The runners and riders as 2022-23 Championship campaign gets under way

The 2022-23 Sky Bet Championship season kicks off earlier than usual this week due to the World Cup finals in Qatar, which start in November.

Huddersfield take on relegated Burnley at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday night in the new campaign’s opening fixture.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at each club’s chances.

New boss John Eustace is Blues’ ninth manager since 2016 and attempts to stabilise the perennial strugglers are still being undermined by ongoing speculation over the future ownership of the club. Squad investment has been nominal, while incomplete major repair works at St Andrew’s remain a bugbear with fans.

Prediction: Relegation

Blackburn flirted with the play-offs last season but are a club in transition after appointing Jon Dahl Tomasson as head coach and Gregg Broughton as director of football. The departures of skipper Darragh Lenihan and on-loan players have left a big hole and others could follow. Recruitment remains key to Rovers’ chances.

Prediction: Mid-table

The Seasiders defied the odds to steer clear of relegation trouble last season after promotion, but could find it tougher second time round. New manager Michael Appleton, back for his second spell in charge following Neil Critchley’s departure, has been forced to be patient in the transfer market in his bid to strengthen.

Prediction: Survival after relegation battle

Season-ticket sales of more than 13,000 in early July are testament to a growing sense of optimism at Ashton Gate. The Robins finished 17th last season, but fans are hoping boss Nigel Pearson laid the foundations for success in his first full campaign in charge. Jason Euell’s arrival as first-team coach has strengthened his hand.

Prediction: Mid-table

Burnley’s six-year