So it's that time of the year again where the season previews begin, as we look forward to another 9 months of football the longest 3 months of the year are over as we embark on a new season.
Here we go with the Championship Preview.
The Championship is always a tough league to call and this year its going to even tougher with up to (well I think anyway) 13 teams that can challenge for promotion to the Premier League. 20 (yes 20!) of the 24 teams have played in the Premier League so it shows how tough this league is going to be this year. There has been huge amounts of money spent in the second tier this summer with Middlesbrough spending no less than £30 Million on new players.
The season gets underway on Friday night when Derby travel to Sunderland both teams will be looking to be in the promotion mix come May so it is a great game to get us underway for the season and its live of course on Sky Sports Football.
So then lets run through the changes.
Promoted to the Premier League:
Newcastle United
Brighton & Hove Albion
Huddersfield Town
Relegated to League One:
Blackburn Rovers
Wigan Athletic
Rotherham United
Promoted from League One:
Sheffield United
Bolton Wanderers
Millwall
Relegated from the Premier League:
Hull City
Middlesbrough
Sunderland
Season Predictions
Title and Promotion contenders.
Middlesbrough - Boro are the bookmakers favourites for the title at (6/1 with Sky Bet) and I am inclined to go with that based on their summer signings I would make Boro my favourites for an immediate return back to the Premier League. They have a manager in Garry Monk who has Premier League experience and came very close with Leeds United last season.
Aston Villa - Villa under Steve Bruce will be a lot better than the Villa of last season. Bruce has won promotion to the Premier League no less than 4 times as a manager. Villa have a very good team and one that I expect to be challenging up at the top end of the table. They have pulled off the transfer of the summer in my opinion with John Terry. He can most certainly do a job in the Championship and a true leader will is something that Villa have lacked in recent years.
Derby - This is surly the do it or die year for Derby! They have been in and around the Play - Offs for the last few years losing in the final and the semi-finals in recent seasons. I think they will be in and around there again. However, they have lost some key players including Tom Ince and Will Hughes they must replace them otherwise it will be hard for them to break into that top six.
Fulham - Fulham had a great season last time out. They have held on to their big names and that is key I can see them being in either the automatic promotion race or play off race. Fulham are a good side and a team I would like to see back in the Premier League I was sad to see them miss out in the play offs last season. They were very attacking last season and scored plenty of goals and I can see them doing that again this campaign.
Play Off Contenders
Sheffield Wednesday - Wednesday have made the Play-Offs in the last two seasons reading the final 2 seasons ago and the semi's last season. They have a very talented squad and I would be very surprised if they are not in the mix again this season. There were rumours at the end of last season after the Play-Off semi final defeat to Huddersfield that Carlos Carvalhal was set to quit the club but that talk disappeared quite quickly and he has stayed and I again expect them to have a strong campaign and finish in those play off places.
Norwich - This is a very big season for Norwich, when the news of their managerial appointment was announced a lot of people were surprised about the name that came out, I have to admit I was surprised I thought they would have gone with someone who had Championship experience. With their squad I would expect them to be in the race for the top six, I don't think they are good enough to get into the top six.
Reading - Last seasons Play - Off finalists surprised a lot of people last season to reach the play offs and then the final. I like the football they play under Jaap Stam and am glad he stayed with the Royals. They have got a decent group of players and I would expect them to be in the mix again for a top six place. There hasent' been an awful lot of business done there this summer but the squad they had was good and should be good enough to keep them challenging for those places again.
Hull - This is going to be a very interesting season for Hull. They have once again lost a lot of players after relegation from the Premier League. They have a manager who has never managed in England and this could very much go against them. Im not sure that with the squad they have they will be able to challenge for the Play Offs because there a lot of teams who have bigger squads and are a lot stronger than Hull.
Sunderland - The expectation is that Sunderland will be challenging for an immediate return to the top flight, personally I don't see it. The loss of Jermain Defoe is huge, they have also lost Fabio Borini and Jordan Pickford. Goals was a problem last season and I think will be again this season. Money is tight and the club are not in the best financial place so this could be a very tough season for the fans on Wearside.
Leeds- It has been another summer of change at Elland Road this summer with Garry Monk leaving and Thomas Christiansen coming in again a manager with no experience in the English game. He is a risk but with the squad Leeds have they should be in and around that top six. They were in that six all season last year until that collapse at the end of the campaign. Chris Wood will play a huge part in getting them to where they want to be.
