Championship 2025/26 Preview & Predictions Week 11: Featuring Shiv | OneFootball

Another set of midweek fixtures are here, as we swiftly move on from the weekend’s Championship results. Once again, we’re previewing and predicting it all.

Last week, Glen de la Cour beat both of our writers in the predictions, extending the guests’ lead in the league table (see at the end of the article).

This Week’s Guest

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by Manchester United fan and fellow Attacking Football writer, Shiv. Make sure to check out his account on X/Twitter, where he posts some great sports coverage!

How It Works

Each week of the season, Attacking Football writers Alex and Christian will be joined by a special guest in previewing and predicting the twelve games to come. Each score matters, as there is a league table reflecting each correct outcome.

In this table, the points are rewarded accordingly:

2 points for guessing the exact scoreline, 1 point for guessing the correct outcome.

See the end of every article for the league table.

Gameweek 11 Preview & Predictions

BLACKBURN ROVERS V SHEFFIELD UNITED

Blackburn Rovers host a Sheffield United side that have lost the most games out of any team in the Championship so far this season – eight in total. Rovers themselves, are short of results, sitting in the relegation zone. A big one for both sides at Ewood Park!

Alex’s Prediction: Sheffield United will want to get themselves as far away from the relegation zone as possible, and they could get out of it with a win here. Blackburn look in a bit of trouble, and are winless at home, so I only see it going to the Blades. 2-0 to Sheffield United.

Christian’s Prediction: Similar starts have left both sides near the bottom of the table, sitting in the relegation spots. While Blackburn have won two games this season, neither has come at home. The Blades have already accumulated six points under Chris Wilder, and United have won seven of the previous ten clashes against Blackburn. 1-0 Sheffield United.

Shiv’s Prediction: Both sides have really struggled to get going so far this season, and since the abandonment of the Ipswich game, Blackburn have gone to lose three of their last four and haven’t won since September. Sheffield United won last time out against Watford and should have the quality to win again. 2-1 to Sheffield United.

DERBY COUNTY V NORWICH CITY

Two sides with managers under pressure, sitting just outside the drop zone, Derby and Norwich go into this week with huge expectations from both sets of fans. With both sides winless at home, Norwich will come into this one hoping to grab a result!

Alex’s Prediction: Failure to win either of their games this week would probably be the nail in the coffin for Norwich and Liam Manning, and going away to Pride Park won’t be an easy test to start. Derby end up facing a lot of chances in games, so if Norwich are clinical, they could get a win here. 1-0 to Norwich.

Christian’s Prediction: The Canaries went through the whole of September without a win, and look to be on track to continue that unwanted record in October, too, with three straight losses. Norwich currently has double the number of injuries that Derby has. With John Eustace’s side averaging 4.10 saves per match – the most in the league – expect an open game with plenty of chances. 2-2.

Shiv’s Prediction: Another match between sides who’ve struggled to get going. Despite the good recruitment, Derby have picked up just one win all season. Liam Manning is fairly known for slow starts at clubs but he needs points now. I can see this being a draw with both performing at similar levels. 1-1.

HULL CITY V LEICESTER CITY

Hull, who have only lost the one home game so far this season, host a Leicester side unbeaten on their travels in their last five games. Just two points separate both, who have had solid starts to the campaign.

Alex’s Prediction: Leicester have looked decent since coming down from the Premier League, but they seem to be struggling to score goals in abundance. Hull have had a great scoring record so far this season, so I can see them nicking it here. 2-1 to Hull.

Christian’s Prediction: Threatened with a point deduction before the season started, Leicester could have crumbled. Instead, they’ve lost only once, sit fourth in the league, and lead the pack among the relegated trio. Hull haven’t lost to the Foxes in over eight years, and have scored the second-most goals in the division, showcasing their ability to get results against high-level opponents. A tight contest, 1-1.

Shiv’s Prediction: Hull have had an interesting start to the season and their recent form in particular has been fairly good, winning three of their last five. Leicester have also had a good start under Marti Cifuentes but too many draws. Hull are confident and I see them edging the Foxes out for three points. 2-1 to Hull.

IPSWICH TOWN V CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich looked to be hitting a good vein of form until their 2-1 loss away to Middlesbrough on Friday night. They’ll hope to immediately bounce back here, and are unbeaten at home in the league so far this season.

Alex’s Prediction: Ipswich have been excellent at home, but a visit from a potential banana skin of Charlton Athletic will be difficult. James Bree has been excellent going forward, but he will have more defensive work to do against Jaden Philogene in this one. I can’t see Ipswich failing to win, but it’ll be a grinding one. 2-1 to Ipswich.

Christian’s Prediction: Nathan Jones has the know-how of England’s second tier, boasting 13 years of experience over Kieran McKenna. Ipswich’s attacking quality, averaging 1.78 goals per game, meets Charlton’s defensive stability, with just 0.9 goals conceded per 90. 1-0 Ipswich.

