TWITS 1-24 - Championship

The most competitive league in the world just got even more so, amplified by the newly promoted sides waving around their wads of cash as if they own the gaff.

All 3 of us have a vested interest in this league, so don’t be surprised if the predictions are slightly biased…

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Read below our predictions for the 2025/2026 EFL Championship season.

1st

Kieran: Ipswich

You could literally take the whole first 11 out of Ipswich's side, and they would still be my top pick. Despite losing Delap, I think they still easily have the strongest squad in the league, maybe only Leicester could challenge them but with a points deduction I don't think that's going to be possible.

Schoey: Ipswich

Have lost some top players, but even so their squad quality and depth is the best in the championship. A tactically sound McKenna will win them the league in my opinion.

Will: Ipswich

My pick to be top come May. Really like the fact Kieran McKenna has stayed with the club showing loyalty to the club. With his experience of already getting them promoted 2 seasons ago and the players having a taste of the Premier League I'm sure they are going to kick on this season and finish top of the pile.

2nd

Kieran: Sheffield United

After narrowly missing out on Promotion last year, and with the (very harsh) sacking of Wilder, some might be surprised to see Sheffield in my top 2. But I feel that with Selles they have got an excellent pair of hands in charge. Louie Barry is an excellent addition and I think will thrive in a team like this. Looking forward to watching them play, just not against us.

Schoey: Southampton

Exciting new manager in Will Still. Extremely solid championship side they have managed to keep hold of. I expect a top 3 finish.

Will: Coventry

They have a great story after the finical difficultly and Mark Robins leading the club back to the Championship from League 2. With Lampard coming in last season, and to my surprise immediately turning the club from a relegation battle to achieving play-offs, the squad that they have and the progressive attacking football he wants to play, alongside talisman Jack Rudoni they will be surely right up there challenging for the automatic spots.

3rd

Kieran: Southampton

As seen with my Premier League predictions, I really would like it to be a year where we stop the yo yo system between the 1st and 2nd division. This maybe has made me a little bias in my picks, and with more hope than judgement I have got Southampton to narrowly miss out on the automatics.

Schoey: Leicester

Unreal attacking threat for the championship. If they don’t receive a points deduction I would predict automatics for Leicester. Fatawu for championship player of the season

Will: Southampton

With a near-record low points tally in the Premier League last season they will be looking to bounce back straight away. New Manager Will Still now taking charge of the club he is a highly rated manager and the youngest manager in the championship. Southampton are my Play off final winners I do believe with the quality in the squad and if they can sign a good replacement for Aaron Ramsdale they will be going straight back up.

4th

Kieran: Leicester

No one can deny Leicester have an unbelievable squad, but with a points deduction looming I think it may prove to be too much to climb into the automatics. I hope and pray that the league is a bit stronger this year, so I don’t think it's going to be the 20 point gaps we've seen in previous years.

Schoey: Sheffield United

IF they manage to keep hold of my beloved Gus Hamer this window, Sheff Utd should be in the playoffs. If they don’t however, the rash decision to get rid of wilder could bite them in the rear.

Will: Sheffield United

Ruben Selles takes over from Wilder after stepping down at the end of the season.

5th

Kieran: Birmingham

Despite Brady being seemingly the exact type of person everyone expected him to be on their documentary, that doesn't take away from the money and the squad that Birmingham have. They essentially assembled a top half Championship squad in League One last year, and have added to it this summer. I don't see any issues with them getting into the playoffs.

Schoey: Coventry

Would have liked to have seen a bit more business this summer. But with a proven top 6 side and no outgoings so far, I’m confident we’ll finish in the playoffs.

Will: Norwich

Another New Manager in Liam Manning he knows the League and managed Bristol City into the Play off places last season he will be wanting to do the same again. Norwich have brought in clinical striker in Mathis Kvistgaarden he is highly rated another signing they have made is Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace he brings a lot of experience and leadership to the squad.

6th

Kieran: Norwich

The snake has arrived! In all fairness, Manning is an excellent acquisition for Norwich, and I expect them to improve significantly this year and sneak into the playoffs. They'd better make sure they win it though, otherwise we all know what happens...

Schoey: Norwich

Heavily financially backed this summer making some quality signings. Even with the loss of Sainz and Rowe, I think Manning may be able to get the best out of the current squad.

Will: Birmingham

Absolutely smashed league one including the leagues transfer record. Everything is on the way up at Birmingham though. There again spending money and bringing in some notable signings in Demarai Gray, Kyogo Furuhashi and James Beadle who was the Goalkeeper for the u21 England team who have just won the Euros. They are going to run close to, and just sneak into the play-offs for me.

