Often labelled as one of the most unpredictable leagues in world football, the EFL Championship continues to deliver drama, tension, and high-stakes clashes from August to May. With promotion dreams and relegation nightmares just a few points apart, fortunes can change fast—and in 2025/26, that looks set to continue.

Rather than attempting to predict this chaotic league ourselves, we’ve handed the task over to ChatGPT, which has simulated the 2025/26 Championship season based on form, transfer activity, infrastructure, and recent trends.

Here’s what the AI came up with—and trust us, some of the picks will surprise you.

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Relegation: Sheffield Wednesday, Oxford United & Preston North End

24th – Sheffield Wednesday (38 pts)

One of the biggest shocks (Normally) unfortunately, not at present, AI is tipping Sheffield Wednesday to finish bottom of the Championship. With a history steeped in top-flight tradition and one of the largest stadiums outside the Premier League, the drop would be a major blow.

23rd – Oxford United (42 pts)

Despite a solid mid-table finish last season, AI predicts a defensive collapse will send Oxford United straight back down. Their return to the second tier could be short-lived unless major improvements are made at the back.

22nd – Preston North End (44 pts)

Another of English football’s founding clubs, Preston have been Championship stalwarts for years. However a lack of momentum could finally catch up with them.

Just Above the Drop: Watford (21st, 46 pts)

The AI believes Watford’s managerial merry-go-round and financial constraints will nearly cost them their status. A narrow escape, but the Hornets will be living dangerously.

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🟧 Mid-Table: Stability, But No Glory

16th to 9th – Familiar Faces Holding Ground

• 16. Portsmouth (56 pts) – Solid, but unspectacular on their Championship return.
• 15. Derby County (58 pts) – The former Premier League outfit are expected to plateau mid-table.
• 14. Stoke City (60 pts) – “Pragmatic play” keeps them safe but nowhere near contention.
• 13. Swansea City (62 pts) – Inconsistent scoring hinders any upward push.
• 12. Bristol City (64 pts) – A playoff finish last season, but the hangover is real.
• 11. Norwich City (65 pts) – Yo-yo days seem behind them, for now.
• 10. Hull City (66 pts) – Embargoed from making signings, but still overachieve.
• 9. West Brom (68 pts) – The Baggies are the definition of steady, staying exactly where they were.

For clubs like Norwich, Swansea, and Bristol City, the AI forecasts suggest another year of treading water—capable of pushing on, but lacking the consistency or depth to do it.

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Promotion & Play-Off Contenders: Wrexham, Birmingham, Coventry Among Surprise Picks

1st – Southampton (92 pts)

Relegated just last season, Southampton are tipped to bounce straight back under the highly-rated Will Still, topping the table with a commanding points total.

2nd – Leicester City (87 pts)

Despite another managerial change, Martí Cifuentes is expected to guide the Foxes back to the Premier League, five points clear of third.

3rd – Ipswich Town (82 pts)

Just missing out on automatic promotion, Ipswich are expected to remain strong contenders for the top flight. Their momentum continues under a stable setup.

4th – Birmingham City (80 pts)

With Tom Brady’s ownership group investing heavily and Kyogo Furuhashi spearheading the attack, the Blues are in line for a second successive promotion push.

5th – Coventry City (78 pts)

The Sky Blues remain in the conversation under Frank Lampard, who has steadied the ship. A top-six finish gives them another shot at the Premier League.

6th – Wrexham (76 pts)

Hollywood FC’s fairytale continues. AI predicts another leap for Wrexham, who are gunning for a stunning fourth consecutive promotion. Reynolds and McElhenney might just pull off the unthinkable.

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Just Missed Out

• 7. Sheffield United (73 pts) – After a heartbreaking playoff final loss last season, the Blades narrowly miss out again.
• 8. Middlesbrough (70 pts) – A decent campaign, but not quite enough to break back into the top six.

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Predicted Championship 2025/26 Table (Top to Bottom)

Pos	Club	Points
1	Southampton	92
2	Leicester City	87
3	Ipswich Town	82
4	Birmingham City	80
5	Coventry City	78
6	Wrexham	76
7	Sheffield United	73
8	Middlesbrough	70
9	West Brom	68
10	Hull City	66
11	Norwich City	65
12	Bristol City	64
13	Swansea City	62
14	Stoke City	60
15	Derby County	58
16	Portsmouth	56
17	Charlton Athletic	54
18	QPR	52
19	Millwall	50
20	Blackburn Rovers	48
21	Watford	46
22	Preston North End	44
23	Oxford United	42
24	Sheffield Wednesday	38

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Final Thoughts

From Southampton’s return to the top flight to Wrexham’s continued meteoric rise, ChatGPT’s predictions paint a thrilling picture of what’s to come in the 2025/26 Championship season. With just 10 points separating 17th and 22nd, it could be another year of tight battles and dramatic final days.

Will the AI get it right? Or will this famously chaotic league tear up the script once again?

Let us know your predictions below. 👇