unbeaten record against the Seasiders in the Championship up. City, who made the playoff final last season, drew 1-1 away from home and claimed a 1-0 on their own ground last season and Gary Johnson will be hoping that his team can get off to a great start.
The City manager told BBC Radio Bristol: "They're a team that can be dangerous and they get a good atmosphere at home."
His team will be missing Marvin Elliot, Scott Murray and Jordan Walker which Adriano Basso is also struggling.
For Blackpool eleven of their summer signings are eligible to make their debut with only David Vaughan waiting international clearance and not available for selection. The home side will also be missing Daniel Nardiello and Steve Kabba who are both injured.
Flashback
In 2007/08 both teams had come up from the Championship hoping to make an impression and made good starts to the new season. City had a creditable draw with QPR while Blackpool beat Leicester at the Walkers Stadium 1-0.
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Odds courtesy of skybet.com
Match Betting - Blackpool 6-4, City 17/10, Draw 11/5
First Goalscorer - Blackpool: Burgees 6/1, McPhee 15/2; City: Maynard 5/1, Adebola 6/1, Trundle 13/2.
Correct Score
Blackpool 1-0: 13/2
Blackpool 2-0: 10/1
Draw 0-0: 8/1
Draw 1-1: 11/2
City: 1-0: 13/2
City 2-1: 10/1
Fixtures and Editors Predictions (Fixtures courtesy of bbc.co.uk)
Birmingham v Sheff Utd, 12:45
A battle of two former Premiership sides is a great way to start off the season and both will be eager to get off to a great start to get an early advantage over their opponents.
Predition: Birmingham were unlucky to be relegated and I fancy them to win this one.
A battle of two former Premiership sides is a great way to start off the season and both will be eager to get off to a great start to get an early advantage over their opponents.
Predition: Birmingham were unlucky to be relegated and I fancy them to win this one.
Blackpool v Bristol City, 15:00
City will be desperate to bounce back from their playoff heartbreak but Blackpool are much changed and have home advantage. The key will be how well their team can gel against a fairly settled City side. Predictions: Robins by one goal, 2-1.
City will be desperate to bounce back from their playoff heartbreak but Blackpool are much changed and have home advantage. The key will be how well their team can gel against a fairly settled City side. Predictions: Robins by one goal, 2-1.
Cardiff v Southampton, 15:00
Southampton scraped away from relegation in their final game while Cardiff were superb in the Cup but have sold Ramsey and lost the experience of Hasslebaink and Fowler.
Prediction: Cardiff should be strong enough against a troubled Southampton, a home win.
Southampton scraped away from relegation in their final game while Cardiff were superb in the Cup but have sold Ramsey and lost the experience of Hasslebaink and Fowler.
Prediction: Cardiff should be strong enough against a troubled Southampton, a home win.
Charlton test their promotion credentials against a promoted Swansea side who dominated the Championship last year. Both sides have made some changes and it should be a close on.
Prediction: My head says Charlton but I would back against Swansea to make an impression in their first game against one of the leagues 'bigger' sides.
Coventry v Norwich, 15:00
Both sides struggled last season and although Norwich made a good start they were in free-fall towards the end of the year. Like Coventry they have made several signings to halt their slide.
Prediction: Cov take this one for me.
Prediction: My head says Charlton but I would back against Swansea to make an impression in their first game against one of the leagues 'bigger' sides.
Coventry v Norwich, 15:00
Both sides struggled last season and although Norwich made a good start they were in free-fall towards the end of the year. Like Coventry they have made several signings to halt their slide.
Prediction: Cov take this one for me.
Crystal Palace v Watford, 15:00
A real southern derby this one, both sides lost out in playoff semi finals and will fancy their chances of making a good start this year. Warnock and Bothroyd are good old fashioned managers and don't expect this to be pretty.
Predition: Palace should win this after coming so close last year though only a goal will be in it.
A real southern derby this one, both sides lost out in playoff semi finals and will fancy their chances of making a good start this year. Warnock and Bothroyd are good old fashioned managers and don't expect this to be pretty.
Predition: Palace should win this after coming so close last year though only a goal will be in it.
Derby were so abysmal in the Premiership last season while in contrast Doncaster came up from League One and are full of confidence. Jewell will have his Derby side riled up trying to prove a point.
Prediction: Derby should be safe for three points at home but have they forgotten how to win?
Ipswich v Preston, 15:00
Two sides looking to improve on last year. Ipswich are many peoples picks as outside promotion hopefuls but they face a tough task in their first game.
Prediction: Portman Road has always been good to Ipswich and home advantage should guarentee a win.
Prediction: Derby should be safe for three points at home but have they forgotten how to win?
Ipswich v Preston, 15:00
Two sides looking to improve on last year. Ipswich are many peoples picks as outside promotion hopefuls but they face a tough task in their first game.
Prediction: Portman Road has always been good to Ipswich and home advantage should guarentee a win.
Plymouth v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Wolves came close to gaining promotion after a late run at the playoffs and will be determined to stop themselves from being 'nearly-men' again. Plymouth will be looking to build on a strong campaign and continue to sustain themselves as a Championship side.
Wolves came close to gaining promotion after a late run at the playoffs and will be determined to stop themselves from being 'nearly-men' again. Plymouth will be looking to build on a strong campaign and continue to sustain themselves as a Championship side.
Predition: Wolves start as favourites but home advantage could mean a draw. Scoring draw.
QPR v Barnsley, 15:00
QPR v Barnsley, 15:00
Barnsley escaped relegation last year after their FA Cup semi final heartbreak while QPR have been the big spenders thanks to big backing from Briatore.
Prediction: QPR to get off to a winning start.
Sheff Wed v Burnley, 15:00
Burnely are also outside tips for promotion after Coyle added several players to their team but a young Wednesday side after escaping relegation will have grown and be ready to improve.
Prediction: One of the toughest calls but both sides realise they need a win to get off to a good start. Home win.
Prediction: QPR to get off to a winning start.
Sheff Wed v Burnley, 15:00
Burnely are also outside tips for promotion after Coyle added several players to their team but a young Wednesday side after escaping relegation will have grown and be ready to improve.
Prediction: One of the toughest calls but both sides realise they need a win to get off to a good start. Home win.