Baldangel takes a look into his crystal ball and shares his thoughts ahead of this weekend's big kick off...

So it's pretty obvious that we are going to win the Division and probably have it wrapped up by Christmas (!), but who is going to come second?

My two favourites are Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City. Most clubs seem to find a new impetus from a move to a new stadium and although Shrewsbury have had their new home for a season it is likely that the momentum remains. This close season Shrewsbury have been one of the prime movers in the transfer market, probably on the back of the transfer fee paid by Manchester City for Joe Hart and the subsequent add-ons activated by his England debut. Big money has been spent on bringing Grant Holt from Nottingham Forest. It might be argued that Holt didn't really cut the mustard at Forest, but he was previously successful at this level with Rochdale. He will form a new strike partnership at The Prostar Stadium with Richard Walker, a player that more than interested our own manager, before his season long loan from Bristol Rovers.

Significant other new arrivals from higher level clubs have also pitched up at Shrewsbury. Michael Jackson will this season be doing his moonwalking at Shrewsbury having departed Blackpool, Graham Coughlan arrived from Rotherham and with eight signings in all, Shrewsbury look to have the strength in depth to carry a season.

Bradford City are almost a club that deserve to achieve. Valley Parade could potentially host 20,000 crowds in the coming season with their fan-friendly season ticket scheme. Last season they were the cheapest season tickets in the country at £138. For 2008 they have increased their prices by an outrageous £12. But if you were a present season ticket holder and renewed before June, then you were entitled to another season ticket for FREE. These price initiatives produced an average gate of over 13,000 last season and the money banked in advance has been invested in signings such as the Boulding brothers, Michael and Rory. Michael, the experienced of the two, being a recognised striker in the lower divisions. Paul McLaren has signed from Tranmere, Graham Lee from Doncaster and Carlisle right back Paul Arnison.

Despite their masses on the terraces a 10th place finish was much less than expected and Stuart McCall will be under pressure to deliver this term.

Without any penalty points to carry, Bournemouth would be a lot of punters' bets for immediate promotion back to League One following their tremendous run at the end of last season. However, another points deduction seems likely and this season they will not have the talents of Sam Vokes to call on. A takeover of the club has been pending for months and at present this still has not been completed and this has placed financial restrictions on the Kevin Bond. Their only summer signing has been Scott Guyett, a defender from Yeovil.

The best of the rest appear to be Darlington, surely that big ground should be hosting big attendances sometime in the future. Rochdale have kept their play-off squad together and should go well. Notts County with once again the big ground factor. A big ground does not, of course, mean assured success, but if you can get a run going, then you have the ability to produce a meaningful revenue stream. Wycombe are always there and thereabouts and will Aldershot carry their Conference momentum into the Football League? It will be interesting to see if Charlie McDonald can rekindle his Gravesend form at Brentford.

Down at the bottom, poor old Luton with their 30 point deduction look the prime candidates for the drop. Leeds showed last season that the deductions can be overcome, but Luton's is double and players have been jumping ship making the task look impossible. If the points deduction for Rotherham and Bournemouth are confirmed they also are going to struggle to overcome the handicap. Bournemouth, I feel, could achieve it. For the other relegation places I look to the sides that have low attendances and therefore limited resources. Accrington and Macclesfield look vulnerable.

The opening paragraph was, of course, tongue-in-cheek. I think we will have an OK season, but not be quite good enough, or have enough strength in depth to make the play-offs. I'd take us to finish round about ninth.