7th

Kieran: Coventry

Super Frank pulled off an unbelievable comeback season with Coventry last year. They were pretty much dead and buried in everyones promotion expectations when he came in, but an astounding run of form shot them into the playoffs. However, looking at the performances towards the back end of the season, it seemed as though he did start to get a bit found out, so unless he can adapt a bit more, I don't see them getting playoffs this year. Sorry Schoey.

Schoey: Bristol City

Challenging for playoffs again. A solid spine to Bristol, with the likes of Dickie, McNally, Jason Knight and Scott Twine. I rate the addition of Emil Riis, a proven championship goal scorer in a less creative Preston side. Also the new Bundesliga 2 winning manager. Bristol could be dangerous this season.

Will: Leicester

Potentially looking at a points deduction but needs to be confirmed. With club hero Jamie Vardy leaving this year I think it’s going to be a transitional season for them to settle everything down after last season disappointing results. Ultimately, they are looking to rebuild the squad this season under new manager Marti Cifuentes. I'm looking forward to seeing Skipp and Winks playing in the middle of the park.

8th

Kieran: Middlesbrough

A slight improvement for Boro from their 10th placed finish last year, I just still can't see them competing with the very best in this division, it is becoming a bit like a mini Premier League at the top.

Schoey: Millwall

Expect Millwall to be as solid as last season. Haven’t lost any main players as of yet. Could challenge for playoffs again

Will: Middlesbrough

New manager Rob Edwards whose comes with experience of getting teams promoted. They will have a good go, but I think there we just be short of landing in the play off positions.

9th

Kieran: Watford

Mid table mediocrity every season since Watford have come down from the Premier League in 2022. I just can't bring myself to believe in their process with how often they change managers, there surely needs to be some stability for success.

Schoey: West Brom

Will be intriguing to see how the new summer striker signing and Ryan mason get on. Should be fighting for playoffs but could continue their trend of dropping off back end of the season.

Will: Millwall

I think most EFL fans would love to see Millwall in the Prem. Since Alex Niel took charge last season at Christmas the team really pushed for the play off place finish but just narrowly missing out. They have so far managed to keep hold of most of the core of the team as well as signing Josh Coburn who impressed Niel while on loan last season.

10th

Kieran: Millwall

Millwall fans I think will be hoping for maybe a little closer to the playoffs, especially after narrowly missing out by 2 points last season. But again I think it is a much harder league this season. Their permanent signing of Josh Coburn should prove to be a decent bit of business however.

Schoey: Birmingham

My realistic prediction for the blues is around 10th. Yes they have made some seriously impressive signings. But you can’t just walk into the most competitive league in the world, spend a load of money and expect to challenge for promotion. I may have been wrong about Ipswich before but that was an anomaly as far as I’m concerned.

Will: Bristol City

Managed to finally not finish mid table last season only to be out classed by Sheffield United in the play offs. With new manager Gerhard Struber arriving he will be looking for a strong start to the season. I don't see them making the play offs again instead defaulting back to mid table.

11th

Kieran: West Brom

After years of chaos, West Brom seem to be stabilising a bit with the new ownership. I think the owners will be ambitious, but I don't see Ryan Mason as the high level manager they need for this level.

Schoey: Swansea

Strong finish to last season so could challenge for playoffs if they can carry that form over. But personally I don’t think the squad is strong enough.

Will: Derby

John Eustace brought much needed stability for the squad last season leading them to a strong end to the season finishing 19th and keeping them safe. I believe he is going to get more out of his team this season and will push for a top half finish.

12th

Kieran: Blackburn

Another team who will have high play off hopes - there is a lot. With Blackburn, I just feel that they always have a dark cloud looming over their heads, and will have that cloud there until the Venkys disappear. Until that happens, I can't see sustained success. If they start the season badly, this ownership issue will be rearing it's head once again.

Schoey: Blackburn

Perhaps over performed last season? Lost some solid players and could lose more. I expect a less impressive season for Blackburn.

Will: West Brom

Ryan Mason takes charge of his first full time managerial role. I think it’s going to take a little time to implement the changes he wants and build a squad that will push for the play offs.

13th

Kieran: Portsmouth

I have a very conflicted view of Pompey, on the one hand, it pains me to see Mous doing so well with another club when he was literally being set up to take over at Oxford (nothing against him, more our ownership for not taking the chance at the time), on the other I also love to see that he is doing so well. I also have a soft spot for Portsmouth so rather them than anyone else! This season, I think most of their chances will be decided by if he stays or goes, I think the latter may happen around Jan/Feb, if it doesn't, I would put them a bit higher.

Schoey: Watford

Bets on how many managers watford will have this season? Solid signings made but a strong start is needed, or Watfords fickle owners will take charge.

Will: Stoke City

Mark Robins at the helm for his first full season with Stoke. With notable signing of Aaron Cresswell who will bring a lot of experience to the team. I don't see them doing a lot this year and just improving slightly on their 18th place finish last season.

