Historically, it is the penultimate episodes in a series of Game of Thrones that are really action-packed, while finales usually take the time to set the scene for the next instalment. This is a tried and tested method also made popular in shows such as Breaking Bad, and one which seems to resonate with viewers.

The producers of the HBO hit changed tack at the end of Season Five, however, catching viewers off guard with a blood bath that killed off several prominent characters. Viewers certainly took time to adapt at the beginning of Season Six, while 888.com has even started offering survival odds for the new season.

Season Six has bubbled along nicely so far, although viewers are stilling to trying to pre-empt precisely what will happen as the series builds towards what will surely be an explosive finale. As ever, HBO have dropped a number of cryptic hints about how the season will unfold, while fans are also sifting through George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels to tailor the predictions. While it may be simpler to just watch the show, where is the fun in this when you cannot binge on the entire season through Netflix?

In this spirit, we have come up with a couple of predictions for the course that Season Six is likely to take.

Brienne and Sansa will join forces

When Sansa and Theon jumped from the wall of Winterfell at the end of season five, it seemed obvious that they would be on the run from their captors Ramsey Bolton. This has been confirmed at the beginning of Season Six, with a recent episode seeing Brienne take Sansa under his wing and arriving at the headquarters of the Night’s Watch.

Ultimately, it appears as though Sansa may finally accept Brienne’s permanent offer of protection after turning this down decisively last season. With an alternative of being returned to captivity and a life of servitude with Ramsay, she may have little choice as the season progresses.

This is certainly something to watch, but we are sure that Sansa will be forced to choose the better of two unappealing options.

Cersei will have her revenge towards the end of Season Six

This is likely to be a slow-burner for season six, as Cersei looks to gain her revenge on the Faith Militant after a turbulent Season Five. Season Five ended as the Militants, led by The High Sparrow, threw Cersei in prison and only agreed to release her after she was forced to endure a horrific and humiliating walk of shame. The boot is on the other foot now that she has been released, however, and the Faith Militant is sure to regret its decision to underestimated Cersei and set her free.

With the High Sparrow and Cersei’s cousin Lancel prime targets for revenge; this plot is already beginning to gather momentum in season six. Cersei’s decision to hire the services of a mysterious knight has set her plans in motion, while it will also be afforded momentum by the fact that the Crown is already looking to seize back power and restore King’s Landing. With the Sparrows distracted, Cersei will have the ideal chance to gain her avenge!