The new Championship season begins on Friday night when Huddersfield Town welcome relegated Burnley, now under the leadership of Vincent Kompany, in the second tier curtain-raiser.
It will have been exactly two months to the day since the last campaign finished, with the Terriers also involved on that occasion. They of course lost out to Nottingham Forest in the EFL's blue riband event, the Championship play-off final.
Since then, plenty of changes have occurred, not only in that particular corner of West Yorkshire, but across the second tier as a whole. The new term will see plenty of new faces and six new sides. The coming season is starting earlier than ever due to the mid-season hiatus taking place in November and December due to the World Cup.
So, with all that being said, Mirror Football runs the rule over all 24 clubs - offering up our prediction on where they will finish.
Birmingham City
It's been a turbulent summer at St Andrew's with takeover talk dominating the agenda. Manager Lee Bowyer steered them to safety last season but that wasn't enough to spare him from the chop.
John Eustace, the former QPR assistant, was named as his replacement but has largely been restricted to loan signings as he awaits confirmation of new owners. Former Barcelona forward Maxi Lopez is part of a consortium hoping to get a deal done. Even if that is the case, a tough season looks in store.
Last season: 20th
Key signing: Dion Sanderson returning from Wolves on a season-long loan looks a good bit of business.
Promotion odds: 33-1
Our prediction: 23rd (relegation)
Blackburn Rovers
Rovers faded from a strong position at the turn of the year, eventually finishing six points shy of the play-offs.
Long-serving boss Tony Mowbray ended his association with the club and Jon Dahl Tommason was a surprise replacement. It's his first taste of managing in English football, after a brief spell here in his playing days with Newcastle.
Key to any success is whether Ben Brereton Diaz can replicate his spellbinding form from last term, when he scored more than a third of the team's goals.
Last season: 8th
Key signing: Callum Brittain arriving from Barnsley gives the side a fresh option at full-back or wing-back.
Promotion odds: 9-1
Our prediction: 14th
Blackpool
The Tangerines posted a respectable 16th-placed finish in their first year back after promotion, but were rocked by Neil Critchley's decision to quit and become Aston Villa number two.
A familiar face in Michael Appleton is back at the helm. So far he's only brought in loan signings but he will be hoping to coax more out of Liverpool defender Rhys Williams after his disappointing stint at Swansea last term.
Last season: 16th
Key signing: Rhys Williams will be looking to seize his chance after a horror loan spell at Swansea last year
Promotion odds: 28-1
Our prediction: 19th
Bristol City
The Robins have flirted with relegation worries for the past two seasons. Nigel Pearson was grateful for Andi Weimann's contribution when the Austrian notched a hugely impressive 22 goals that kept them out of the reaches of the bottom three.
If City were to lose him for a sizeable fee it would be a hammer blow. They've added a handful of new signings in the close season but of those, only Kal Naismith has experience of the Championship.
Last season: 17th
Key signing: Kal Naismith played a big role in helping Luton to the play-offs last season and represents a superb addition, especially on a free.
Promotion odds: 20-1
Our prediction: 20th
Burnley
The Clarets are embarking on a new era, not just outside the Premier League for the first time since 2016 but with a new man at the helm.
Vincent Kompany raised a few eyebrows when he was announced as Sean Dyche's permanent successor. The Belgian will no doubt be under big pressure thanks to his reputation as a leader of men on the field for Manchester City. The question is whether he can do the same in the dugout.
He's had to carry out an extensive revamp following relegation and as well as the new additions, they should still possess enough quality within the ranks to be in with a shout of an immediate return.
Last season: 18th in Premier League (relegated)
Key signing: Scott Twine was voted League One player of the season last term after 20 goals and 13 assists for MK Dons. Has that sprinkling of magic that the Clarets need.
Promotion odds: 11-4
Our prediction: 2nd (promotion)
Cardiff City
It's been a summer of revolution rather than evolution at Cardiff. Steve Morrson begins his first full campaign in charge with a completely revamped squad. After a rumour-filled summer linking Wales superstar Gareth Bale with a possible move to the club, he eventually opted to join American side LAFC.
Nevertheless, the number of new arrivals at the Cardiff City Stadium is well into double figures. The only downside is that integrating so many players may take a while.
Last season: 18th
Key signing: Romaine Sawyers looks a fine piece of business, signed on a free after leaving West Brom.
Promotion odds: 12-1
Our prediction: 16th
Do you agree with our predictions? Let us know in the comments
Coventry City
The Sky Blues continued their recent trend of season-on-season improvement by posting a top-half finish.
They were promotion contenders in the early part of the campaign but eventually fell away as the season wore on. Mark Robins can do little wrong as far as Coventry fans are concerned and they should have more than enough to avoid being dragged into the lower reaches.
Last season: 12th
Key signing: Callum Doyle's development will be interesting. The Man City defender has signed for the season on loan after helping Sunderland win promotion last term.
Promotion odds: 7-1
Our prediction: 15th
Huddersfield Town
The Terriers came within one game of a Premier League return, something hardly any of their fans would have anticipated at the start of last season.
