AI Predicts 2025/26 Championship Table
The upcoming 2025/26 Championship season promises to be another thrilling chapter in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, renowned for its high-stakes drama and ever-shifting dynamics. With clubs vying for promotion and fighting to avoid relegation, the landscape can change dramatically in a matter of weeks.
Last season saw Leeds United return to the Premier League, clinching the title with 100 points, followed closely by Burnley, also with 100 points, separated only by goal difference. Sunderland secured promotion by defeating Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
To get ahead of the curve for the 2025/26 season, we’ve turned to AI technology for predictions, offering insights from top to bottom of the league standings.
Relegation Predictions
According to the AI analysis, Sheffield Wednesday, Oxford United, and Preston North End are at risk of relegation.
- Oxford United is the only team promoted in the past two years projected for the drop, largely due to their defensive weaknesses.
- Watford, facing a tumultuous managerial situation and financial constraints, is forecasted to finish narrowly above the relegation zone in 21st place.
- Preston North End, one of the founding members of the Football League, is predicted to sit in 22nd place, while Sheffield Wednesday is expected to finish last with only 38 points.
The AI points out that the relegation battle is tight, with a mere ten points dividing the 17th and 22nd places. Teams such as Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, and newly promoted Charlton Athletic will need to stay vigilant to dodge relegation.
Midtable Outlook
Teams in the midtable often find themselves on the brink of both promotion and relegation challenges. The AI forecasts the following:
- Derby County will finish 15th, having struggled in past seasons.
- Stoke City is predicted to end up in 14th position, while Swansea City is likely to land in 13th due to inconsistent scoring.
- Despite a playoff place achievement last season, Bristol City might slide to 12th. Norwich City is set to finish 11th under manager Liam Manning.
- Hull City, facing a transfer ban, is still forecasted to achieve a respectable 10th place, while West Brom is expected to hold firm in 9th.
Promotion Prospects
The top two teams in the Championship will automatically climb to the Premier League, with the next four entering the play-off race. AI forecasts that:
- Southampton, led by Will Still, will bounce back to the Premier League as champions.
- Leicester City under Marti Cifuentes is predicted to secure the second automatic promotion spot.
- Ipswich Town is expected to finish third, just missing out on automatic promotion.
- Birmingham City, backed by Tom Brady and recent signings, is poised for a solid push for promotion.
- Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars, is expected to finish fifth as they aim for a fourth consecutive promotion.
Meanwhile, Coventry City is projected to secure a play-off spot, maintaining their presence in the promotional conversation.
Conclusion
The AI predictions for the Championship season are sure to create excitement and anticipation among fans, as teams prepare to battle for their respective fates from promotion to relegation. Each match will carry significant weight as the season unfolds.
