Crystal Palace told when they will discover their European fate after appealing against Europa League demotion
The Eagles have taken UEFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after they were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League last month for falling foul of the governing body's rules on multi-club ownership.
And CAS have now announced that their appeal will be heard next Friday, August 8, with a verdict due on the following Monday, August 11.
Palace want the decision overturned and are also appealing the decision to admit Nottingham Forest and French side Lyon into the Europa League. Forest, who were in the Conference League, took Palace's place following their demotion.
As Mail Sport revealed earlier this week, City Ground officials will be sending a legal team to the Swiss showdown to represent themselves.
FA Cup winners Palace were removed from the Europa League because Lyon, who were owned by US businessman John Textor, were already in the competition and had finished higher in their domestic league last season.
Textor's Eagle Football Holdings also held a 43 per cent stake in Palace and a UEFA panel ruled that the situation had broken their rules.
Palace are expected to deny that Textor, who has since sold his stake to fellow American Woody Johnson, held a position of influence at the club as his firm only had a 25 per cent share of voting rights.
They are also set to claim that double standards have been at play by UEFA given their belief that Forest were allowed extra time to comply with the rules, whereas Palace were held to a March 1 deadline.
They want UEFA to disclose documents which they are confident will illustrate how both clubs received differing treatment.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis effectively placed the English side into blind trust on April 29 when there was a risk it may qualify for the Champions League alongside his Greek outfit Olympiakos.
The draw for the Conference League play-off, which Palace are currently due to be in, takes place next Monday. The first leg is to be held on August 21.
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He claimed a decent amount of goals and assists last season with Blackpool. He has got to prove himself and make the step up, same as Charlie Kelman and Tanto Alaofe. But Apter feels like he can create something out of nothing, so he's the one I'm most excited to and Jobi's prediction: 20th Coventry City William Oelrich, BBC Radio CWRHead coach: Frank LampardLast season: Fifth (lost in play-off semi-final)Key ins: Miguel Angel Brau (Granada, free), Kaine Kesler-Hayden (Aston Villa, £3.5m), Carl Rushworth (Brighton, loan)Key outs: Luis Binks (Brondby IF, undisclosed)Expectations? 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Since joining in January, he has become the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle they needed last year in midfield. He now has a full pre-season under Lampard, and he will be pivotal to how the manager wants to and Jobi's prediction: Third Derby County Ed Dawes, BBC Radio DerbyHead coach: John EustaceLast season: 19thKey ins: Carlton Morris (Luton, undisclosed), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC, undisclosed), Rhian Brewster (Sheffield United, free), Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth (Blackburn, free), David Ozoh (Crystal Palace, loan), Owen Beck (Liverpool, loan)Key outs: Nathaniel Mendez Laing (MK Dons, undisclosed), Expectations? Fans will expect an improvement on last season; however the action in the transfer market by the recruitment team will have raised expectations further. The Rams survived on the final day last term, this season they are a totally different club. A recent open media day showed an example of a well-run club, with big challenges and well-mapped future. The feeling of being hard-done-by by the EFL has now gone, and Derby are looking up and should be challenging for the top six. Strengths? Every player in this squad that has worked with John Eustace raves about his attention to detail and his man-management. Signing three players who played for him at Blackburn last season is a clear indicator that they want to continue his journey. Eustace has the squad to play his way this season. Championship signings and a good blend of youth and experience often lead to success in football, and for the first time in a long time, the Rams have been able to land the targets they have pursued. Add to that the emergence of players from a rejuvenated category one academy in pre-season, Eustace has Scoring goals was a massive issue last season. But the transfer window has addressed that. Injuries have caused Derby no end of problems in the past year, and they still have noticeable absentees. However, we have been assured that the changes made in the medical and