Championship 2025/26 Preview & Predictions Week 13: Featuring Saints Statistics | OneFootball

Week thirteen of the Championship is here, and the table is really starting to take shape. Can Coventry keep their unbeaten run? Can the Saints turn their fortunes around? It’s once again all to play for.

This Week’s Guest

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by the owner of Saints Statistics, Joe. Make sure to check out the account on X (linked above) and Instagram!

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 13 Preview & Predictions

Wrexham v Coventry City

Still unbeaten, Coventry City sit pretty at the top of the Championship table and travel to Wales to face Wrexham, who sit comfortably above the relegation zone. Frank Lampard’s Cov have scored sixteen goals in their last five matches, and also have the most clean sheets in the division. Wrexham are finding it harder to make chances, and have just four goals in their last five.

Alex’s Prediction: Coventry are brilliant. I thought they’d fall off from their good run last season, but Lampard has kept the Sky Blues flying. Wrexham will try to stop Cov from playing to their strengths, but I can’t see their attempts being enough, 2-0 to Coventry,

Christian’s Prediction: Wrexham and Coventry are set to face after their cup clash two years ago, which finished 4-3 to Wrexham. This time, however, Coventry are flying. Averaging just 0.75 goals conceded per game, striker Brandon Thomas-Asante has 12 goal contributions, all while Haji Wright has chipped in with eight goals too. The Sky Blues have 14 points away, compared to Wrexham’s six points at the Racecourse, and Wrexham do have a spark in them, but Coventry possess way too much quality at the minute. 3-2 Coventry.

Joe’s Prediction: 5-0 to Coventry.

Leicester City v Blackburn Rovers

Hosts Leicester haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last six matches, but neither have visitors Blackburn Rovers. Both sides are averaging a goal a game in the previous five, so it will be interesting whether the side sat just outside of the play-offs or the relegation zone prevails at the King Power.

Alex’s Prediction: Leicester need to return to a run of form, and Blackburn Rovers are a good opponent to do that against – one of the poorer sides in the league. The Rovers defenders struggled to deal with the dynamic Scienza last weekend, so I’m expecting Monga and Fatawu to trouble their full-backs some more and win comfortably. 3-1 to Leicester.

Christian’s Prediction: Both sides are with one win from their last five fixtures. Blackburn will want to maintain momentum after their first home win of the season against Southampton. This fixture has been historically even, with three wins apiece and two draws from the last eight. Two of Blackburn’s three league victories have come on the road, despite their measly position of 21st in the table. Marti Cifuentes’ Foxes could fall short once again, slowly sloping down the table, with Blackburn brimming with confidence after last week’s result. 1-1.

Norwich City v Hull City

Hosts Norwich haven’t lost to Hull in any of the last five meetings between the pair. It will be tough for the Canaries to keep this run going, considering they’re winless in eight games. With two goals in the last five, Norwich really are struggling, but their opponents have seven more in the same number of games. Despite this and being higher in the table, Hull have conceded more than the Canaries.

Alex’s Prediction: Liam Manning has been given the vote of confidence by the owners of Norwich City, so it’ll be interesting how Carrow Road reacts if they concede. 1-0 to Hull.

Christian’s Prediction: Hull head into this clash in far stronger form, with five wins to Norwich’s two. The visitors sit third for shots on target per match and boast the highest long-ball accuracy, reflecting a direct, efficient style that thrives without dominating possession—their 44% average ranks just 20th in the division. The Canaries, meanwhile, have conceded the third-highest expected goals figure in the league. 1-0 Hull.

Joe’s Prediction: 3-2 to Hull.

West Bromwich Albion v Sheffield Wednesday

This fixture has had a deciding outcome in each of the past three seasons, with West Brom winning four. Both sides have four goals in their last five, but the visiting Owls are winless in six games. Hosts West Brom are on a declining run and will hope to pick it up against Wednesday, who sit on -6 points after going into administration.

Alex’s Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday are a club in a happier state, after Dejphon Chansiri left last week. On the pitch, they’re still struggling but will fight for those fans, who adore them so much. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday have just one win away from home this season — ironically, more than their tally at Hillsborough, where they’re yet to claim a victory. Ryan Mason’s West Brom will be desperate after last week’s late defeat to Ipswich, and they’ve been a tough side to beat at the Hawthorns, losing only once, aiming to keep that stronghold. 2-1 West Brom.

Joe’s Prediction: 1-1.

Birmingham City v Portsmouth

Birmingham and Portsmouth meet for the first time since 2019, when Pompey won 3-0 in the EFL Cup. This season, both sides sit in mid-table and will be relatively happy with their seasons so far. Both sides have attacking impetus but also defensive stability to build from!

Alex’s Prediction: Birmingham will want to make results pay off at St Andrew’s, but a visit from Pompey won’t be easy for them. I think it’ll be a score draw. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: It’s been six years since Birmingham and Portsmouth last met. Birmingham have struggled in front of goal, averaging just 0.83 per 90, but their defensive solidity has kept them competitive, with most of their games decided by narrow margins. With Pompey winless in their last three, this has all the makings of an evenly balanced encounter. 1-1.

Joe’s Prediction: 2-1 to Birmingham.

Charlton Athletic v Swansea City

Charlton and Swansea meet in the league for the first time since 2019/20, a season where the Swans won both outings. Three points separate both sides this campaign, after good starts from both respectively.

Alex’s Prediction: Both sides are looking decent, and Charlton are doing well in their home games. I can’t see them keeping up their form, though. 1-0 to Swansea.

