I'm happy Reading are going up since it means two more Americans in the EPL. Can't say the same for Sheffield United, which I'd rather were going down. Of the other four, I have to take Leeds as it would mean another American in the Premiership. After that, in order of preference, Preston, Watford, Palace. As to which team will go up, Preston have been on fire lately and would seem to have the best shot, while Leeds have been floundering (points and last 10 matches): Preston (21) - DDWLDWWWWW Watford (16) - WWDDWLLDDW Palace (15) - WLWDWLWLDD Leeds (12) - DWWDDLDLDD
Of course, Eddie Lewis plays for Leeds. I do like Palace -- you have to love players like Andy Johnson, Aki Riihilahti, and Gabor Kiraly.
Preston or Leeds - can get to both grounds in an hour from my house and it will give RickB the opportunity to moan some more about all the driving he has to do. Seriously though, Palace and Watford have crap stadiums - much better facilities at Leeds. Not sure about Preston. It's years since I've been there and I believe they're in process of redeveloping their ground. Also the national football museum is there and it would be interesting to visit that.
I'd go for Palace. I'd be happy for them to bounce back into the Prem... they are a London based team, and I've been to their stadium. Leeds as well... I'd like to see them make it back to the big time. Their fans have suffered badly... and since they have literally APPLAUDED our team off the pitch TWICE... when we went up there and pummeled them into submission, they appreciated how good we were, and applauded the opposing team. I haven't seen that before.
Palace or Watford. Dowie is a legend and is from Hatfield, just like my badself. Watford coz Watford is near Hatfield, once again, like my badself! Check your head!
hard not to root for for Riihilahti, if only because of his homepage: http://www.akiriihilahti.com/ which is more entertaining than his soccer.
Great site! I'm rooting for him now, too. My two favorite lines so far are: "Objective reasoning is not fun, it lacks passion. Commentating a game is like Kama Sutra of football, the hidden mystified pleasure with no boundaries." -- and -- "Game without opinions and debate is like Starsky without Hutch."
Preston North End because I'm sentimental to the old teams. Palace or Watford because it would mean more chances to see EPL matches when in London. Still mad at Leeds for ruining our season a few years back.