fitness departments will hopefully prevent so many soft tissue I'm most excited about seeing Carlton Morris. For me, it is what he brings to the squad - experience, physicality and leadership. "I'm about rewarding towns and cities with the work ethic they have. And Derbyshire and Derby is synonymous with hard work and getting your head down. That's what I'm about," he said on arrival. That is why the fans will love and Jobi's prediction: Ninth Hull City Mike White, BBC Radio HumbersideHead coach: Sergei JakirovicLast season: 21stKey ins: Oli McBurnie (Las Palmas, free), John Lundstram (Trabzonspor, loan)Key outs: Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough, undisclosed), Sean McLoughlin (Blackburn Rovers, undisclosed)Expectations? In the early part of the off-season and summer, with another departing head coach and financial concerns bubbling to the surface leading to embargos and transfer fee restrictions, they weren't that high, and another season of struggle and turmoil seemed certain. However, some free transfer and loan "wheeling and dealing" has seen them make some shrewd signings (with a few unknown quantities), leaving many fans feeling much more optimistic as the squad looks strong enough to be competitive… but with the age-old 'Where are the goals coming from?" remaining the number one unanswered Experience in the form of Oli McBurnie and John Lundstram added to what's already there with the likes of Matt Crooks, John Egan, Semi Ajayi, Kasey Palmer, Liam Millar and Lewie Coyle. Added to that is the constantly improving and impressive centre back Charlie Hughes, who head coach Sergej Jakirovic has tipped as a £20m player, while stressing that he's not for sale this summer. A solid and composed defender who's destined for big They were the lowest scorers in the Championship with just 44 goals last season, and at the moment, the jury is out on what they've got and what they can do to improve on that. McBurnie will provide a presence, but can he be a 10-15 goal striker, while Kyle Joseph starts his first full season in East Yorkshire as a player with endless energy but with a point to prove as far as goals. In the right system with the right service with the right players around him, hopefully he starts I'm going to combine two who won't start the season as they close in on returns from serious knee injuries but will hopefully be back in Millar and Mo Belloumi were looking like the two best players in a struggling team before they were cruelly struck down within the space of a couple of weeks of each other a few months into the and Jobi's prediction: 22nd Ipswich Town Graeme McLoughlin, BBC Radio SuffolkHead coach: Kieran McKennaLast season: 19th Premier League (relegated)Key ins: Ashley Young (Everton, free), Cedric Kipre (Reims, loan), Azor Matusiwa (Rennes, undisclosed)Key outs: Liam Delap (Chelsea, £30m), Sam Morsy (Kuwait SC), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, free), Massimo Luongo (Millwall, free), Cameron Burgess (Swansea, free)Expectations? To get back in the habit of winning football matches again after a very tough first Premier League campaign in 22 years. The overall aim is to return to the top flight as soon as possible and be better Town boast a squad that includes a healthy number of players who have won promotion from the second tier before and others like Sam Szmodics, who took the division by storm when they were last at that Kieran McKenna, they have a manager with a superb track record of improving players, who will be hugely determined to bounce back from last season's relegation and return to the elite level where he feels he Sam Morsy's departure means Town are now without one of the greatest captains in the club's history, who played a huge part in creating the winning culture that yielded back-to-back promotions. While his best playing days may arguably be behind him, his leadership skills will be missed, and Town's midfield faces a the time of writing, Ipswich are also light in the number 9 position following the departure of Liam Delap, with no like-for-like replacement for George Hirst, who is likely to lead the line on the opening night at Omari Hutchinson endured a difficult first full campaign in the Premier League last season, but if he can rediscover his best form in a Town shirt, he will be a huge weapon in the Blues' attack.A mention as well for Dara O'Shea, arguably Town's best player last season, whose leadership skills will go some way towards filling the gap left by and Jobi's prediction: Champions Leicester City Owynn Palmer-Atkin, BBC Radio LeicesterManager: Marti CifuentesLast season: 18th Premier League (relegated)Key ins: Asmir Begovic (QPR, Free)Key outs: Jamie Vardy (released), Conor Coady (Wrexham, £2m), Danny Ward (Wrexham, free), Daniel Iversen (Preston, free)Expectations? It is simple for Marti