Championship 2025/26 Preview & Predictions Week 12: Featuring Will Baber | OneFootball

The Championship returns for another weekend!

Last week, Alex took home the most points, with 10. Christian and guest Shiv took 7 each, both great scores too!

Can anybody beat those tallies today?

This Week’s Guest

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by MK Dons and FC Nordsjælland fan and analyst, Will Baber. Make sure to check him out on his X account!

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 12 Preview & Predictions

PRESTON NORTH END V SHEFFIELD UNITED

Sheffield United, emerging from the relegation zone for the first time this season, visit a Preston North End side on a two-game winless streak, but sat in a promising position outside of the play-offs.

Alex’s Prediction: Chris Wilder, quite predictably, has improved the Blades since returning. It’s a clash of former-bosses, as Paul Heckingbottom was Wilder’s successor at Sheffiled United in previous years. I think this will be a tight game, with Preston looking defensively solid so far this season, and both sides will leave happy with a draw. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: Since Chris Wilder’s return, the Blades have picked up nine points — nine more than they managed under Rubén Sellés. Preston’s unbeaten home record came to an end in midweek due to a 1-0 defeat against Birmingham. Averaging just one goal scored per game and having conceded only four at Deepdale all season, this looks set to be a low-scoring contest. Predicting Preston to edge it 1-0.

Will’s Prediction: With Sheffield United hitting a relative run of form since Wilder’s return, with three wins in their last five, I’m much more confident in them performing against a fairly solid Preston side. The shift to a back-three in recent weeks has led to much better balance and maximising the threats they carry, so I think they can continue a run. Preston are a tough side to break down with a fairly solid base, so either way it should be a tight game. I can see one moment of genuine quality being the only difference here. 1-0 to Sheffield United.

COVENTRY CITY V WATFORD

The only side unbeaten in the league, Coventry, host a Watford side fresh off the back of their first win since Javi Gracia’s return to the club as manager.

Alex’s Prediction: Coventry have been a force to be reckoned with so far this season, but they have had their fair share of draws, keeping them relatively close to the pack. Watford will be keen to come away with a share of the game, and snatch a draw. 2-2.

Christian’s Prediction: The Hornets have collected just two points away from home this season, suffering three defeats. In contrast, opponents Coventry remain unbeaten at home but have lacked the cutting-edge quality that has defined their performances on the road. Frank Lampard’s side is among the most adaptable in the division, with a fluid structure capable of shifting from a 4-2-3-1 to a three-back variation. While Watford were victorious in midweek, their wretched record – without a win against the Sky Blues since 2020 – may come back to haunt them. 3-0 Coventry.

Will’s Prediction: Coventry are unbelievable. Watford are in a confusing situation. This is also how the game will likely go down on Saturday lunchtime. Whilst Cov are relentless, effective and able to tear teams apart, Watford are much less effective and hugely underutilising the attacking quality they have. Hopefully, Gracia can reflect on this and utilise proper wingers, providing Kjerrumgaard with some good service. If they do this, they could shock a few, but I can’t see them overcoming Coventry in their current state. 3-1 to Coventry.

IPSWICH TOWN V WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Recently relegated from the Premier League Ipswich, host a West Brom side that has started the season solidly under Ryan Mason. Ipswich will be looking for their first victory since the international break, they were unbeaten at Portman Road until midweek’s thumping by Charlton.

Alex’s Prediction: Kieran McKenna will be keen to swiftly move on from the midweek horror show against Charlton, but West Brom aren’t going to roll over for them. Ryan Mason’s side have been very hit and miss in previous weeks, but I think Ipswich will have too much quality and see this one through. 2-1 to Ipswich.

Christian’s Prediction: Ipswich will be scrambling to gain three points at Portman Road after losing 3-0 there against Charlton in midweek. The Tractor Boys created twice as many shots as Nathan Jones’ men, yet produced the same number of big chances – the difference being that Charlton took theirs and Ipswich didn’t. West Brom also fell short, losing 2-1 after initially taking the lead against Watford. Ryan Mason’s tenure has been inconsistent, with great wins over the likes of Stoke and Preston, instantly followed by disappointing results straight after. Expecting Ipswich to bounce back, 2-1.