Preston - Preston are going into a new era. The Simon Grayson era is over as he left for Sunderland and the Alex Neil era has begun. I think it is a very ambitious appointment by Preston and one that could give them that extra step they need to get into that top six. It will be very had for them to get in there but I think they have a small chance, having a manager who has been there and done it is a huge advantage.
Wolves - Nuno Santos has been appointed the new box there and it has been a big summer at Wolves with big amounts of money been spent. I am not sure yet weather that will be enough to get a side that finished in the bottom half into the top six this time around it may take a little bit longer for them to reach that.
Dark Horses
Birmingham City - Birmingham are expected to struggle again this season after a challenging campaign last year and that mad decision to part ways with Gary Rowett. It cost them in the end as they went from Play-Off challengers to relegation battlers. Harry Redknapp is there and I think this is a good job for him and he could get them back up the table and they could surprise a few.
Cardiff City - Cardiff have the most successful manager in terms of Promotions to the Premier League. Neil Warnock knows his way around the Championship. He will be able to utilise the loan market very well and get the team playing his way and they will pick up more points than most think and finish higher than what others have predicted.
Relegation Batters
Bolton - Bolton having just been promoted from League One have a tough battle on their hands. They have not been able to bring faces in and are stick with the team that got them promoted last season. The club have had a winding up order pitted against them over the summer which could make it a very tough season for the Macron Stadium outfit. Phil Parkinson has managed in the Championship before but I just can't see them having enough to beat the drop.
Barnsley - This could be a very tough season for the 2015/16 League One play - off winners. They have sold most of their best players and not replaced them and that is fatal when playing in this league. I hope that they don't end up having a real struggle like Rotherham did last season as that is not nice to see.
Burton - Last year was brilliant for Burton to stay in the Championship. It was great to see them stay up and battle hard for their deserved place in this years lineup. They do not have the finances to compete at this level. their budget is even smaller than my lot's budget so thats small. They do not get massive crowds either because of the size of the stadium. I think they will battle hard but ultimately I think it will end in a return to League One.
Millwall - My lot did it the hard way. We scraped into the the Play-Offs with 6 Minutes to go and won promotion at Wembley with 6 minutes to go make us wonder was it written. We have been written off by almost everyone so far and considering how we got here I can understand. However, we have strengthened really well. 7 new singings including the two full backs in the League One team of the year as well as Jed Wallace, George Saville, Jake Cooper, Ryan Tunnicliffe, and Tom Elliot. I can see us having a good go and I think will manage to stay up.
Ipswich - Last year was very underwhelming for Ipswich, they had a shocker last season Tom Lawerence saved their season and unless big Mick can come up with another signing like that then I can see them following Blackburn as another former Premier League club to drop to the third tier. They will still beat us though.
Sheffield United- The Blades according to the bookies have the best chance of staying up out of the three promoted sides. They are a strong team and the manager has recruited experience which is good but will they be able to cope and be able to play across those busy periods. I like Chris Wilder and what he has done. I think it is possible for them to have a strong campaign but I don't see them finishing any higher than mid-table.
Nottingham Forest - Forest had a woeful season last time out, staying up on the last day. it was a poor campaign for everyone and they need to massively improve this year otherwise they will be dragged into a relegation battle. When I saw the fixtures come out I was quite happy to see that Forest where our first opponents as I feel all the pressure will be on them. They have lost their big striker have not replaced him. That could be fatal.
Season Predictions:
Champions: Middlesbrough
Promoted: Aston Villa
Play Offs: Fulham, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich (Fulham to win Play Offs)
Relegated: Bolton, Burton, Barnsley
Opening Weekend Predictions
Sunderland v Derby - Friday 7.45 PM
This is a great start to the season. What a game to get us underway in the new season. Sunderland fans will be expecting their side too be on the front foot and to really take the game to Derby. However, I can't see that happening too much, both sides are expected to be up there at the end of the season. I think it will be a fast paced game and an entertaining draw.
My Prediction: 2-2
Nottingham Forest v Millwall - Friday 7.45 PM
So this is a big season for Forest all the pressure will be on them as their fans will be expecting an easy win over my newly Promoted team, the thing you have to remember about the three that came up is that they will be on a high after promotion and coming up against a side that just survived they could edge it, however I'm going for a draw.
