Championship 2025/26 Season Preview
Title Contenders
The 2025/26 Championship season is set to be highly competitive. Birmingham City and Ipswich Town are leading the race for automatic promotion. Birmingham, aiming for back-to-back promotions, have strengthened their squad and are determined to continue their upward trajectory. Ipswich, despite a challenging Premier League stint, have reinforced their team with experienced additions like Ashley Young and are poised to make a strong return to the Championship. Leicester City, under new head coach Martí Cifuentes, remain strong contenders despite potential points deductions. Their squad, bolstered by pre-season preparations, is expected to challenge for the top spots.
Playoff Hopefuls
Several clubs are expected to battle for a place in the playoffs. Millwall, Derby County, and West Bromwich Albion have made strategic signings and are aiming to secure a spot in the top six. These teams have shown promise and, with consistent performances, could be key in the race for playoff positions.
Mid-Table Stability
Teams like Stoke City, Middlesbrough, and Swansea City are anticipated to maintain mid-table stability. While not expected to challenge for promotion, these clubs aim to perform steadily and improve on last season’s results. Their focus will be on building consistency and achieving a respectable league position.
Relegation Candidates
At the other end of the table, clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City face the challenge of avoiding relegation. Financial constraints and instability have hindered their preparations, and they will need strong performances to secure their place in the Championship for the following season. Other teams under pressure include Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers, and Watford, with the latter two led by inexperienced EFL managers.
Youngsters to Watch
The Championship continues to be a breeding ground for young talent. Emerging players to keep an eye on include Leicester’s 16-year-old Jeremy Monga, Millwall’s prolific Mihailo Ivanovic, and Southampton’s Jay Robinson. These youngsters have shown promise and could make significant impacts this season.
Prediction
This season will be competitive from top to bottom. Birmingham City and Ipswich Town are strong contenders for automatic promotion, while Leicester City and Sheffield United are expected to challenge closely behind. Millwall, Derby County, and West Bromwich Albion might reach the playoffs, and Stoke City, Middlesbrough, and Swansea City will aim for a stable mid-table finish. Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City may struggle at the bottom. Overall, the league’s competitive nature ensures that every match will be crucial in shaping the season’s outcome.