Will’s Prediction: Ipswich are, of course, underperforming so far this season, but should have the quality to rip teams apart in this league, and it can only be a matter of time before this begins to happen consistently, particularly if they can find a balance in midfield (Nunez and Cajuste should work in time). West Brom are an interesting side, with clear deficiencies in some areas, but have pulled some decent results together. I can see this being a fairly high-scoring draw. 2-2.

PORTSMOUTH V STOKE CITY

After such a good start, Mark Robins’ Stoke have won just once in their last five, on a bit of a drop in form. They visit Fratton Park, where their opponents are usually tough to beat.

Alex’s Prediction: Both of these sides are astute without the ball, but Stoke especially are dangerous without it. It’s a matter of time before Pompey’s injured players return, but I don’t know if they’ll be able to beat Stoke with the options they have. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: Both sides have displayed defensive capabilities, accumulating four clean sheets each. Despite this, Mark Robins’ Stoke have averaged just 0.73 goals conceded per 90 minutes, compared to John Mousinho’s side at 1.09 per game. Fifteen shots producing only 0.76 xG last time out highlighted issues for Pompey, with a lack of clear-cut chances being created. With both sides ranked in the top four for long balls per game, a clash of similar playstyles is expected. Stoke’s current form, with only one win in five, could even the playing field. 1-1.

Will’s Prediction: Possibly my game of the weekend. I reckon Pompey are on the cusp of putting a run together; recent signs have been much more positive, and I think that they can provide a shock, especially at Fratton Park. Despite this, Stoke have been fairly solid, only conceding more than one once and picking up some handy results, meaning I back them to win narrowly. 2-1 to Stoke.

BLACKBURN ROVERS V SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton have won just four league games in the last 17 months. Just two have come this season, and Will Still is under some early pressure to deliver. Similarly, Blackburn have won just twice, but haven’t as many draws, so sit in the relegation zone.

Alex’s Prediction: Saints have been a painful watch, accumulating the second most xG in the division but sitting 18th. They just can’t put away their chances! Blackburn will happily sit back in this one, knowing their opponents lack a clinical edge, but I think Saints should get through. 2-1 to Saints.

Christian’s Prediction: In the 2023/24 season, Southampton took four points from their two meetings with Blackburn. This term, the Saints have lost just three games but continue to show a tendency to concede when ahead, averaging 1.36 goals against per match. Blackburn’s record is slightly worse at 1.6, with both sides managing two clean sheets apiece. Southampton ranks first in the league for possession, while Blackburn sits 14th – suggesting the Saints will dominate the ball but could find it difficult to break down a defensive-minded Rovers side on Saturday. 2-1 Southampton.

Will’s Prediction: Two fairly hopeless sides, particularly attacking-wise, which could make for an incredibly frustrating watch. In Saints’ case, it’s a lack of clinical touch; in Blackburn’s case, it’s that they are purely bereft of ideas. If the Saints can find a clinical touch, they’ll walk this game, and their defensive deficiencies can be papered over for now. It’s purely a matter of whether Saints can finish their chances. 3-0 to Southampton.

BRISTOL CITY V BIRMINGHAM CITY

Gerhard Struber’s Bristol City have been good at home, and will still be bouncing after an undeserved win over Southampton in midweek. They’re visited by Birmingham, sat in a comfortable mid-table place.

Alex’s Prediction: Bristol City won’t have a chance of beating Birmingham if they attempt the same amount of chances as they did against Southampton, but they will have a similar gameplan against a side who want to be dominant in possession. I can see it being honours even at Ashton Gate. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: A fixture long dominated by the now American-owned Birmingham, who have won 14 of the past 22 meetings. Birmingham will aim to dictate play with possession, averaging 55.4% per match. This suits manager Gerhard Struber and the Robins, though, who are transition-based and will look to constantly take advantage of Birmingham over committing bodies in the attack. Their 3-1 victory over Southampton epitomised this – just 33% possession, three big chances created, and all three taken, whilst the Saints only converted one. 2-0 Bristol City.