Despite a hugely promising season, the summer has seen manager Carlos Corberan move on as well as key duo Harry Toffolo and Lewis O'Brien. Danny Schofield has made the step up to become head coach and it will be intriguing to see how they fare this term.
The recruitment model is clearly targeting a certain market so seeing how it pans out will be fascinating.
Last season: 3rd
Key signing: Jack Rudoni excelled in a Wimbledon side that suffered relegation last term. How he adapts to the Championship will be interesting.
Promotion odds: 14-1
Our prediction: 11th
Hull City
Arguably the most unpredictable side in the Championship given their summer revamp and recent takeover. There is a different feel among the Tigers' fanbase thanks to the positivity exuded by new owner Acun Ilicali.
Unsurprisingly, given the nationality of the man at the helm, Turkey has been the port of call for a flurry of summer arrivals. They very much possess an element of the unknown.
Last season: 19th
Key signing: Jean Michael Seri. An outstanding coup after leaving Fulham, the Ivory Coast international will make the Tigers tick in midfield.
Promotion odds: 14-1
Our prediction: 7th
Luton Town
The Hatters enjoyed a stunning campaign last time around, reaching the Championship play-offs and winning plenty of plaudits along the way.
The fact it was all done on what was one of the smallest budgets in the division speaks volumes. Nathan Jones' side have improved year-on-year but it looks a tall order to repeat or better last season's showing.
Despite that, don't expect to see them anywhere near a drop battle.
Last season: 6th
Key signing: Luke Freeman will be looking to put three seasons of frustration behind him having played just 34 league games in that time. On his day, still a difference-maker at this level.
Promotion odds: 8-1
Our prediction: 12th
Middlesbrough
Chris Wilder's appointment mid-season almost paid off for Boro, who fell just short of the play-offs. The serial promotion-winner won't accept a similar scenario this time around.
He will be looking for big contributions once more from the likes of Matt Crooks and Isaiah Jones but will also still be looking to add quality up front having lost loan pair Flo Balogun and Aaron Connolly.
Last season: 7th
Key signing: The arrival of Zack Steffen on loan from Manchester City is a potential game-changer. He's regularly featured for Pep Guardiola's side and won't have agreed to come to Boro unless it was for a title charge.
Promotion odds: 2-1
Our prediction: 5th (play-offs)
Millwall
It's perhaps gone under the radar but Millwall have posted four top-half finishes in their five seasons since being promoted back to the Championship in 2017.
Canny recruitment and their fine form in front of their own supporters means they are always on the coattails of the play-offs. The key now is to go that next step and approaching his third full season in the job, Gary Rowett will be confident he has the tools to do so.
Last season: 9th
Key signing: Jamie Shackleton arrives on a season-long loan from Leeds and looks an intriguing addition to the Lions' engine room.
Promotion odds: 15-2
Our prediction: 9th
Norwich City
As sure as night follows day, Norwich City winning promotion from the Championship looks a foregone conclusion.
Abit has changed since they last graced this division: they have a different manager and no longer have talisman Emi Buendia. But there still looks to be too much quality in their ranks to deny them automatic promotion.
Last season: 20th in Premier League (relegated)
Key signing: Isaac Hayden will be looking for a fresh start after arriving on loan from Newcastle - he's not played since December owing to injury.
Promotion odds: 5-4
Our prediction: 1st (champions)
Preston North End
Ryan Lowe's appointment mid-season saw them finish just outside the top half last time around. The North End faithful have yearned for another stab at the play-offs after a couple of years of mid-table mediocrity.
Their expectation is highlighted by the fact that their season ticket sales have surpassed records dating back half a century. Deepdale was the home ground which saw the most draws in the Championship last term so Lowe will hope buoyant support helps turn those stalemates into three-point hauls.
Last season: 13th
Key signing: Troy Parrott's arrival on a season's loan from Spurs has excited the fanbase, after his impressive displays at MK Dons last year.
Promotion odds: 14-1
Our prediction: 17th
QPR
Rangers begin a new era with former Villa assistant Michael Beale at the helm following Mark Warburton's exit at the end of last season.
Beale inherits a side that has lost a big dollop of experienced players over the summer. The oldest of his four signings so far is 25, and he will be looking to replace the goal threat lost after the exits of Andre Gray and Charlie Austin.
Last season: 11th
Key signing: Tyler Roberts will be looking to kick-start his career after arriving on loan from Leeds, and with an eye on the World Cup with Wales later this year.
Promotion odds: 9-1
Our prediction: 13th
Reading
The Royals were constantly looking over their shoulder last season and perhaps their saving grace was the fact Derby were handicapped by a mammoth 21-point deduction.
Despite Paul Ince's side also being docked six points, they would have gone down on goal difference if all deductions were wiped out. Their financial worries have restricted Ince to frees and loans but he has done his best to this end, recruiting solid Championship signings.
Nevertheless, they look like they could be in for another dogfight.
Last season: 21st
Key signing: Shane Long made an emotional return to the club after 11 years away and will want to address criticism of his scoring record in recent times.
