Former Red Kevin Campbell has tipped Nottingham Forest for automatic promotion this season.
And, perhaps somewhat controversially, he believes bitter enemies Derby County will join them in the top two.
Sabri Lamouchi’s side get their Championship campaign up and running this Saturday, when they travel to QPR.
The target is securing a place in the Premier League, as they look to bounce back from their final day collapse which saw them miss out on the top six last term.
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Campbell was part of the Forest side which secured promotion to the top-flight in 1998 - and he expects his old club to get back there again, along with the Rams.
“This is a real, real tough one but I’ve got a penchant for Derby. I think they’re going to be there or thereabouts,” he said in a season preview for the Racing Post.
“The Wayne Rooney factor. He was just finding his feet last season and I think Philip Cocu and Rooney are going to do something.
“I can’t give you the 10 reasons why but I’ve just got that feeling from Derby that they’re going to go up.
“I’m going for Derby and Forest, the two Midlands clubs.
“I think Forest have to respond and I think they will respond – so automatic promotion, I’m going Derby and Forest.
“I won’t say who is going to win the title – but those two are my tips.
“No splinters! I’m not particularly convinced (enough to say who will win the title)… I could probably chuck in another four or five teams who could be up there.
“Because of what Stoke have been through in previous seasons I think a challenge for the play-offs will be good.”
Campbell also offered his predictions for who will make up the play-off places.
And he steered clear of suggesting the three newly-relegated clubs, Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City, could make an immediate return to the Premier League.
“I can mention my son’s team, Stoke! I think Stoke will definitely be up challenging for the top six and I hope they get it,” said the ex-Arsenal striker.
“I think Swansea will get there, I think Cardiff will get there as well and last but not least, I’m going to go for Blackburn. They are due a decent season and due an opportunity to challenge for the Premier League.”
