In the final week before the Championship season gets underway, Sports Mole assesses the transfer dealings and prospects of the 24 clubs in the second tier of English football.

Here, it's the team currently occupying top spot because of their alphabetical superiority - Barnsley.

In:

Dale Jennings (from Bayern Munich, £250,000), Christian Dibble (from Bury, Free), Lewin Nyatanga (from Bristol City, Free), John Cofie (from Manchester United, Free), Jean-Yves M'voto (from Oldham Athletic, Free)

Out:

Stephen Foster (to Tranmere Rovers, Free), John Rooney (to Bury, Free), Rob Edwards (Released), Marlon Harewood (Released), Lukas Lidakevicius (Released), Toni Silva (Released), Matt Done (to Rochdale, Free)

Last Season: 21st

Manager: David Flitcroft

Three key players:

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Luke Steele - The 6'2" goalkeeper is sure to be tested on regular occasions and his performances between the sticks will be vital in Barnsley's battle this term. The 28-year-old was expected to move to pastures new this summer with other Championship sides said to be interested in luring him away, but instead showed faithfulness to the Tykes by signing a new two-year deal at Oakwell.

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Lewin Nyatanga - Pictured here in a Bristol City shirt, Nyatanga opted for a two-year deal with Barnsley this summer instead of re-signing with the relegated Robins or joining new Championship side Yeovil Town, who were also said to be interested in his services. The Welsh international should embed himself into the heart of Flitcroft's back four and if Barnsley are to have a more successful season this year than last, the performances of Nyantanga and Martin Cranie at centre-back will be crucial.

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Jason Scotland - The Trinidadian arrived from fellow strugglers Ipswich Town in January last season on a short-term deal and scored crucial goals in their fight for survival. This earned him a one-year deal for this season, and he will need to repeat those goalscoring exploits this term to win himself a starting role under Flitcroft and spearhead the attack. If a partnership blossoms with Chris O'Grady, then goals will be scored because of their physical nature and finishing attributes.

First game: Wigan (H), Complete fixture list

Sports Mole says: They teetered on the brink of relegation on the final day of last season in May, and staying in the Championship this season is going to be just as tough for Barnsley. Flitcroft's squad has not changed much and with other clubs showing more flair in the transfer market, a monumental effort is needed from the men in red to stay up this season. They may be sitting pretty at the top right now because of the alphabet but, realistically, anywhere in the bottom half above the drop zone will do for Tykes fans in 2013-14.

Predicted finish: 23rd