Not willing to make a prediction, but I can see it being a lot more competitive, and possibly of a higher standard (overall) than the first half of the season. Wednesday are aiming to strengthen significantly this Jan, with Mandaric's backing (although I still don't rate Irvine one bit), Charlton will get a boost with Powell's arrival and I fancy him to do quite well there, and I can see Ferguson getting Posh scoring plenty again (with Boyd and the like re-finding form). Also as an outside bet Notts County could well make the play-offs - they're on a terrific run under Ince and their good form has coincided with Lee Hughes' return to fitness. Then grouped with the obvious Saints & Hudders, I think there'll be a LOT of movement in the top 7 or 8 places until the end of the season - although hopefully no change to 1st spot.
I think Bournemouth are the only team up there now who I think will drop off a bit. Certainly don't expect them to threaten the auto-spots for much longer. If they do, then HUGE credit to them.
Ask me again after Bournemouth and Colchester. I really think they are pivotal to the extent that if we get four points or more it will give us additional impetus for a run of "less challenging" games (insofar as any can be with so little between those challenging for the play off places and those hovering above the drop zone). Two good results now and we will take a great deal of catching.
The timing of the Watford game could be almost perfect if, after a couple more good results, it gives us a chance to measure ourselves realistically and with relatively little pressure against a good championship side while on the same day SCC and Huddersfield are knocking themselves out emotionally and physically with much higher profile games.