Will’s Prediction: A hugely interesting game for me, can see Birmingham having the majority of possession and territory, but I can’t see past the attacking threat of Bristol City, effective, flowing and clinical. I reckon Birmingham will be frustrated in this one, and could be picked off by a quality break forwards, with there not being too much in it score-wise. 2-1 Bristol City.

DERBY COUNTY V QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Derby, who have one win in their last five, host a QPR side pushing the play-off places, despite their unfavourable goal difference, tarnished by the 7-1 drubbing by Coventry City.

Alex’s Prediction: QPR have been good this season, ever since the first international break. Derby can’t seem to take games by the scruff of the neck, somehow failing to capitalise on opportunities against serial-chance missing Southampton. 2-1 to QPR.

Christian’s Prediction: Despite conceding seven in one game, QPR have let in an equal total as Derby overall — 16 goals. The R’s have been the more ruthless side, though, with striker Richard Kone leading on four goals, ranking in the 85th percentile among forwards. Their six-game unbeaten run halted due to a 2-1 defeat to Millwall, but they quickly regrouped with an away win at Swansea. Derby are still searching for their goalscoring rhythm, with five draws highlighting their inability to kill off games. 1-0 QPR.

Will’s Prediction: A game where I can only see one winner. Eustace’s Rams have generally lacked threat, despite having the basis of a very exciting team. QPR have a fairly well rounded side with one of the best attacking threats in the league in Richard Kone, and a fair amount of exciting depth that will be able to hurt Derby. 2-0 to QPR.

HULL CITY V CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Nathan Jones’ Charlton have been fantastic since coming up from League One, and sit in the play-off places early on. They visit a Hull side performing well too, but need to tighten up defensively in order to push on.

Alex’s Prediction: Hull have been good at home and I’d back them to continue that here, but Nathan Jones’ Charlton will pose a threat. I can see Hull’s forward line getting them through this one, even if their defence has been lacklustre. 2-1 to Hull.

Christian’s Prediction: Both sides have endured the same start in eleven games – five wins, three draws and three losses. From Hull defeating Leicester to Charlton beating Ipswich in midweek, both of these teams possess the ability to get positive results against promotion contenders. The Tigers lead the way in attacking metrics, averaging 1.78 goals per 90 compared to Charlton’s 1.18, while Nathan Jones’ side is far more defensively assured, with three more clean sheets and only conceding 0.82 goals per game to Hull’s 1.78. Hull have lost only once at home and have looked very comfortable at the MKM Stadium this campaign. 2-1 Hull.

Will’s Prediction: Two of the surprises of the season so far for me, I didn’t have Charlton to go down as many did but I certainly wasn’t expecting this level from them. Conversely, I predicted Hull to go down, and have also been pleasantly shocked by them. I can see this being a fairly cagey affair from two sides that don’t really want too much of the ball. I can imagine Hull would have *slightly* more territory, but can only see a Charlton win here. 1-0 to Charlton.

MIDDLESBROUGH V WREXHAM

Second place Middlesbrough host Wrexham, who have recovered from a poor start, losing just one of their last five. The majority of their points have come on the road, but Boro are looking like one of the best set up sides in the division under Rob Edwards.

Alex’s Prediction: Wrexham are starting to show a bit of consistency, but I can’t see them having the firepower against Middlesbrough’s tight setup. One of the best teams in the league without the ball, Rob Edwards’ side should have their Welsh opponents numbered. 2-1 to Boro.

Christian’s Prediction: Middlesbrough sit second in the table, while Wrexham find themselves down in 15th. Boro have won seven matches so far, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just 0.64 goals per game. Interestingly, both sides average 1.36 goals scored per match, suggesting Wrexham are capable of testing Michael Carrick’s well-drilled defence. However, with Middlesbrough’s consistency and defensive solidity, they should have enough to see this one through. 3-1 Boro.

