Championship 2025/2026: The Race for the Premier League Heats Up – Predicted Finish

The EFL Championship is back, and with it, another season promises to deliver its unique blend of drama, unpredictability, and nail-biting finishes. As the 2025/2026 campaign kicks off, 24 teams battle it out for the coveted spots in the Premier League, while others fight tooth and nail to avoid the dreaded drop to League One.

This summer has seen a flurry of activity, both on and off the pitch, as clubs prepare for the gruelling 46-game season. New managers have arrived, star players have been snapped up, and ambitious plans have been laid out.

The Contenders and Their Close Season Activity:

Relegated from the Premier League:

• Ipswich Town: After a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful Premier League campaign, Ipswich return to the Championship with a strong core of players who earned promotion previously. Manager Kieran McKenna is highly rated, and the club has actively strengthened, bringing in experienced Premier League defender Cedric Kipre, Azor Matusiwa, and veteran Ashley Young.  They look well-equipped to challenge for an immediate return.
• Leicester City: The Foxes are back in the Championship and have installed Marti Cifuentes as their new manager.  Despite a potential points deduction looming, Leicester have a history of bouncing back, having won the Championship in their last two stints at this level.  The departure of club legend Jamie Vardy signals a new era, and they’ve already brought in Asmir Begovic to bolster their ranks.
• Southampton: Another club looking for an instant bounce back, Southampton have appointed the highly-rated Will Still as their new boss.  While they had a challenging Premier League season, the Saints still possess a talented squad. They’ve seen departures like Kamaldeen Sulemana and Jan Bednarek, but new additions like Damion Downs and Joshua Quarshie will hope to make an impact.

Promoted from League One:

• Birmingham City: The Blues roared through League One last season, setting a record points tally. Under Chris Davies, and with ambitious new owners, Birmingham are not content with just staying up. They’ve been busy in the transfer market, adding Phil Neumann, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Alfons Sampsted, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Demarai Gray permanently, alongside significant loan deals for Tommy Doyle, James Beadle, and Eiran Cashin.  They look set to challenge for the playoffs.
• Charlton Athletic: The Addicks are back in the Championship after a five-year absence. Their play-off final victory against Leyton Orient was hard-fought. While their transfer activity has been quieter, they will rely on the momentum and team spirit that saw them promoted.
• Wrexham AFC: The Hollywood story continues! Wrexham’s meteoric rise brings them to the Championship for the first time in decades. With significant backing and Phil Parkinson at the helm, they are expected to make a strong impact. They are reportedly interested in signing Ipswich forward Nathan Broadhead, a move that would demonstrate their ambition, and have already brought in Ryan Hardie.

Other Key Teams and Their Summer Movements:

• Sheffield United: Despite play-off heartbreak last season, the Blades have brought in Ruben Selles as their new manager.  With the quality of Gus Hamer still in their ranks and loan additions like Louie Barry and Tyler Bindon, they will be looking to challenge again.
• Coventry City: Frank Lampard continues to enhance his managerial reputation with Coventry.  They’ve made some shrewd signings, including Miguel Angel Brau, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, and Carl Rushworth on loan, while seeing Jamie Paterson and Jack Burroughs depart.
• Middlesbrough: Rob Edwards takes the reins at Middlesbrough, and they’ll be hoping to overcome their recent play-off disappointments.  They’ve lost Hayden Hackney, a significant player, but will be looking to integrate new faces and push for the top six.
• Derby County: Derby have been active, securing Carlton Morris, Danny Batth, Andreas Weimann, and Patrick Agyemang, as well as loan deals for Owen Beck and David Ozoh.  They’ve also seen a number of players leave as they rebuild.
• Millwall: The Lions have broken their club record to retain Josh Coburn and brought in Max Crocombe, Zak Sturge, Massimo Luongo, and Alfie Doughty, along with Steven Benda on loan.  However, the departure of Zian Flemming to Burnley is a big loss.
• Norwich City: Liam Manning takes charge at Norwich after a successful spell at Bristol City.  They’ve sold Jonathan Rowe and Borja Sainz for significant fees, and will need to reinvest wisely to compete at the top end of the table. They’ve signed Daniel Grimshaw and Jacob Wright.
• Stoke City: Stoke have been busy, bringing in Sorba Thomas, Maksym Talovierov, Robert Bozenik, and free agents Aaron Cresswell.  Loan deals for Divin Mubama and Ashley Phillips also add depth. They’ve seen some departures too, including Wouter Burger.

Prediction for the Final Championship Table 2025/2026:

The Championship is notoriously difficult to predict, but based on squad strength, managerial acumen, and close-season activity, here’s a speculative look at how the table might shape up:

1. Ipswich Town
2. Southampton
3. Leicester City
4. Birmingham City
5. Sheffield United
6. Coventry City
7. Middlesbrough
8. West Bromwich Albion
9. Norwich City
10. Blackburn Rovers
11. Stoke City
12. Derby County
13. Watford
14. Millwall
15. Swansea City
16. Bristol City
17. Queens Park Rangers
18. Wrexham AFC
19. Preston North End
20. Sheffield Wednesday
21. Charlton Athletic
22. Portsmouth
23. Oxford United
24. Hull City

Automatic Promotion: Ipswich Town, Southampton

Play-off Spots: Leicester City, Birmingham City, Sheffield United, Coventry City

Relegation: Portsmouth, Oxford United, Hull City

This season promises to be a thrilling ride. The relegated Premier League teams will be hungry for an immediate return, while the promoted League One sides bring fresh impetus. Expect twists, turns, and plenty of upsets along the way!