Cifuentes, he is tasked with getting Leicester City back into the Premier League as quickly as possible. He has to do it though, while integrating academy prospects into the first team and cutting down a bloated The wingers that the Foxes have at their disposal are without a doubt their greatest asset. The return of Abdul Fatawu, paired with Stephy Mavididi, Kasey McAteer and wonderkid Jeremy Monga, offers a varied and skilful roster capable of inflicting massive As things stand, they have not yet brought in another striker after the departure of Jamie Vardy. It's the impossible task… but one they have to I've mentioned his name already, but Fatawu is the man to look out for. He's returned from his ACL injury looking quicker, stronger and more decisive in key and Jobi's prediction: Fourth Middlesbrough Mark Drury, BBC Radio TeesHead coach: Rob EdwardsLast season: 10thKey ins: Alfie Jones (Hull, £3m), Abdoulaye Kante (Troyes, £2.6m), Callum Brittain (Blackburn, undisclosed)Key outs: Jonny Howson (released), Anfernee Dijksteel (Kocaelispor, free)Expectations? There's a new head coach in Rob Edwards and a squad in flux, but improvement on last season's 10th place is a must. Any Boro manager has to aim for the play-offs, and it will be no different for Edwards. Patience has been asked for, but that's a precious commodity in the Edwards will want to tighten up the defence after last season's struggle to keep the ball out of the net. His stated desire is to provide action in the final third of the pitch. Tommy Conway, Riley McGree, Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker should all help in that At the time of writing there are big holes in the squad. Out wide (in attack and defence) and, if Hayden Hackney leaves, in the heart of midfield. Boro's other big issue in recent times has been injuries. Particularly in central defence. That record has to improve if the season is to be a Azaz was Boro's main creative force last season, and Edwards will be banking on him again this time around. Conway's goals are key to Boro's hopes of and Jobi's prediction: 10th Millwall Chris Peddy, BBC Sport LondonHead coach: Alex NeilLast season: EighthKey ins: Josh Coburn (Middlesbrough, undisclosed), Zak Sturge (Chelsea, undisclosed), Alfie Doughty (Luton Town, undisclosed), Massimo Luongo (Millwall, free)Key outs: George Saville (Luton, free), George Honeyman (Blackpool, free), Murray Wallace (Huddersfield, free)Expectations? Alex Neil did a great job after taking over from club legend Neil Harris at the end of 2024, making a late charge for the play-offs and just missing out with their final-day defeat at have proven time and again they can punch above their weight and compete with the clubs operating with significantly higher budgets; Lions fans will hope they can finally go one better this year and land a place in the top Every good Millwall team is built on a solid defensive foundation and this one has been no different, with Jake Cooper and Japhet Tanganga forming a watertight partnership at the Sturge will add competition for the experienced Joe Bryan at left-back, but the rumours of a Tanganga transfer won't go away, despite Neil making it clear the club want to keep their best Only Hull City (21st), Stoke City (18th) and relegated Luton Town (22nd) scored fewer than Millwall's 47 Championship goals last Coburn and Mihailo Ivanovic formed a promising partnership in attack, with the Serbian striker scoring 12 league goals in a debut season that went from strength to loan from Middlesbrough has since been made permanent in a club-record deal for Millwall, but there is room for improvement on his total of five Championship goals in the second half of last Camiel Neghli arrived from Sparta Rotterdam for what was then a club-record fee in January and showed glimpses of the creativity and trickery he could offer in place of Romain Esse, who left the club for Crystal those glimpses proved very fleeting, as injuries restricted the 23-year-old Algerian to just six appearances and one goal. With a full summer of recovery behind him, Neghli could have a fresh opportunity to make a big impact at The and Jobi's prediction: Seventh Norwich City Rob Butler, BBC Radio NorfolkHead coach: Liam ManningLast season: 13thKey ins: Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brondby, £6.9m), Papa Amadou Diallo (Metz, £4.3m), Jacob Wright (Manchester City, £2.3m), Vladan Kovacevic (Sporting CP, £2m), Jakov Medic (Ajax, £1.8m), Harry Darling (Swansea, free), Jeffrey Schlupp (free)Key outs: Borja Sainz (Porto, £14.25m), Jacob Sorensen (Brann, free), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest, free), Onel Hernandez (released)Expectations? As always with Norwich City supporters, the expectation is to challenge for promotion, and this has been echoed by the owner, Mark Attanasio, was