Christian’s Prediction: Swansea head into this clash after last weekend’s win over Norwich — their fourth victory of the campaign — but face a Charlton side thriving under Nathan Jones, sitting sixth in the table, three points clear of the Swans, and have been both more prolific in attack and tighter at the back. Jones’ influence has been crucial, transforming Charlton from survival hopefuls into genuine competition to any side they face. 2-1 Charlton.

Joe’s Prediction: 2-0 to Charlton.

Oxford United v Millwall

Millwall, who have won their last four games, travel to the Kassam Stadium, with fewer stands than their opponents’ unbeaten run! The Lions sit in a fantastic third-place position, but opposition Oxford United sit at the other end of the table in a less advantageous nineteenth.

Alex’s Prediction: Millwall are looking good this season, and could be surprise play-off candidates. Oxford are looking like a relegation contender, and I see them going down. 2-0 to Millwall.

Christian’s Prediction: Millwall come into this one in superb form, winning four in a row. It’s the second-best run in the league, behind only Coventry. Oxford will utilise their defensive style on Saturday, and, statistically, they’re in and among the best at the back — ranking second for interceptions, first for clearances, and third for saves per match, with English goalkeeper Jamie Cumming in fine form. Even so, Alex Neil’s well-drilled Millwall side are unbeaten and will most likely stay that way on the road: 3-0 Millwall.

Joe’s Prediction: 3-0 to Millwall.

Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town, in mixed form, travel to London to face a QPR side in a similar position in the table, pushing for the play-off spots. Both teams have two wins in their last five and have shown periods of being goalscoring threats this season.

Alex’s Prediction: Ipswich are improving, but are still struggling to keep a consistent run of form. Loftus Road is bouncing at the moment, and I see them losing out to a good QPR team. 1-0 to QPR.

Christian’s Prediction: Each side has recorded two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. The Hoops sit ninth in the table, three places above the Tractor Boys, and boast a solid home record with just a single defeat at Loftus Road. Ipswich have struggled on the road, collecting only two points and conceding five in four. Kieran McKenna’s side will be in full belief of claiming their first away victory of the season this Saturday, with the attacking quality at their disposal. 2-1 Ipswich.

Joe’s Prediction: 2-1 to Ipswich.

Sheffield United v Derby County

All three of Sheffield United’s league wins so far this season have come since Chris Wilder returned as manager. Derby are in a sustained period of form, only losing one of their last five and currently two wins from two.

Alex’s Prediction: Chris Wilder has sorted the Blades out since returning to the club, a game hosting Derby will be a decent test. While the Rams are good going forwards, they’re suspect defensively and may lose out due to this. 2-1 to Sheffield United.

Christian’s Prediction: Chris Wilder has picked up nine points from three wins after a catastrophic start of six straight losses for the Blades. Both teams find themselves in the bottom half, but a victory for the Wilder’s men could lift them to 21st, finally out of the relegation zone. United have managed just a single home win so far, yet Derby’s struggles on the road make them vulnerable here. 1-0 Sheffield United.

Southampton v Preston North End

Southampton are continuing to struggle despite a plethora of chances this season, putting them third in the xG table in the Championship. Their struggles could continue if they fail to beat a Preston North End side who are one of the most organised and best defensive outfits in the division.

Alex’s Prediction: The Saints have to win this one, or St Mary’s will become very toxic. They simply can’t afford to end up in the relegation zone. A visit from Preston will be tough to navigate. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: Southampton have been struggling defensively despite often lining up in a three/five-back system, conceding five goals across their last two matches. They’re also winless in four, thus forced to adjust, particularly with key injuries like Shea Charles. Preston have been punching above their weight with Paul Heckingbottom, sitting seventh in the table and recently crafting a 3-2 comeback win over Sheffield United. From Alfie Devine’s two goals to Daniel Jebbison’s four-goal contributions, they have scorers all over the pitch. 1-1.

Stoke City v Bristol City

Bristol City, the second-best side in the Championship away from home so far this campaign, visit the Stadium of Light in search of entering the automatic spots. Similarly, Stoke are in the top five and are pushing the very top teams for a promotion spot.

Alex’s Prediction: Stoke are a good side, but Bristol City should have the extra quality on the ball to kill this game off. 2-1 to Bristol City.

Christian’s Prediction: Stoke and Bristol City are both currently eyeing the playoffs. Bristol City have been the more competent side in attack, scoring 20 goals, while Stoke have impressed defensively, conceding just 0.92 per 90 all season. The Robins are in great form, winning three on the bounce, whereas Stoke bounced back from a 2-0 defeat to Millwall with a solid victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Bristol City remain unbeaten on the road, already collecting 11 points away from home. 2-1 Bristol City.

Watford v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough, sat second in the table with just one loss so far this season, face a Watford side with yet another new manager – Javi Gracia, returning for his second stint in charge of the club. Despite this, Watford have won the last two outings between the sides, and will hope to make it three in a row here.

Alex’s Prediction: Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough are a good outfit, and I can’t see Watford being able to penetrate their defence enough to get a result in this game. 2-0 to Middlesbrough.

Christian’s Prediction: Watford have been problematic at Vicarage Road this season, claiming 13 of their 15 points at home. Middlesbrough have been tough to beat on the road, losing just once, and Rob Edwards has played a pivotal role in Morgan Whittaker hitting form, contributing two goals and two assists so far. Boro combine defensive solidity, conceding only 0.70 per 90, with a high-intensity goal-scoring approach. Despite Watford’s strong home record, Middlesbrough are comfortable in grinding out a result. 1-0 Middlesbrough.

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