Championship Predictions: Who’s Favoured to Win, Get Promoted or Relegated This Season

As the 2025-26 EFL Championship season gains momentum, the competition at both ends of the table is already shaping up to be fierce. Middlesbrough have hit the ground running with five wins and a draw, while Stoke City, Bristol City, and Leicester City aren’t far behind. The season started with plenty of energy, and even the teams lower down have shown enough spark to suggest things could change quickly. Even the sides near the bottom have had moments that hint they could cause an upset before the season is out.

Stoke City have started the season well, picking up points at home and looking composed even in the tougher matches. Teams around them, like Bristol City and Leicester, are proving competitive too, keeping the top half of the table wide open. For fans looking to follow the action off the pitch, using safe credit card betting sites can make keeping track even easier. These international sites offer fast deposits, strong security, and the convenience of betting without delays. Plenty of fans are turning to them for an easy and trustworthy way to stay involved as the season unfolds. 

Bookmakers’ current betting odds on Championship promotion show that Ipswich is in a strong betting position (10/11). This reflects confidence in their squad quality, investment, and recent performances despite a mid-table placement early in the season. Coventry City (7/4) and Southampton (2/1) are also highly rated. Southampton is aiming for a quick return following its recent Premier League relegation. Other clubs like Middlesbrough (5/2), Birmingham (11/4), and Leicester (9/2) have solid odds to fight for a promotion spot, with bookmakers acknowledging their depth and consistency from early-season form.

Middlesbrough have quickly marked themselves as the team to beat, winning five of their first six games while only dropping a single point. Their defence has been particularly solid, letting in just four goals, while the forwards have been clinical when chances arise. With a squad that blends youthful energy and experienced heads, they have looked organised and confident. Their consistency so far suggests they could stay out in front as the season unfolds.

Behind Middlesbrough and Stoke, a cluster of teams is jostling for playoff spots. Bristol City, Leicester City, and Preston North End have all shown enough quality to challenge if they keep up their form, while Coventry City is also in the mix. Ipswich Town, despite a slow start, could climb the table as their new signings settle. With several sides capable of mounting a push, the fight for those final playoff places looks set to be as competitive and unpredictable as the battle for automatic promotion.

At the other end of the table, Sheffield United are struggling badly, yet to collect a point, and sitting on a -12 goal difference. They are joined by Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Watford, and Oxford United, all of whom have found victories hard to come by. While there’s still plenty of football left to play, these teams face a tough climb to safety, and their defensive weaknesses will need addressing quickly if they want to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation fight.

Tactically, Middlesbrough have thrived with a 4-3-3 setup that allows their wingers to move quickly and the midfield to control transitions. Meanwhile, Stoke City plays a more physical and straightforward game, leaning on set pieces and strong defending to get results. Ipswich Town is experimenting under new management, trying to get the most out of its summer signings. With so many different approaches, every game still manages to throw up its own twists and unexpected moments.

With Middlesbrough and Stoke currently looking strong for the top two spots, the race for the playoffs promises plenty of drama. Several sides are still in contention, while the fight to avoid relegation is already shaping up to be tense. As the season rolls on, there’s no telling what could happen. With tight games and unexpected results, it keeps fans on their toes.