My Prediction: 1-1
Bristol City v Barnsley
Two sides that I think are going to have tough seasons. Had it not been for Tammy Abraham last season Bristol City would have been in real danger. Likewise for Barnsley had they not had that great start then they would have been in real trouble. Neither team have any real superstars and will be looking for someone to step up. I think home advantage will give the Bristolians the edge.
My Prediction: 1-0
Burton v Cardiff
I have touched on both of these two teams above and I think both will have different kinds of seasons to each other. Cardiff have had time over the summer to settle into the Neil Warnock way which I think is going to have a big effect this season. Burton will battle hard all season especially at home where they have a good record.
My Prediction: 1-1
Fulham v Norwich
This has the potential to be a cracker! Both of these sides can score goals and in these early season games you often see a lot of goals. Both of these teams have goalscorers and this could be a proper goal fest but I fancy Fulham to edge it at home
My Prediction: 3-2
Ipswich v Birmingham
Harry Redknapp was a good appointment for the Blues and one that I think is going to work very well should he given the time to implement his way of working at the club. Ipswich are a side who really need to get off too a good start or they could have a really tough campaign.
My Prediction: 0-2
Preston v Sheffield Wed
The start of the new era at Preston and one that starts with optimism. Preston just missed out on the play offs last season and they will be in the mix again this time. Alex Neil has won promotion to the Premier League through the play offs with Norwich so knows whats required. Wednesday have made the play offs in the last two seasons and know what it takes to get there and will be there again this year. However, I see Preston winning this one.
My Prediction: 2-0
QPR v Reading
This is going to be a tough season for QPR. They are in a dire position when it comes to the money and they do not have the best squad. Holloway is a good manager I know his spell with Millwall wasn't great but he can do a good job however its going to be a tough season. Reading will want to put the play off defeat behind them and I think they will do here.
My Prediction: 1-3
Sheffield United v Brentford
This is a good game to start with for Sheffield United. Brentford are traditionally slow starters which means this is a good game for the Yorkshire boys. Brentford when they get going will have a good solid campaign.
My Prediction: 2-0
Wolves v Middlesbrough
This is another good game to start a season with, both of these two teams have big ambitions for Premier League football. This will be a good test for Wolves to see if they have what it takes to battle at the top with the big boys and for Boro its a test to see if they can get their mindset back to the required level to reach the Premier League again and I think they will win.
My Prediction: 1-2
Aston Villa v Hull
Villa are going to be right up there this year and this is the perfect game to start with. Hull are in disarray at the moment with the playing staff and the manager is no expert in English football this is going to be an interesting season at the KCOM. Villa are going to have a straight forward win on the opening day.
My Prediction: 3-0
Bolton v Leeds
This is a really tough start for Bolton. Having just come up they are going up against a side that are going to be around the top six. However, this will only be the first game under the new boss which means that the players will not be fully ready and may need time to get used to the system so I can see Bolton taking a point.
My Prediction: 1-1
Here we go with the Championship Preview.
The Championship is always a tough league to call and this year its going to even tougher with up to (well I think anyway) 13 teams that can challenge for promotion to the Premier League. 20 (yes 20!) of the 24 teams have played in the Premier League so it shows how tough this league is going to be this year. There has been huge amounts of money spent in the second tier this summer with Middlesbrough spending no less than £30 Million on new players.
The season gets underway on Friday night when Derby travel to Sunderland both teams will be looking to be in the promotion mix come May so it is a great game to get us underway for the season and its live of course on Sky Sports Football.
So then lets run through the changes.
