Ex-Everton and Chelsea figure issues 2026/27 predictions - as he shares overall hope
Pundit and commentator Pat Nevin has shared his views ahead of the new league season.
Commentator Pat Nevin believes it’s not impossible for the underdogs to enjoy success in the EFL - but admits they do need everything to fall in their favour to top some of the big boys.
Following the first round of the Carabao Cup last weekend, the Championship, League One and League Two all get underway over the next few days.
Nevin, who played for Chelsea and Everton during his playing career, is hoping the recent World Cup could have an impact on how teams approach the new campaign.
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“I love each season, there’s always something new to look forward to,” he said in an interview via Bet Goodwin.
“In the midst of all of the different leagues, it’s interesting to see how the World Cup will change everything. I thought it’d be a Tika-Taka tournament, but it wasn’t. The games were exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing if that changes some styles.
“The most obvious switch was Barcelona and Spain - a lot of people looked at that style, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
“I loved and hated Paraguay. There’s a lot to be learnt, there’s too many coaches who think there’s only one way to play.”
Looking at the Championship, Nevin is struggling to look past some of the teams that were relegated from the Premier League last term, but has warned them not to take their eye off the ball.
While not completely ruling out some of the longer-serving second division sides, the 62-year-old admits it’s harder for them to mount a challenge, even with the extended play-offs.
“I’ve got a lot of feeling for Preston because of David Moyes and their massive history,” he admitted.
“It’s one of those clubs I quite like, but it’s really hard to build up from a slightly smaller fanbase than some of the monster clubs you’ve got there.
“It’s a tough one for them, but impossible; absolutely not. Wolves and West Ham are the obvious ones for me.
“If West Ham can get all the stuff behind-the-scenes sorted out, then they’re a huge club. There’s a lot of people who are very interested in buying in and putting money into it. For the fans, I hope it’s sorted soon.
“They are the ones for me - that’ll be a tough place for any team to go.
“I’ve got a lovely feeling about Wolverhampton Wanderers. I really like them as a club - I like their attitude and the way they punch above their weight. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re fighting it out.
“It’s really difficult because if you find yourself over boarded by a wage, then you will get dragged down, especially if you’ve overpaid - that’s what happened with Leicester, and it’s happened with others where it’s taken decades to get back.
“I know how much it helps if you’ve got that full support and a bit more money than the others, it can just get you over the line. If you’ve not got your house in order, it works exactly the opposite way.”
“Having played in the Championship and been in the play-offs three times towards the end of my career, I know how hard it is to get out.
“With Tranmere we were on the cusp time and time again. It’s a small club, with massive clubs right beside us. You get it in the North West because you’re not that far away from Man United, Liverpool, Man City - and then the rugby league on top.
“It’s not impossible, but it’s much harder, and harder to sustain. Having said that, look at the size of Bournemouth and how they’ve punched so staggeringly high above their weight.
“These are real football fans, and that’s why I’ve got a real care and compassion for them.”