Shiv’s Prediction: Ipswich have had an inconsistent start to the campaign. Their struggles on the road continued with defeat at Middlesbrough on Friday night. Charlton were written off by some in pre-season but are going to be tough to beat. Despite this, Ipswich should have the quality to see off Nathan Jones’ side. 3-1 to Ipswich.

MILLWALL V STOKE CITY

A match between two overperformers so far this season. Millwall and Stoke have soared past expectations in the first ten and made play-off charges, sitting 3rd and 6th respectively. They’ll both be wanting to keep their places this week!

Alex’s Prediction: Millwall have been pretty poor at home this season, and I’d expect Stoke, who have been good on their travels, to edge this one. 1-0 to Stoke.

Christian’s Prediction: You’d have to go back to March 2022 for the last time Stoke beat Millwall, despite six meetings between the two since. Despite their reputation for home strength, Alex Neil’s side has lost the majority of their fixtures at the Den. One of their home wins, however, showcased their resilience – a victory over top-of-the-table Coventry. 0–0.

Shiv’s Prediction: This is one of those games that is tricky to call. Stoke for the first time in many years have got off to a fantastic start and sit nicely in third and under Mark Robins in his first full season in charge, they are proving many wrong up to now. Sorba Thomas is someone Millwall will need to keep a close eye on but unfortunately for Alex Neil’s men, I think they fall short in this one. 2-1 to Stoke.

PORTSMOUTH V COVENTRY CITY

Portsmouth host a Coventry City side, still unbeaten so far this season. But, if anybody can end the streak, Pompey can, after defeating Middlesbrough and their unbeaten streak in-turn before the international break.

Alex’s Prediction: Cov have been excellent this season and are looking to make a steady automatics charge this campaign. Pompey, meanwhile, have had many injury woes and may not be able to cope. 2-0 to Coventry.

Christian’s Prediction: Frank Lampard’s Coventry have taken the league by storm. Scoring 29 goals at the top, which is more than the second and third-placed sides combined, has highlighted their ability to break down defences consistently. A player who has shone is striker Thomas-Asante, who has been given fresh life under the English manager with six goals and three assists. Pompey have demonstrated their ability to suffocate sides, though, conceding zero against the likes of Middlesbrough and Southampton. 1-0 to Coventry.

Shiv’s Prediction: Despite the play off heartbreak last season, Frank Lampard has his Coventry side absolutely flying and they sit top heading into this clash down on the south coast against Pompey. The home side have shown how tough they are to beat but Coventry are full of confidence so I see them eventually finding a way through to win a cagey battle at Fratton Park. 1-0 to Coventry.

PRESTON NORTH END V BIRMINGHAM CITY

Preston North End, one of just four Championship sides still unbeaten at home this season, host a Birmingham City side with just one win on the road. In terms of away form, the Blues are 21st in the league. The pressure will be on the home side to deliver here.

Alex’s Prediction: Preston are looking solid compared to Davies’ Birmingham and I’d back them to deliver here. The Blues have struggled in their Championship return and their woes will continue here. 1-0 to Preston.

Christian’s Prediction: Breaking the EFL points record seems a long time ago for recently-promoted Birmingham, after their slow start to life back in the Championship. Their spending spree in the summer starkly contrasts with that of their opponents, Preston. From utilising loan spots, to the free transfer market, Paul Heckingbottom was crafty with his side’s additions, leading them to be only two places off the playoffs. They average both more goals scored and fewer conceded, predicting a 2-0 victory for Preston.

Shiv’s Prediction: Preston have certainly surprised many with how they’ve started the season. Despite losing key players in the summer, Paul Heckingbottom has put together a strong group that has Preston in 8th. After last season’s domination in League One, Birmingham City are still adapting to the rough nature of the Championship again and that is evident with their inconsistencies. This will be another cagey game but one where I don’t see the goals flowing. 0-0.

BRISTOL CITY V SOUTHAMPTON

Despite their exceptionally high xG, Southampton have underperformed this season, and sit in a mediocre 16th place. Will Still’s side has improved over the last few games, but need to turn draws into wins against a Bristol City side with just one home win this season.

Alex’s Prediction: Bristol City have been poor at home, which is a change for them. Still’e Saints may finally be clicking, and it would be a great way to go five unbeaten here. 1-0 to Saints.

Christian’s Prediction: Another draw for the Saints has led to major frustration on the South Coast, especially as they were goalless with an xG of 3.10 against a lacklustre Swansea. Opponents Bristol City have shown their goalscoring talent and defensive capabilities to grind out results, and particularly pose a huge threat on the transition, averaging the fourth most goals in the league, but rank 15th in terms of ball retention. Recent form puts Southampton in a stronger position; however, it could go either way. 2-2.

