BBC Wales football predictions

FULL SEASON PREVIEWS Cardiff season preview Swansea season preview Wrexham season preview

Cardiff City predictions

Swansea City predictions

Wrexham predictions

It only seems like a few days ago that Cardiff were in the FA Cup Final, Swansea were celebrating promotion from League One and Wrexham were preparing for life outside the Football League.

But with the 2007/08 season firmly in the past, the focus now turns to 2008/09 which kicks off on Saturday and is certain to bring a new challenge for each of the Welsh teams.

Can Cardiff make it to the Premier League? Will Swansea be the Championship's surprise package? Can Wrexham bounce straight back?

BBC Sport Wales' football experts Ian Gwyn Hughes and Rob Phillips have given their predictions on how they think the three Welsh clubs will do next season.

606: DEBATE Give your predictions for the three Welsh teams

See if you share their views.

Below each set of predictions, you can find links to the individual club previews for the new campaign which kicks off on 9 August.

---

CARDIFF CITY

Ian Gwyn Hughes, Football Editor

I expect Cardiff to be challenging for a play-off spot but once again the lack of a proven goal scorer at this level could be a problem.

Championship: 9th
Carling Cup: 4th round
FA Cup: 5th round
One to watch: Ross McCormack

Rob Phillips, Football reporter

All depends on the strikers. If they fire, Cardiff have the talent and know-how to mount a play-off challenge.

Championship: 8th
Carling Cup: 4th round
FA Cup: Not as far as last season
One to watch: Ross McCormack

Cardiff City season preview

---

SWANSEA CITY

Ian Gwyn Hughes, Football Editor

Inexperienced at this level and I think that will work to their advantage rather than hinder them. The division's surprise package will flirt with play-offs but end the season in a comfortable mid-table position.

Championship: 12th
Carling Cup: 4th round
FA Cup: 4th round
One to watch: Roberto Martinez

Rob Phillips, Football reporter

An unknown quantity for their fans and opponents. Mid-table consolidation should be a realistic ambition.

Championship: 14th
Carling Cup: 2nd round
FA Cup: 4th round
One to watch: Angel Rangel

Swansea City season preview

---

WREXHAM

Ian Gwyn Hughes, Football Editor

Difficult to judge as the league is a tough one, but I don't think they have to start brilliantly, just build gradually. I cannot see them bouncing back first time of asking.

Blue Square Premier: 6th
FA Cup: 3rd round
FA Carlsberg Trophy: Semi-final
Setanta Shield: 1st round (to avoid fixture congestion)
One to watch: Shaun Whalley

Rob Phillips, Football reporter

It will be a culture shock and progress will rely heavily on how the squad gels having been freshened up by Brian Little.

Blue Square Premier: 5th
FA Cup: 1st round
FA Carlsberg Trophy: 4th round
Setanta Shield: 2nd round
One to watch: Shaun Whalley

Wrexham season preview