14th

Kieran: Bristol City

Losing Manning I think unfortunately is going to hit Bristol City hard. He was the main component in their overachievement last season, and I see this year as a bit of a return to reality.

Schoey: QPR

Lack of squad depth. Could challenge closer to the top, but an injury here or there and it could be another mid table finish for QPR.

Will: Swansea

Who saw Luka Modric becoming an investor in the club. This is going to be the start of the rebuild period for Swansea to inject money and youthful players to the team. I don't seem them being in trouble or pushing for the play off places this season.

15th

Kieran: Stoke City

I am still yet buy into Robins without Viveash as his assistant, he just doesn't seem like the top rated manager he was before it all went wrong with Coventry. And with how Lampard performed with that team after he left, I do worry about Stoke's chances this season.

Schoey: Derby

Strong transfer window. Goal scorers added to the squad and a proven champ manager in charge. I think they’ll be very safe from the drop zone this season.

Will: QPR

Julien Stephan has been brought in as another new manager. QPR fans will be hoping he can get them back up competing, Kwame Poku who looks to be an exciting winger having 20 goal involvements last year with Peterborough can he step up to the challenging standard of the championship. Overall, I think QPR will need some more quality additions to the squad to push them higher up the league.

16th

Kieran: Derby

Maybe a bit harsh on Derby, I do think the mid table section is going to be split by about 2 or 3 points so could see them climbing as high as 12th. But I think they may still need another season or two to keep pushing up the table.

Schoey: Middlesbrough

Strange one to predict because they have a fairly strong squad, but have lost some of their best players through transfers and loans finishing. Not really any replacements brought in yet. Will Rob Edward’s do a better job than Carrick? I’m not convinced.

Will: Portsmouth

I really like the manager John Mousinho (maybe bias being an Oxford Fan) and want he is doing with Pompey. Had a very strong end to the season picking up 26 points in the last 11 games with Josh Murphy playing a big role amounting 20 goal involvements across the season. I don't seem them going down but compared to other teams strengthening it is going to be a tough season ahead.

17th

Kieran: Wrexham

Wrexham have spent this summer. And will spend every summer that they have their current owners in charge. Don't get me wrong, I do quite like what they're doing with their project, I just think their recruitment is a little off this year to really push up the league. The championship is a completely different standard.

Schoey: Wrexham

The dream comes to a halt. A big step up in quality needed this season. Yes lots of money has been thrown around and some experience bought in. But players need to settle and gel.

Will: Wrexham

Fairplay to Wrexham back-to-back-to-back promotions and to be fair I wouldn't be shocked if they were up fighting around the play off positions, but I think this is a massive step up for them in class. They have spent big again this season with a crazy signing of Conner Coady coming he will bring massive experience and leadership quality to the team. I'm being a little pessimistic in my prediction of 18th I think this season will just slightly stall there run up the football pyramid.

18th

Kieran: Preston

I'm predicting another season of worry for Preston, I just don't see them improved enough to stay away clearly from that danger zone. With the teams coming up a big improvement on last year, it's going to be much more difficult.

Schoey: Portsmouth

Surprised me last season. My fellow hosts have informed me mousinho is a solid manager. So I expect them to survive the drop again this season.

Will: Blackburn

I've placed Blackdown near the bottom this season as there has been a lot of movement at the club after a decent season finishing 2 points off the play off. This is a curve ball but with a bit of a shakeup at the club they could either finish top half or around the bottom of the table I’m siding on the latter of this. Crucial for the season is going to be Dominic Hyam as the club captain and Todd Cantwell providing the creative flair.

19th

Kieran: Oxford

This position was more hope than judgement before about a week ago. Now with two strikers signed, a seemingly incoming change of system, added to the excellent signings of Brian De Keersmaecker and Brodie Spencer, I'm starting to believe a bit more. With a few more clever additions I could actually see us as a bit more of a mid table team. Exciting times. Get that bloody stadium done.

Schoey: Hull

Pretty unsettled club at the moment. Sacked their last manager for keeping them up.. exactly what he was assigned to do. On the other hand they have made some solid signings this transfer window.

Will: Watford

Paulo Pezzolano taking charge for the season (well if he lasts a season with Watford’s track record). It will be another long season for Watford they have made a notable signing with Nestory Irankunda from Bayern Munich he has big potential with his pace and tricky dribbling. I don't believe they will go down but if they can't get it before December they may be looking for another manager.

20th

Kieran: Swansea

Luka Modric and now Snoop Dogg, what is going on at Swansea!? The only reason I have them a bit low down is the inexperience of Sheehan to be honest. Could be completely wrong, but I think it's quite a hard league to come into for your first management stint.

