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With the new league season under starters’ orders, Mike Wilson gives his verdict on the Championship runners and riders

Plus Mike Wilson previews the Championship’s runners and riders:

THE FIRM FAVOURITES Hibs

High stakes for the Scottish Cup winners who simply can’t afford a third season in the Championship. New boss Neil Lennon has been given the biggest budget in the league and has been told he has to deliver. No Anthony Stokes this season but goal king Jason Cummings and new Scotland star John McGinn will be key men. 10- 11

Dundee United

It’s hard to believe The Arabs won’t be in the Premiership as they are a top flight club in everything but name only. Ray McKinnon has been tasked with the job of taking them back up and is sure to go close. Another club with a big budget and high expectations. Goals will flow from Simon Murray. Cammy Bell, Willo Flood and Lewis Toshney bring valuable experience. 9-4

THE EACH WAY BETS Falkirk

Peter Houston’s men did well to finish above Hibs last season and then beat the Easter Road men in the play- offs before freezing against Kilmarnock at the final hurdle. The loss of star man Blair Alston to St Johnstone will hurt. John Baird and one- time Ayr target Bob McHugh will score goals while the experienced John Rankin will bring a calming influence. 7-1

Ayr United

As new recruits from League One, Ayr won’t be expected to challenge but can still be surprise packets. Manager Ian McCall is undoubtedly the club’s prize asset and will drag the very best from his squad despite a lower budget than most. The spine of the team is good and that’s the key. Nicky Devlin, Ross Docherty and Craig Moore can come to the fore. 66-1

THE LONG SHOTS St Mirren

The Buddies will have a real go under Alex Rae but will come up just short – just like they did in the Betfred Cup. John Sutton and David Clarkson look too similar in style and are not a perfect fit. Good use of the loan market has brought in Lawrence Shankland ( Aberdeen) and Rangers pair Ryan Hardie and Tom Walsh. Defender Andy Webster’s best days are behind him. 14-1

Dunfermline

The Pars romped League One and will look to carry on from where they left off but the loss of top gun Faissal El Bakhtaoui’s 31 goals in 70 games will be crucial. Michael Moffat is untested at Championship level and while Gavin Reilly has joined on loan from Hearts they still look short of goals. A 5- 1 Betfred Cup defeat at home to Inverness mirrored their flaws. 12-1

THE RANK OUTSIDERS Raith

Gary Locke has replaced Ray McKinnon at the helm and has recruited shrewdly. Declan McManus snubbed Morton to sign on loan from Fleetwood and the former Aberdeen striker’s decision speaks volumes. New boy Chris Johnston was flying at Killie before injury curtailed him. The signing of Rudi Skacel is interesting... but doubtful if he can do it again. 20-1

Morton

Jai Quitongo lit up Rugby Park with a stunning goal in their 2- 0 win over Killie in the Betfred Cup and more of the same will be hoped for. Jim Duffy has lost too many of last season’s big hitters to mount a promotion challenge but he ‘ s a wily boss who will keep his team above water. Didn’t concede a goal in the Betfred Cup and a tight defence will be his cornerstone. 40-1

Queen of the South

The club seemed to take an age in the summer before replacing the axed James Fowler with Gavin Skelton. Landing a first manager’s job in the Championship would test the very best and Skelton will be up against it. Darren Brownlie struggled at Ayr when on loan so there could be big defensive question marks around him. They can’t rely on old head Derek Lyle for ever for goals. Their squad looks well short and they are destined for a fight at the wrong end of the table. A juicy derby at Palmerston on August 13 will be an early indicator. 33-1

BACK OF THE PACK Dumbarton

Finished rock bottom in one of the weakest Betfred Cup sections and that’s where they will finish in the league. Stevie Aitken did well to keep the Sons in the Championship last season but he won’t be as successful this time. The odds are stacked against them and it will be a struggle from day one. All eyes will be on Ryan Stevenson and his return to Somerset Park will be interesting to say the least. If Stevo gets himself fully fit, he will provide a spark but fitness was a key issue towards the end of last season. 80-1