buoyant at a recent fans' forum hosted by BBC Radio Norfolk, he was joined by new head coach Liam Manning, who has the added appeal of being born in took Bristol City to the play-offs last season, and his calm, measured approach has already been Norwich had no issues scoring goals last season under Johannes Hoff Thorup, and this will continue to be their strength, despite the loss of winger Borja Sainz, who weighed in with of writing, Josh Sargent is still at the club and it is likely he will leave this summer, but that hasn't stopped City fans dreaming of a scenario where he stays beyond The Canaries were defensively poor in the last campaign, and this has been addressed by sporting director Ben Knapper with the signing of centre-backs Harry Darling and Jakov concern will be the speed at which a new-look back four can find their feet in a busy start to the Championship Norwich have been crying out for a quick winger who can deliver quality into the box, and in Papa Amadou Diallo they have a player reputed to be the quickest in the and Jobi's prediction: Sixth Oxford United Jerome Sale, BBC Radio OxfordHead coach: Gary RowettLast season: 17thKey ins: Brian De Keersmaecker (Heracles Almelo, undisclosed), Brodie Spencer (Huddersfield, undisclosed), Will Lankshear (Tottenham, loan)Key outs: Ruben Rodrigues (Vitoria, undisclosed)Expectations? Oxford surprised themselves a little by achieving Championship survival relatively comfortably in their first season in the second tier for 25 is no complacency this time around. They have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window so far and are well aware the division is likely to be more competitive this time around. They will, though, be looking to match or better last season's The light turnover means that the players should need little time to gel, and they have proved themselves at Championship level. The two players they have paid to bring in – including record signing Brian De Keersmaecker, have looked in pre-season to be the real Oxford will start the season with player of the year Ciaron Brown at the top of a fairly long injury list. They may not have the desired strength in depth for the physical demands of the Championship's early Siriki Dembele was a record signing last season but was only able to show flashes of his undoubted talent – staying injury-free could help Oxford punch above their and Jobi's prediction: 19th Portsmouth Andrew Moon, BBC Radio SolentHead coach: John MousinhoLast season: 16thKey ins: John Swift (West Brom, free), Mark Kosznovszky (MTK, undisclosed), Luke Le Roux (IFK Varnamo, undisclosed), Adrian Segecic (Sydney FC, training compensation)Key outs: Christian Saydee (Wigan, undisclosed), Ryley Towler (Lincoln, undisclosed), Kusini Yengi (Aberdeen, free)Expectations? After a dreadful start to last season, Pompey required close to play-off form, for much of the campaign to survive. Something they achieved with two games to another year of Championship experience under their belts, the hope will be they can avoid a relegation battle this time around. Given relative resources, that would be another huge Fratton Park is a serious asset, and if they can come close to repeating last year's home form they'll do okay. Josh Murphy is one of the best wingers in the Championship - he was outstanding for much of last There's not a lot of depth or experience in key positions. Pompey really struggled when striker Colby Bishop was out last season. Injuries to him or Murphy could be very problematic. Lose both for an extended period, and goals could seriously dry Conor Shaughnessy missed most of last season injured but looked every inch a Championship centre-back when he did play. If he can stay fit, it would be and Jobi's prediction: 18th Preston North End Andy Bayes, BBC Radio LancashireManager: Paul HeckingbottomLast season: 20thKey ins: Daniel Iversen (Leicester, free), Odel Offiah (Brighton, undisclosed), Jordan Thompson (Stoke, free), Pol Valentin and Michael Smith (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Thierry Small (Charlton, free), Daniel Jebbison (Bournemouth, loan)Key outs: Freddie Woodman (Liverpool, free), Emil Riis (Bristol City, free), Ryan Ledson and Jack Whatmough (both Huddersfield, free), Kian Best (Chelsea, free)Expectations? Certainly not to be embroiled in a fight to survive which crept up on them last season and saw them secure their Championship status on the final feeling from the boardroom is that with the transfer activity this summer that's already been done and potentially more ins and outs before the window closing, a push for the top six might be realistic. As it stands, that looks a tall order in what looks like the toughest Championship in many The return of Daniel Iversen is a huge plus. Supporters are encouraged too by the additions of Thierry Small and Odel