the point i was trying to make is that the promotion race is easier than last year
Ipswich, Sheff Wed and Plymouth were both great last season, barely dropping any points. Ipswich are one point off top of the championship
Reading have come down with a points deduction, and have been forced to sell players and can't afford to buy. Blackpool have really struggled this season. Wigan have also struggled at times and had to sell players. They also have had a points deduction this season.
Barnsley, Bolton, Peterborough are all kind of where they were last season. Which really just leaves Portsmouth who have improved in comparison to last season
So overall, it is clearly easier to get near top of the league this season