Promoted to the Premier League:
Newcastle United
Brighton & Hove Albion
Huddersfield Town
Relegated to League One:
Blackburn Rovers
Wigan Athletic
Rotherham United
Promoted from League One:
Sheffield United
Bolton Wanderers
Millwall
Relegated from the Premier League:
Hull City
Middlesbrough
Sunderland
|
Team
|
Stadium
|
Manager
|
Captain
|
|
Aston Villa
|
Villa Park
|
Steve Bruce
|
John Terry
|
|
Barnsley
|
Oakwell
|
Paul Hekinbottom
|
Marc Roberts
|
|
Birmingham City
|
St. Andrews
|
Harry Redknapp
|
Michael Morrison
|
|
Bolton Wanderers
|
Macron Stadium
|
Phil Parkinson
|
Darren Pratley
|
|
Brentford
|
Griffin Park
|
Dean Smith
|
Harlee Dean
|
|
Bristol City
|
Ashton Gate
|
Lee Johnson
|
Aaron Wilbraham
|
|
Burton Albion
|
Pirelli Stadium
|
Nigel Clough
|
John Mousinho
|
|
Cardiff City
|
Cardiff City Stadium
|
Neil Warnock
|
Sean Morrison
|
|
Derby County
|
IPro Stadium
|
Gary Rowett
|
Richard Keogh
|
|
Fulham
|
Craven Cottage
|
Slavisa Jokanovic
|
Tom Cairney
|
|
Hull City
|
KCOM Stadium
|
Leonid Slutsky
|
Michael Dawson
|
|
Ipswich Town
|
Portman Road
|
Mick McCarthy
|
Luke Chambers
|
|
Leeds United
|
Elland Road
|
Thomas Christiansen
|
Liam Bridcutt
|
|
Middlesbrough
|
Riverside Stadium
|
Garry Monk
|
Grant Leadbitter
|
|
Millwall
|
The Den
|
Neil Harris
|
Tony Craig
|
|
Norwich
|
Carrow Road
|
Daniel Farke
|
Russell Martin
|
|
Nottingham Forest
|
The City Ground
|
Mark Warburton
|
Chris Cohen
|
|
Preston North End
|
Deepdale
|
Alex Neil
|
Greg Cunnigham
|
|
Queens Park Rangers
|
Loftus Road
|
Ian Holloway
|
Nedum Onuoha
|
|
Reading
|
Madejski Stadium
|
Jaap Stam
|
Paul McShane
|
|
Sheffield United
|
Bramall Lane
|
Chris Wilder
|
Billy Sharp
|
|
Sheffield Wednesday
|
Hillsborough
|
Carlos Carvalhal
|
Glenn Loovens
|
|
Sunderland
|
Stadium of Light
|
Simon Grayson
|
Lee Catermole
|
|
Wolves
|
Molineux
|
Nuno Espirito Santo
|
Danny Batth
|
Season Predictions
Title and Promotion contenders.
Middlesbrough - Boro are the bookmakers favourites for the title at (6/1 with Sky Bet) and I am inclined to go with that based on their summer signings I would make Boro my favourites for an immediate return back to the Premier League. They have a manager in Garry Monk who has Premier League experience and came very close with Leeds United last season.
Aston Villa - Villa under Steve Bruce will be a lot better than the Villa of last season. Bruce has won promotion to the Premier League no less than 4 times as a manager. Villa have a very good team and one that I expect to be challenging up at the top end of the table. They have pulled off the transfer of the summer in my opinion with John Terry. He can most certainly do a job in the Championship and a true leader will is something that Villa have lacked in recent years.
Derby - This is surly the do it or die year for Derby! They have been in and around the Play - Offs for the last few years losing in the final and the semi-finals in recent seasons. I think they will be in and around there again. However, they have lost some key players including Tom Ince and Will Hughes they must replace them otherwise it will be hard for them to break into that top six.
Fulham - Fulham had a great season last time out. They have held on to their big names and that is key I can see them being in either the automatic promotion race or play off race. Fulham are a good side and a team I would like to see back in the Premier League I was sad to see them miss out in the play offs last season. They were very attacking last season and scored plenty of goals and I can see them doing that again this campaign.
Play Off Contenders
Sheffield Wednesday - Wednesday have made the Play-Offs in the last two seasons reading the final 2 seasons ago and the semi's last season. They have a very talented squad and I would be very surprised if they are not in the mix again this season. There were rumours at the end of last season after the Play-Off semi final defeat to Huddersfield that Carlos Carvalhal was set to quit the club but that talk disappeared quite quickly and he has stayed and I again expect them to have a strong campaign and finish in those play off places.
Norwich - This is a very big season for Norwich, when the news of their managerial appointment was announced a lot of people were surprised about the name that came out, I have to admit I was surprised I thought they would have gone with someone who had Championship experience. With their squad I would expect them to be in the race for the top six, I don't think they are good enough to get into the top six.