Offiah, who are young; both had excellent campaigns in League One last also hope that the pace of Daniel Jebbison and strength of Milutin Osmajic and the experience of Michael Smith can provide a big goal The feeling from the fanbase is that the supply line to the forwards could do with supplementing as well as a replacement for the departed Emil Riis. The head coach is on the lookout for at least three more new faces in offensive areas. Time will tell if they Potentially Small. A player who can operate in wide areas on both sides and is likely to be handed a wing-back position by Paul Heckingbottom. If he can get forward into crossing positions high up the pitch, it could bring the team another and Jobi's prediction: 21st QPR Chris Peddy, BBC Sport LondonHead coach: Julien StephanLast season: 15thKey ins: Amadou Mbengue (Reading, free), Kwame Poku (Peterborough United, undisclosed), Rumarn Burrell (Burton Albion, undisclosed)Key outs: Kenneth Paal (Antalyaspor, free) Lucas Andersen (released), Charlie Kelman (Charlton, undisclosed), Morgan Fox (Wigan Athletic, free)Expectations? It's been a summer of change with Marti Cifuentes off to Leicester City and Julien Stephan immediately in to replace him. QPR's recruitment has been intriguing rather than spectacular, with several young players brought in from clubs in the southern hemisphere. But it is the contract extensions handed out to new club captain Jimmy Dunne, Sam Field and young emerging talents Rayan Kolli and Kieran Morgan that will provide the most optimism to Rs fans, whose biggest priority will be Championship survival with so many unknowns going into the new The Hoops proved to be lethal from set pieces last season, with only Oxford United (21), Millwall and Luton Town (both 17) scoring more than their 15 goals from dead ball situations. Central to this was Dunne, who was a constant threat coming up from the back and scoring five goals. Weaknesses? One of Cifuentes' biggest challenges was the sheer number of injuries to key players he had to contend with. He was rarely able to call upon his first-choice XI. On the pitch they often flattered to deceive, playing nice passing moves through the thirds but ultimately falling short up top. Michael Frey top scored with eight Championship goals, and faith has been placed in Rumarn Burrell and Kwame Poku - both via League One clubs - to provide additional Youngsters Kader Dembele and Rayan Kolli both showed the impact they can have on the team in the final third and should improve with more time on the pitch this season, but Ilias Chair still provides the creative heartbeat for the team; they are a different proposition going forward when he is fully and Jobi's prediction: 15th Sheffield United Andy Giddings, BBC Radio SheffieldManager: Ruben SellesLast season: Third (lost in play-off final)Key ins: Louie Barry (Aston Villa, loan), Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest, loan), Ehije Ukaki (Botev Plovdiv, undisclosed), Djibril Soumare (Braga, loan)Key outs: Anel Ahmedhodzic (Feyenoord, £15.6m), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham, undisclosed), Vini Souza (Wolfsburg, undisclosed), Rhian Brewster (Derby, free)Expectations? They are currently high of at least a play-off push under new boss Ruben Selles. However, there are still plenty of question marks over the future of several key players, and while Louie Barry and Tyler Bindon look good additions, several more players are required and, ideally, not many significant The vast majority of this squad won 92 points last season (with the points deduction). There is proven quality in all areas of the pitch and some excellent young players coming Potentially recruitment. It's been quiet so far, which with regard to outgoings is good, but less so with regard to incomings. Also there is apprehension around whether Selles-ball will work quickly enough to build a promotion If he stays, the Championships player of the year, Gus and Jobi's prediction: Fifth Sheffield Wednesday Rob Staton, BBC Radio SheffieldManager: Henrik PedersenLast season: 12thKey ins: None, Sheffield Wednesday remain under an embargo preventing them from adding playersKey outs: Josh Windass (Wrexham, free), Djeidi Gassama (Rangers, undisclosed), Pol Valentin and Michael Smith (both Preston, free), Michael Ihiekwe (Blackpool, free)Expectations? Sheffield Wednesday are understandably fearing the worst. The first-team squad has been decimated, the players and staff are not being paid on time, and there's a possibility of a points deduction. Many fans are resigned to relegation already and just want some hope for the future in the form of a change of It's hard to name one, given the absolute wrecking ball that has been taken to the squad. The only thing you can say is at least influential club hero Barry Bannan has signed a new Having so