Shiv’s Prediction: Southampton are still have some hangover from last season’s consistent misery. There has been some good signs, where what they’re doing under Will Still is working but then there’s also been other moments where its not been great at all. Bristol City have had a fantastic start to life under Gerhard Struber and with the home crowd bouncing under the lights at Ashton Gate, I see the Robins beating the Saints. 3-1 to Bristol City.

SWANSEA CITY V QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Two sides sat in the familiar territory of mid-table, Swansea and QPR look as steady as ever in mid-table contention. Swansea have won the last two in this fixture, and will look to build on playing at home to make it three-in-a-row.

Alex’s Prediction: Both sides have been solid in recent weeks, without tearing up too many trees. QPR have goals in them, which may edge this. 2-1 to QPR.

Christian’s Prediction: Recent head-to-head form slightly favours the hosts, who have won nine of the last 23 clashes, compared to QPR’s seven victories. Swansea’s 4-4-2 setup held a compact shape against Southampton, but their attacking threat was minimal, producing just 0.20 xG. QPR, meanwhile, were unbeaten in six before last Saturday’s loss to Millwall. Expect their consistency and slightly sharper edge to make the difference in a tight contest. 2-1 QPR.

Shiv’s Prediction: Ever since Alan Sheehan stepped up to be the Head Coach, Swansea have shown themselves to be an exciting side that can play fluid football and score many goals. But also at times they’ve been vulnerable at the back, having scored 10 and also conceded 10 in the Championship so far. QPR have been hit and miss under Julien Stephan this season and were beaten last time out against Millwall. This game should be exciting but I don’t see a winner. 1-1.

WATFORD V WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Watford have been good at home, while West Brom have been good away, setting up a nice fixture here. While the Baggies have been more consistent this season, sat in the play-off spots, Watford will hope to win under Javi Gracia for the first time since his return.

Alex’s Prediction: Ryan Mason’s side have been good, but I can see Watford getting their ‘manager bounce’ in Javi’s first home game back. 2-1 to Watford.

Christian’s Prediction: History is firmly on the Hornets’ side in this one, as the Baggies have not won against Watford since 2016. Ryan Mason has guided West Brom to fifth in the table, but breaking Watford’s stronghold at Vicarage Road will be a tough ask. 1-0 Watford.

Shiv’s Prediction: The Baggies have been a solid team under Ryan Mason and someone who has been a shining light consistently is Isaac Price, who has been in good scoring form for club and country. Watford had good moments against Sheffield United but they’ll just fall short in this one by the single goal. 1-0 to West Brom.

WREXHAM V OXFORD UNITED

Both sides have just two wins each so far this season, and sit close to the relegation zone. Wrexham are winless at home in the league, while Oxford United have just the one win on their travels. A tricky fixture for both!

Alex’s Prediction: Wrexham tend to edge games by goals scored, and Oxford are leaky at the back. Wrexham 1-0 win.

Christian’s Prediction: Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson could be under pressure, having gone four games without a win. His side boasts the fifth-highest goals-per-game average, but their defence has yet to settle, conceding 1.6 per match. Oxford are performing as expected, fighting above the relegation zone. Both teams also rank among the lowest in possession, with Wrexham 22nd and Oxford 23rd, suggesting a battle for control in midfield. Wrexham possess higher quality personnel in the middle of the park – 1-0 Wrexham.

Shiv’s Prediction: Wrexham, just like Birmingham City, are learning the true harsh reality of the Championship after incredible highs down in League One last season. Oxford United were written off before the season but under Rowett they’ve shown great fight and grit. I see a very even game here. 1-1.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY V MIDDLESBROUGH

Sheffield Wednesday, winless at home, face a Middlesbrough side who’ve only lost once all season. A club in peril, Wednesday will hope to take a point in their relegation scrap, while Middlesbrough will be aiming to win back top spot if results go their way.

Alex’s Prediction: Boro are great, and Wednesday are in trouble. I can only see a battering. 3-0 to Boro.

Christian’s Prediction: Opposites in form, with Boro second and the Owls anchored at 24th. Wednesday has lost four home games so far, while Rob Edwards’ side dominates across the board, but has hit a minor stumbling block, taking just two wins from their last five, alongside a first league loss to Portsmouth. Expect Middlesbrough to assert themselves comfortably 3-1.

Shiv’s Prediction: Wednesday just keep on having misery piled onto them week after week by their owner Chansiri and despite late payments and a really low mood, their players keep fighting as hard as they can. Boro have been flying under Rob Edwards and especially when it clicks in the final third, they’re lethal. I can see a big win for Boro at Hillsborough! 5-0 to Middlesbrough.

Writers vs Guests Table

Make sure to check back each week for the latest predictions and guests, and see how the table develops!