Exclusive: Lee Hendrie predicts the final EFL Championship top 6 ft Preston North End | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his predictions for the top six teams in the Championship this season

Lee Hendrie has predicted Preston North End as his wildcard pick for a top six finish in the Championship this season.

We are now nine games into the campaign, and a table is beginning to take shape, with several clubs setting their sights on a place in the Premier League for next year.

The Sky Blues lead the way at the top of the standings going into the October international break, with Middlesbrough right behind them in second.

But the likes of Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton will all want to be in the mix after going down in the previous campaign, with Birmingham City, West Brom and Stoke City all also keen to be in contention.

But it is still very early days, and anything could yet still change in the race for a top two or top six position in the second division.

Lee Hendrie predicts the top six in the Championship

Hendrie has tipped Coventry and Middlesbrough to remain in the mix for promotion, while also naming the recently relegated trio of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton.

However, he feels that Preston have made a very promising start under Paul Heckingbottom, and that they could potentially keep that up and earn at least a play-off place at the end of the campaign.

“I think looking at this season, I think Coventry got off to a flying start,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“Middlesbrough I think will certainly be in the thick of things this season with Rob Edwards.

“Leicester have really got going as well since Martí Cifuentes has gone in there.

“I still feel that Southampton will come from out of that pack for sure.

“And you’re looking at the likes of Ipswich I think will do the same.

“And I’m going to go one sort of outside the box a little bit, looking at the moment I think Preston are really finding their way.

“Hecky has got them going really well, so I’m just going to chuck a little one in there, a Preston in there.”

Preston are currently fourth in the Championship table after the opening nine fixtures, having won four, drawn four and only lost one.

The Lilywhites have not competed in the top flight since 1961, and haven’t even earned a play-off finish since 2009.

Their best result since returning to the Championship in 2015 was a seventh place result in 2018, so earning a top six position this year would be a great return for Heckingbottom.

Next up for Preston is a trip to face West Brom on 18 October in a 3pm kick-off.

Middlesbrough and Coventry look good for possible promotion push

Middlesbrough and Coventry have both knocked on the door of promotion in the last few years, but have been unable to break into the top flight.

But strong starts this year has given them an edge on a misfiring Southampton and Ipswich, which could be what they need to get over the line this season.

Southampton are continuing to struggle, but it’s easy to see them turning things around and going on a run.

Meanwhile, Ipswich are already improving their form, and look quite strong when at their best, so should be in the mix, with Leicester sitting third in the table themselves.