few senior players and no means, currently, to sign anyone. Not to mention a non-deal pre-season has hardly produced the ideal preparation. How can the squad in its current form get through 46 games of Championship football?Difference-maker? If Pierce Charles remains at Hillsborough, he is an outstanding talent. And if you're willing to permit a bit of gallows humour at a time like this, as the goalkeeper, he might have ample opportunity to and Jobi's prediction: 24th Southampton Adam Blackmore, BBC Radio SolentHead coach: Will StillLast season: 20th Premier League (relegated)Key ins: Damion Downs (FC Koln, £7m), Joshua Quarshie (Hoffenheim, £3m)Key outs: Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle, loan), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta, £15m), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, £5m), Kyle Walker-Peters (West Ham, free), Jan Bednarek (Porto, £6.5m)Expectations? This is simple for Southampton – compete for automatic They have a lot of players from their last promotion two years ago who are proven at this level, and their midfield and defensive strength in numbers currently should make them a tough team to Two years ago they made the play-offs thanks to Adam Armstrong's goals. With doubts over his future at the club this summer, who will be the goalscorer whose goals will fire them back up? Summer signing Damion Downs is the big hope, but new manager Will Still has already talked about needing more quality in the final There is only one player Saints fans are praying is still at the club in September, and it's not Tyler Dibling. Portuguese U21 midfielder Matheus Fernandes will be the best player in the Championship if Saints don't sell him. But let's be clear, Dibling staying would also be and Jobi's prediction: Second Stoke City Mark Elliott, BBC Radio StokeManager: Mark RobinsLast season: 18thKey ins: Maksym Taloveirov (Plymouth, undisclosed), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield, undisclosed), Robert Bozenik (Boavista, free), Ashley Phillips (Spurs, loan)Key outs: Wouter Burger (Hoffenheim, undisclosed), Niall Ennis (Blackpool, undisclosed), Jordan Thompson (Preston, free)Expectations? Stoke fans have become all too familiar with life at the wrong end of the Championship table since relegation to the second tier in 2018. But the steady hand of the experienced and sensible Mark Robins, matched with recruitment that so far looks very solid on paper, has seen expectations tentatively rise. There's hope at least that the Potters might flirt with the play-offs this time The defence looks extremely solid. Viktor Johansson will again be up there with the best pure goalkeepers in the league, whilst the additions of Maksym Taloveirov and Ashley Phillips bring proven Championship quality at Bocat and Junior Tchamadeu are one of the most exciting young full-back duos in the league, and the experience of new addition Aaron Cresswell could prove invaluable. Ben Wilmot and Ben Gibson offer experienced depth, with the only question mark remaining over who protects that new-look back line at the base of Will Stoke score enough goals to compete at the top end of the league? They will make more signings, and adding depth out wide and in attacking midfield positions is surely still a Bozenik is an experienced international striker but has never been prolific, while Manchester City loanee Divin Mubama looks an exciting prospect but remains unproven. Sam Gallagher is the other option up front but has long struggled to remain fit through a gruelling Championship Both Million Manhoef and Bae Junho have shown glimpses of the talent required to turn a solid Stoke team into a very exciting one. At 23 and 21, respectively, a breakout season from one or the other could be, quite literally, a game there's Bosun Lawal. Another young player with all of the tools to dominate games at this level. If Robins can find the best position for him, he could become a and Jobi's prediction: 12th Swansea City Daffyd Pritchard, BBC WalesHead coach: Alan SheehanLast season: 11thKey ins: Zeidane Inoussa (BK Hacken, undisclosed), Ethan Galbraith (Leyton Orient, £1.5m), Bobby Wales (Kilmarnock, undisclosed), Cameron Burgess (Ipswich, free), Ricardo Santos (Bolton, free)Key outs: Harry Darling (Norwich, free), Mykola Kukharevych (Slovan Bratislava, undisclosed), Joe Allen (retired), Kyle Naughton (released), Cyrus Christie (released)Expectations? There's a bit more optimism around Swansea than there has been in recent summers, thanks to a strong end to last season and some promising signings since then. If they can add a couple more, the Swans could be in the play-off A solid defence and industrious midfield made them tough to beat in the second half of last season. Harry Darling and Lewis O'Brien are big losses in those areas, but there should be enough