Schoey: Charlton

Survival imminent. Why? Matty Godden.

Will: Oxford

I must say I am optimistic about Oxford, mostly my hopes of them staying up are Gary Rowett building on the defensive side and making us a hard to beat team. Goalkeeper Jamie Cumming is a massive retention his performances last season had me thinking one of the top teams would come in for him. The additions to squad with Brodie spence Brian De Keersmaecker add quality and further depth to the squad. Attacking options adding Nik Prelec and rumoured move for Tottenham Will Lankshear potentially will improve the threat going forward.

21st

Kieran: Charlton

Everyone seems to be going a bit crazy with Charlton's transfer business. Whilst the players they are signing are decent, I think their prices are extremely inflated for what they bring. I see them surviving, just.

Schoey: Oxford

Keeping hold of Brannagan and goodrham could be huge for Oxford this season. They have made couple of decent signings which could prove crucial to their chances of survival if they settle quickly.

Will: Hull

The team I think that will just be safe (Again). With again another new manager in the League Sergej Jakirovic he will be hoping they can get to grips with his style of football quickly. Hull are going to be in survial mode for the season and will need to fight for every single point. Gustavo Puerta comes in to help provide that solid number 6 role he will be vitial in breaking up the play and looking to get the ball into the more dangerous players in the team.

22nd

Kieran: Hull

A lot going wrong behind the scenes with Hull at the moment. With their embargo being decided on Wednesday, even if this is lifted they are starting late, and I think it could be a long season for them.

Schoey: Stoke City

Though he is my hero, Mark Robins has been known for a slow start to the season. Something Stoke desperately do not need. I’d be sad to see it happen for Robins but I expect a relegation battle this season.

Will: Preston

They managed to just stay up on the last day of the season with a big draw against Bristol City. I don't think they are going to have enough to stay up this season though. With only 1 win in the last 15 games of the season dragged them down the table. Big losses in Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Emil Riis will be big void that will need to be filled. Signings of Thierry Small and Odel Offiah will be welcomed additions to the squad depth and attacking presences.

23rd

Kieran: QPR

My surprise relegation choice. I think this league always throws a bit of a shock every year, and I think the direction QPR have been heading, this very well could be them this season.

Schoey: Preston

Severe lack of goal scorers, especially after the loss of Emil Riis. No replacements in sight make me think Preston’s time in the championship could be up.

Will: Charlton

League One play off final winners they have added well to the squad and with Nathan Jones experience would be hoping to keep the club up. Unfortunately, I don’t think they will have enough to stay up the competitiveness of the league is going to be relentless. Key signing Isaac Olafoe coming in from Stockport City adds to the attacking present the big question mark will be can he do it at this level.

24th

Kieran: Sheffield Wednesday

I wish I could put Wednesday anywhere else but bottom, but their situation at the minute is every fans worst nightmare. Amazed at the loyalty shown by Barry Bannan to sign a new conrtract, cementing himself as a Wednesday legend if he hadn't already done so. But other than that, I don't think much more can be said other than for Chansiri to please sell up and stop killing the club.

Schoey: Sheffield Wednesday

A sorry state of affairs and a shambles of an owner. Any football fan’s nightmare situation seems to be going on at Wednesday. Sad to say it’s not looking good.

Will: Sheffield Wednesday

Not what any fan wants to see but the way the club has been run is awful, it’s going to be a very long season for the Owls. One positive is club legend Barry Bannan signing a new contract. Fairplay to Barry love to see the loyalty he is showing. I do hope the off the pitch trouble is sorted out and were not talking about another Bury.

Overview

Pos	Kieran	Schoey	Will
1	Ipswich	Ipswich	Ipswich
2	Sheffield United	Southampton	Coventry
3	Southampton	Leicester	Southampton
4	Leicester	Sheffield United	Sheffield United
5	Birmingham	Coventry	Norwich
6	Norwich	Norwich	Birmingham
7	Coventry	Bristol City	Leicester
8	Middlesbrough	Millwall	Middlesbrough
9	Watford	West Brom	Millwall
10	Millwall	Birmingham	Bristol City
11	West Brom	Swansea	Derby
12	Blackburn	Blackburn	West Brom
13	Portsmouth	Watford	Stoke City
14	Bristol City	QPR	Swansea
15	Stoke City	Derby	QPR
16	Derby	Middlesbrough	Portsmouth
17	Wrexham	Wrexham	Wrexham
18	Preston	Portsmouth	Blackburn
19	Oxford	Hull	Watford
20	Swansea	Charlton	Oxford
21	Charlton	Oxford	Hull
22	Hull	Stoke City	Preston
23	QPR	Preston	Charlton
24	Sheffield Wednesday	Sheffield Wednesday	Sheffield Wednesday