Reading - Last seasons Play - Off finalists surprised a lot of people last season to reach the play offs and then the final. I like the football they play under Jaap Stam and am glad he stayed with the Royals. They have got a decent group of players and I would expect them to be in the mix again for a top six place. There hasent' been an awful lot of business done there this summer but the squad they had was good and should be good enough to keep them challenging for those places again.
Hull - This is going to be a very interesting season for Hull. They have once again lost a lot of players after relegation from the Premier League. They have a manager who has never managed in England and this could very much go against them. Im not sure that with the squad they have they will be able to challenge for the Play Offs because there a lot of teams who have bigger squads and are a lot stronger than Hull.
Sunderland - The expectation is that Sunderland will be challenging for an immediate return to the top flight, personally I don't see it. The loss of Jermain Defoe is huge, they have also lost Fabio Borini and Jordan Pickford. Goals was a problem last season and I think will be again this season. Money is tight and the club are not in the best financial place so this could be a very tough season for the fans on Wearside.
Leeds- It has been another summer of change at Elland Road this summer with Garry Monk leaving and Thomas Christiansen coming in again a manager with no experience in the English game. He is a risk but with the squad Leeds have they should be in and around that top six. They were in that six all season last year until that collapse at the end of the campaign. Chris Wood will play a huge part in getting them to where they want to be.
Preston - Preston are going into a new era. The Simon Grayson era is over as he left for Sunderland and the Alex Neil era has begun. I think it is a very ambitious appointment by Preston and one that could give them that extra step they need to get into that top six. It will be very had for them to get in there but I think they have a small chance, having a manager who has been there and done it is a huge advantage.
Wolves - Nuno Santos has been appointed the new box there and it has been a big summer at Wolves with big amounts of money been spent. I am not sure yet weather that will be enough to get a side that finished in the bottom half into the top six this time around it may take a little bit longer for them to reach that.
Dark Horses
Birmingham City - Birmingham are expected to struggle again this season after a challenging campaign last year and that mad decision to part ways with Gary Rowett. It cost them in the end as they went from Play-Off challengers to relegation battlers. Harry Redknapp is there and I think this is a good job for him and he could get them back up the table and they could surprise a few.
Cardiff City - Cardiff have the most successful manager in terms of Promotions to the Premier League. Neil Warnock knows his way around the Championship. He will be able to utilise the loan market very well and get the team playing his way and they will pick up more points than most think and finish higher than what others have predicted.
Relegation Batters
Bolton - Bolton having just been promoted from League One have a tough battle on their hands. They have not been able to bring faces in and are stick with the team that got them promoted last season. The club have had a winding up order pitted against them over the summer which could make it a very tough season for the Macron Stadium outfit. Phil Parkinson has managed in the Championship before but I just can't see them having enough to beat the drop.
Barnsley - This could be a very tough season for the 2015/16 League One play - off winners. They have sold most of their best players and not replaced them and that is fatal when playing in this league. I hope that they don't end up having a real struggle like Rotherham did last season as that is not nice to see.
Burton - Last year was brilliant for Burton to stay in the Championship. It was great to see them stay up and battle hard for their deserved place in this years lineup. They do not have the finances to compete at this level. their budget is even smaller than my lot's budget so thats small. They do not get massive crowds either because of the size of the stadium. I think they will battle hard but ultimately I think it will end in a return to League One.
Millwall - My lot did it the hard way. We scraped into the the Play-Offs with 6 Minutes to go and won promotion at Wembley with 6 minutes to go make us wonder was it written. We have been written off by almost everyone so far and considering how we got here I can understand. However, we have strengthened really well. 7 new singings including the two full backs in the League One team of the year as well as Jed Wallace, George Saville, Jake Cooper, Ryan Tunnicliffe, and Tom Elliot. I can see us having a good go and I think will manage to stay up.
Ipswich - Last year was very underwhelming for Ipswich, they had a shocker last season Tom Lawerence saved their season and unless big Mick can come up with another signing like that then I can see them following Blackburn as another former Premier League club to drop to the third tier. They will still beat us though.
Sheffield United- The Blades according to the bookies have the best chance of staying up out of the three promoted sides. They are a strong team and the manager has recruited experience which is good but will they be able to cope and be able to play across those busy periods. I like Chris Wilder and what he has done. I think it is possible for them to have a strong campaign but I don't see them finishing any higher than mid-table.