quality added in the off-season to The final third. Swansea only scored 51 goals in 46 Championship games last season, so it's no surprise they are targeting the likes of Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone to bolster their attacking Ethan Galbraith impressed for Leyton Orient in League One and with his creativity and passing range from midfield or right-back, he seems something of a throwback to the old "Swansea Way" favoured by previous managers such as Brendan Rodgers and Roberto and Jobi's prediction: 16th Watford Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties RadioHead coach: Paulo PezzolanoLast season: 14thKey ins: Hector Kyprianou (Peterborough, free), Marc Bola (Samsunspor, free), Luca Kjerrumgaard (Udinese, loan), Nestory Irankunda (Bayern Munich, undisclosed)Key outs: Mileta Rajovic (Legia Warsaw, undisclosed), Francisco Sierralta (Auxerre, undisclosed), Ryan Porteous (LAFC, £752,000)Expectations? Much higher than they were 12 months ago. Watford have kept their three best players, Giorgi Chakvetadze, Kwadwo Baah and Imran Louza, kept the nucleus of last season's team, and have signed some more interesting attacking players which could push them into contention for play-offs/ If Chakvetadze can add more goals and assists to his game he has the ability to be the best player in the Championship. Baah's raw talent and explosive pace means that Watford have two (very different) quality wingers on either side of the pitch when Watford have had poor second halves of the season over the past few years and this has to stop if they want to contend. The defence looks a bit light particularly on the right Most would normally go for an attacking player but Watford have plenty of them. What they have needed is someone to sit in central midfield and do the leg work, and in Hector Kyprianou they may just have the player they have been lacking since Will Hughes and Jobi's prediction: 14th West Bromwich Albion Steve Hermon, BBC Radio WMHead coach: Ryan MasonLast season: NinthKey ins: Nat Phillips (Liverpool, undisclosed), Aune Heggebo (SK Brann, £4.75m), George Campbell (CF Montreal, undisclosed)Key outs: John Swift (Portsmouth, free), Grady Diangana (Released), Semi Ajayi (Hull, free)Expectations? A club the size of West Bromwich Albion should always be aiming for promotion, but the Championship is more competitive than ever before, and the club is still navigating financial restrictions. The aim will be the play-offs, but transfer activity over the next month will be a key factor. At a recent fans forum we hosted, most Baggies fans were leaning more towards a top-half finish as their performances have highlighted teething problems with Ryan Mason's intended style of play, but he's driven and ambitious, so I'm sure he will still be aiming high in his debut season as a head This is tricky to answer because there are question marks over key players. Josh Maja was last season's top scorer, but he last played competitively in January due to injury and is only just returning to action. Player-of-the-season Torbjorn Heggem is subject to transfer speculation, and it's also not known if star youngster Tom Fellows will still be an Albion player come the end of the If Maja isn't up to speed soon, there's uncertainty about where the goals will come from. Daryl Dike's wretched luck with injuries has continued, as he's been ruled out with a thigh problem until early September, while new Norwegian striker Heggebo is untested in the Heggem does go then that leaves big boots to fill in the centre of defence. Some Albion fans are also unsure about their goalkeepers. Errors cost Joe Wildsmith his place in goal in the last campaign, so the shirt is academy product Josh Griffiths' to lose. After successful loans in the lower levels of the EFL, this will be his first consistent opportunity in the second Isaac Price. He is the poster boy of the Northern Ireland national team and the 21-year-old midfielder is nailed on to be a Premier League player in the not-too-distant former Everton academy player has impressed in several positions, and after seeing him up close in training during Albion's pre-season training camp in Austria, I can tell you that he is the real and Jobi's prediction: 11th Wrexham Dafydd Pritchard, BBC WalesManager: Phil ParkinsonLast season: League One runners-up (promoted)Key ins: Conor Coady (Leicester, £2m), Lewis O'Brien (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Liberato Cacace (Empoli, undisclosed), Danny Ward (Leicester, free), Ryan Hardie (Plymouth, undisclosed), Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United, undisclosed)Key outs: Paul Mullin (Wigan, loan), Sam Dalby (Bolton, free), Mark Howard (Salford, free), Steven Fletcher (released), Will Boyle (Shrewsbury, undisclosed).Expectations? Wrexham's ambitions have been limitless