Will’s Prediction: I’m not a fan of Wrexham’s recruitment on the whole, and Boro have had a brilliant year so far, so it’s hard to look past them here. Boro’s defensive record is the best in the league, and whilst Wrexham have scored a few and have settled somewhat in recent weeks, I can only see Boro’s form continuing. I reckon they have the better setup to get them through this one fairly easily. 3-1 to Boro.

MILLWALL V LEICESTER CITY

Leicester, another team coming down from the Premier League, have just one win in five and visit a Millwall side in a great vein of form. Under Alex Neil, they have won their last three.

Alex’s Prediction: While Leicester’s start to the season hasn’t been as bad as Ipswich or Southampton’s, they need to begin to pick up some points. Going away to the Den is a tough place to start though, and I can see them being held to a draw by Alex Neil’s solid side. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: While only three points separate the two, Millwall sit third while Leicester sit ninth. If certain results occur, Millwall could drop six or seven places, demonstrating the unpredictability of England’s second tier. Winning three of their past three, Millwall are currently in one of the best current forms in the League, second only to Coventry. With Leicester, alongside the other relegated sides, struggling to settle back, Millwall are in a position to put a stamp on the division. 2-0 Millwall.

Will’s Prediction: Millwall have come off the back of three straight wins, impressing in each against fairly strong sides, something that could easily repeat against an underperforming Leicester side. Presumably, Leicester will dominate territory and possession, but I think they can be stifled by a side (barring a couple of blips) that should be fairly vigilant and have flashes of quality. 2-1 to Millwall.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY V OXFORD UNITED

Sheffield Wednesday are set to enter administration and receive a points deduction that would almost certainly doom them for relegation. They’re visited by Oxford United, who have just one win on the road this season.

Alex’s Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday’s season is already in danger of fizzling out. Just one win and a points deduction set to take them into minus numbers, I can’t see them getting much after that news. 2-0 to Oxford.

Christian’s Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday have managed just one win this season, while Oxford have only two to their name as well. Sitting 20th and just outside the relegation zone, Oxford have fared slightly better in the key metrics. The Owls are conceding over two goals per game and scoring less than one per 90 – a major concern heading into the winter period. 1-1.

Will’s Prediction: Oxford seem to have sorted themselves out in recent weeks, perhaps now catching up after their disastrous pre-season campaign. I can see them hitting a little run of form now, with a game against Wednesday being a perfect place to start. I can’t see too much hope for Wednesday; key injuries and suspensions have further depleted what was already an understandably weak squad. They’ll fight, but probably won’t get too much out of it. 3-1 to Oxford.

SWANSEA CITY V NORWICH CITY

Failure to win here would almost certainly get Liam Manning, Norwich boss, the sack. His Canaries’ side have lost their last four and sit in the relegation zone. They’re hosted by a Swansea side with one win in their last five.

Alex’s Prediction: It’s a battle between two underperforming sides, and I can’t choose a winner. Liam Manning will be desperate to get a result, but it will be tricky away at Swansea. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: After Liam Manning’s appointment in the summer, Norwich have struggled to find consistency and now sit 22nd in the table. Swansea, six places higher in 16th, have three wins to Norwich’s two. The Canaries’ main issue has been maintaining results, losing seven games already. Defensively, Swansea have been the more solid side, conceding just one goal per game compared to Norwich’s 1.45. Manning’s men rank ninth in expected goals but are underperforming by two, while Swansea, despite a lower xG and fewer goals scored, have maintained greater defensive discipline. 1-0 Swansea.

Will’s Prediction: Two sides that are fairly discontented at this moment in time, with neither really hitting the performance levels they should be. Swansea’s wins this season have all come from beating poor teams – something that gives them a bit of an edge in terms of being able to finish the job here. As much as I love Liam Manning, I struggle to see how Norwich get out of this rut, as they seem fairly out of ideas. I can see Swansea getting the job done. 2-0 Swansea.

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