Nottingham Forest - Forest had a woeful season last time out, staying up on the last day. it was a poor campaign for everyone and they need to massively improve this year otherwise they will be dragged into a relegation battle. When I saw the fixtures come out I was quite happy to see that Forest where our first opponents as I feel all the pressure will be on them. They have lost their big striker have not replaced him. That could be fatal.
Season Predictions:
Champions: Middlesbrough
Promoted: Aston Villa
Play Offs: Fulham, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich (Fulham to win Play Offs)
Relegated: Bolton, Burton, Barnsley
Opening Weekend Predictions
Sunderland v Derby - Friday 7.45 PM
This is a great start to the season. What a game to get us underway in the new season. Sunderland fans will be expecting their side too be on the front foot and to really take the game to Derby. However, I can't see that happening too much, both sides are expected to be up there at the end of the season. I think it will be a fast paced game and an entertaining draw.
My Prediction: 2-2
Nottingham Forest v Millwall - Friday 7.45 PM
So this is a big season for Forest all the pressure will be on them as their fans will be expecting an easy win over my newly Promoted team, the thing you have to remember about the three that came up is that they will be on a high after promotion and coming up against a side that just survived they could edge it, however I'm going for a draw.
My Prediction: 1-1
Bristol City v Barnsley
Two sides that I think are going to have tough seasons. Had it not been for Tammy Abraham last season Bristol City would have been in real danger. Likewise for Barnsley had they not had that great start then they would have been in real trouble. Neither team have any real superstars and will be looking for someone to step up. I think home advantage will give the Bristolians the edge.
My Prediction: 1-0
Burton v Cardiff
I have touched on both of these two teams above and I think both will have different kinds of seasons to each other. Cardiff have had time over the summer to settle into the Neil Warnock way which I think is going to have a big effect this season. Burton will battle hard all season especially at home where they have a good record.
My Prediction: 1-1
Fulham v Norwich
This has the potential to be a cracker! Both of these sides can score goals and in these early season games you often see a lot of goals. Both of these teams have goalscorers and this could be a proper goal fest but I fancy Fulham to edge it at home
My Prediction: 3-2
Ipswich v Birmingham
Harry Redknapp was a good appointment for the Blues and one that I think is going to work very well should he given the time to implement his way of working at the club. Ipswich are a side who really need to get off too a good start or they could have a really tough campaign.
My Prediction: 0-2
Preston v Sheffield Wed
The start of the new era at Preston and one that starts with optimism. Preston just missed out on the play offs last season and they will be in the mix again this time. Alex Neil has won promotion to the Premier League through the play offs with Norwich so knows whats required. Wednesday have made the play offs in the last two seasons and know what it takes to get there and will be there again this year. However, I see Preston winning this one.
My Prediction: 2-0
QPR v Reading
This is going to be a tough season for QPR. They are in a dire position when it comes to the money and they do not have the best squad. Holloway is a good manager I know his spell with Millwall wasn't great but he can do a good job however its going to be a tough season. Reading will want to put the play off defeat behind them and I think they will do here.
My Prediction: 1-3
Sheffield United v Brentford
This is a good game to start with for Sheffield United. Brentford are traditionally slow starters which means this is a good game for the Yorkshire boys. Brentford when they get going will have a good solid campaign.
My Prediction: 2-0
Wolves v Middlesbrough
This is another good game to start a season with, both of these two teams have big ambitions for Premier League football. This will be a good test for Wolves to see if they have what it takes to battle at the top with the big boys and for Boro its a test to see if they can get their mindset back to the required level to reach the Premier League again and I think they will win.
My Prediction: 1-2
Aston Villa v Hull
Villa are going to be right up there this year and this is the perfect game to start with. Hull are in disarray at the moment with the playing staff and the manager is no expert in English football this is going to be an interesting season at the KCOM. Villa are going to have a straight forward win on the opening day.
My Prediction: 3-0
Bolton v Leeds
This is a really tough start for Bolton. Having just come up they are going up against a side that are going to be around the top six. However, this will only be the first game under the new boss which means that the players will not be fully ready and may need time to get used to the system so I can see Bolton taking a point.
My Prediction: 1-1
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