since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club when it was in the National League four years ago. Their spending spree this summer – with plenty more to come – backs up the suggestion that they're targeting promotion to the Premier League within the next couple of They've improved their squad in all areas, adding proven Championship quality in the form of Lewis O'Brien, Ryan Hardie and Josh Windass, as well as international experience with the likes of Kieffer Moore, Conor Coady and Danny Ward on board – and Nathan Broadhead is expected to follow. They should have the strength in depth to be It might be difficult to bring all those signings together and form a cohesive unit. Phil Parkinson has done a good job of evolving his squad, while maintaining harmony among his players while they move up the leagues, but this summer's changes will test those man-management skills more than Take your pick from the gallery of eye-catching signings. The likes of Windass and Hardie will add creativity and goals, but it could be Coady and O'Brien who play pivotal roles on and off the field – two outstanding players at this level who can help foster a strong team and Jobi's prediction: 17th
The Independent
21 minutes ago
- The Independent
New European sleeper train planned from Belgium to Slovakia
Trains travelling through the night at 100mph could connect Ostend in Belgium with the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, by next year. Leo Express, the Czech-based subsidiary of the Spanish national operator, Renfe, has filed plans for a sleeper train that would call at Brussels, Cologne, Hanover, Dresden, Prague and many more stations along the 750-mile route. Plans for the service, proposed to begin in December 2026, have been published by the Belgian Regulatory Body for Railway Transport. Leo Express says in its application: 'The planned connection involves new traffic that does not exist today.' The whole journey between the North Sea coast and the Danube is planned to take just over 19 hours, representing an average speed of 39mph. The overnight train would leave Ostend at 7.10pm, allowing UK travellers to connect at Brussels Midi (for an 8.19pm departure) after taking Eurostar from London St Pancras International. Arrival is scheduled for 2.18pm next day in Bratislava. The timing means the train can carry day passengers through the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The rolling stock would comprise refurbished carriages offering seats, couchettes (six bunks to a compartment) and proper beds. It will initially have capacity for 450 passengers Other appealing locations served by the train include Bruges and Ghent in Belgium, plus Aachen and Dresden in Germany. A total of 50 stops are planned. Overnight rail services went into steep decline as budget airlines expanded across Europe, but have had something of a resurgence. Austrian Railways (OBB) has reintroduced a wide range of routes, and in December 2023 the Berlin-Paris sleeper was restored. But rail experts have cast doubt on whether the Ostend-Bratislava project is feasible. Leo Express will need to gain permission and train paths from rail authorities in Belgium, France, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and compete against some extremely low air fares. In September, Ryanair flights are available from Brussels (South) to Bratislava for €18 (£16). The announcement has been covered by Thomas Wintle of the Rotterdam-based publication Rail Tech. He wrote: 'Night trains are popular in theory, but often expensive to run and logistically complex in practice. They face higher staffing and maintenance costs, tighter scheduling windows, and frequent cross-border disruptions. 'Recent construction works derailing sleepers travelling through Germany and France is a case in point. Despite strong public enthusiasm and EU policy backing, occupancy rates can also remain modest compared to daytime intercity services.' Nicky Gardner, co-author of Europe by Rail, said: 'Leo Express are talking about late 2026, but I just cannot see them getting paths through Germany at times they would like. Time will tell.' The new service would offer some competition to European Sleeper, a cooperative that is running night trains from Amsterdam via Brussels and Berlin to Prague. Leo Express later told Rail Tech: 'From our perspective, they do not represent concrete plans.' The company started up in 2010 as a Czech domestic train operator in competition with the state railway. Renfe, Spain's state rail operator, took a majority stake in 2021. Ostend was once the gateway to central and eastern Europe from the UK. Frequent ferries from English ports connected with international trains deep into the Continent. But all links ended when the 'Seacat' high-speed passenger ferry from Dover ceased two decades ago.