Promotion odds: 40-1
Our prediction: 22nd (relegation)
Rotherham
The Millers are the yo-yo kings of English football. Paul Warne's side, remarkably, have either been promoted or relegated in each of the last six seasons. And in eight of the last ten terms, if you go further back.
The charismatic Warne has said he would be happy for a season of mid-table mediocrity but another struggle looks on the cards for his side. Losing key players such as Michael Smith and Michael Ihiekwe, especially to local rivals Sheffield Wednesday, was a big body blow.
Last season: 2nd in League One (promoted)
Key signing: Grant Hall is a clever addition and adds some much-needed Championship nous to Rotherham's ranks.
Promotion odds: 40-1
Our prediction: 24th (relegation)
Sheffield United
United raised eyebrows last November when they dispensed with the Slavisa Jokanovic project just months after appointing him. The decision almost paid off, with internal replacement Paul Heckingbottom leading them to the play-offs.
They fell just short and although losing Morgan Gibbs-White will hurt, they still have a squad rammed with quality. Once again they will be looking towards talisman Billy Sharp to lead from the front.
Last season: 5th
Key signing: Anel Ahmedhodzic looks a superb bit of business. Not too long ago the centre-half was rated as one of the hottest young defenders in Europe and so Blades fans need to enjoy him while he's around.
Promotion odds: 2-1
Our prediction: 4th (play-offs)
Stoke
The Potters continued their trend of finishing in the bottom half of the division following relegation from the Premier League. In four seasons back at this level they've not placed above 14th.
That must be considered an underachievement for the club and Michael O'Neill will be desperate to finally make a proper charge for the play-offs. They've been busy in the market and look to have put together a well-balanced squad.
Last season: 14th
Key signing: Dwight Gayle's last two campaigns at this level have seen him score 23 goals on each occasion. If he is still the same player, he could be the difference-maker.
Promotion odds: 9-1
Our prediction: 6th (play-offs)
Sunderland
The Black Cats finally ended their exile in the third tier after four years. The outpouring of joy after their Wembley win over Wycombe was there for all to see. Alex Neil knows the Championship well and despite having a squad that isn't dripping in Championship experience they should have enough about them to steer clear of danger.
Last season: 5th in League One (promoted)
Key signing: Jack Clarke has finally ended his Spurs nightmare spell and having shown glimpses of his potential on loan last season, he'll be eager to properly put down roots on Wearside.
Promotion odds: 10-1
Our prediction: 18th
Swansea
The Swans took time to get used to the way Russell Martin wanted the side to play last year. There were some iffy results along the way but supporters could largely see the bigger picture.
Teams employing a pleasant style of football has worked in this division ample times before and Martin will be hoping his men can spring a surprise. The goals of Joel Piroe are vital to that, and keeping him out of the clutches of circling clubs will be of utmost importance.
Last season: 15th
Key signing: Joe Allen's homecoming after a decade away has been lapped up by Swans fans. He will be key to making a predominantly young side tick.
Promotion odds: 6-1
Our prediction: 10th
Watford
The Hornets have performed a sizeable gear change by appointing Rob Edwards as manager. Their hire-and-fire policy could become a thing of the past, given the fact they plucked Edwards from Forest Green after leading them to promotion.
He has a big job on his hands though, trying to get a side going that suffered an almost inevitable relegation. If he loses Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis, that task will become even harder.
Last season: 19th in Premier League (relegated)
Key signing: Rey Manaj must have something about him, especially if both Inter Milan and Barcelona have previously paid out transfer fees for him.
Promotion odds: 13-8
Our prediction: 8th
West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies posted their worst finish in more than 20 years after finishing tenth last term.
Steve Bruce made a shock return to management in February, just months after declaring he was likely to retire after the turmoil he endured at Newcastle. After failing to inspire a turnaround, Bruce knows the pressure is on to deliver this term and he has wisely gone about adding much-needed creativity to the team.
Last season: 10th
Key signing: John Swift scored 11 goals and assisted 13 for a struggling Reading side last season. To sign a player with that output on a free is superb business.
Promotion odds: 5-2
Our prediction: 3rd (play-offs)
Wigan
The Latics completed a remarkable turnaround last year, winning the League One title just 12 months after nearly being relegated into the fourth tier.
Leam Richardson has stepped out of the shadows of former boss Paul Cook and put his print on this side. The return to competitive action for Charlie Wyke, after suffering a cardiac arrest last season, will be a poignant moment. Look like they need to strengthen before the window shuts to stand a fighting chance.
Last season: 1st in League One (promoted)
Key signing: Ryan Nyambe is the only arrival so far, on a free from Blackburn, but has buckets of experience at Championship level.
Promotion odds: 25-1
Our prediction: 21st
Mirror Football's predicted final Championship table
1. Norwich
2. Burnley
3. West Brom
4. Sheffield United
5. Middlesbrough
6. Stoke
7. Hull
8. Watford
9. Millwall
10. Swansea
11. Huddersfield
12. Luton
13. QPR
14. Blackburn
15. Coventry
16. Cardiff
17. Preston
18. Sunderland
19. Blackpool
20. Bristol City
21. Wigan
22. Reading (R)
23. Birmingham (R)
24. Rotherham (R)