Year 6 - Division 3 Season Preview
Coventry City
Coventry had an interesting Year 5 campaign as they bounced from near the foot of the table to a promotion place in Week 5. They ended up finishing in the bottom half of the table, so will be looking to maintain their league security in Year 6, against some tough opposition.
Predicted Finish: 6th /8
Crystal Palace
Year 5 was a heart-breaker for Crystal Palace, despite it being only their first year in the league. With a game to go, they were 3rd in Division 3 and looking good for promotion with only bottom-placed Millwall to face. But Millwall were fighting for league survival and won, leaving Palace missing out on goal difference.
Palace will be looking to go better this year and claim promotion to Division 2.
Predicted Finish: 1st /8
Derby County
Despite gaining promotion to Division 2 for the first time in Year 4, Derby struggled all season. They could only manage one victory, although they had a good run in the FA Cup, beating Liverpool on the way to a Quarter-final.
They will be hoping to be a strong contender for the Division 3 title this year, and a quick return to the upper league.
Predicted Finish: 4th /8
Hull City
Hull City were the surprise team to come from the Conference ‘promotion play-off’ and get the final league place in Year 5. They managed to outplay favourites West Bromwich Albion in the final to win 3-0.
Their priority this year is to try and retain their league position, especially with two teams being relegated from Division 3 to the Conference.
Predicted Finish: 8th /8
Leicester City
Leicester City were beaten by a plucky Wolves team in a Promotion Final that they were expected to win easily.
They were relegated from the League in Year 3, so are pleased to make their return. After a couple of years in non-league football, they will be keen to keep their hard won place and push on to be a team to watch for a second promotion in two seasons.
Predicted Finish: 2nd /8
Millwall
Millwall have been constant strugglers in Division 3 and last year was no different. They were bottom of the league for the whole season, except for the last week, when they managed to get their first and only win. It was enough to propel them above Blackburn Rovers and to safety.
Despite that heroic end to their league season, they again look to be a team that will be fighting all year to retain their league presence.
Predicted Finish: 7th /8
Oxford United
Previous league Champions Oxford were looking a team to challenge for promotion last season and were a hard team to beat. They ended up missing out on promotion on goal difference by a single goal.
They need to take this confidence forward into Year 6 and grow into real contenders for going up to Division 2.
Predicted Finish: 5th /8
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Despite a slow start to their Conference season, Wolves came good and recorded some impressive wins. They used this confidence to defeat Leicester City in the Play-off Final and earn their league place for Year 6.
Although this is only their first full league season, they look a strong side that could be a front runner in Division 3 this year.
Predicted Finish: 3rd /8