Championship 2025/26 Preview & Predictions Week 17: Featuring AllSaints | OneFootball

The Championship is reaching crunch time, with a crucial midweek period upcoming.

Last week, our AI predictor won the predictions, with writers Christian and Alex behind. Can they catch up this time, against our special guest?

This Week’s Guest

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by AllSaints, who post some great Southampton FC content on Twitter – make sure to check him out!

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 17 Preview & Predictions

Hull CITY vs Ipswich TOWN

Hull City have lost just once at home this season, and are visited by an Ipswich Town side with just two wins on their travels. Despite this, the teams sit 6th and 8th in the Championship table.

Alex’s Prediction: Hull have turned the MKM Stadium into somewhat of a fortress this season, and are a decent goalscoring threat. Ipswich have been a bit inconsistent so far this campaign, but their quality should shine through here. 2-1 to Ipswich.

Christian’s Prediction: After going six games unbeaten, the Tigers have lost two of their past three. A clash against in-form Ipswich has come at the worst time, but Hull have accumulated 17 points on home turf, whereas Ipswich rank seventeenth in the Championship for away record. McKenna’s side will hold plenty of the ball, while Hull will be constantly aiming for transitional play. 2-2.

AllSaints’ Prediction: Ipswich are enjoying a good run of form, and Philogene should be too much for Egan and Coyle on the left, especially. 2-1 Ipswich.

Middlesbrough vs Coventry CITY

It’s a meeting between the division’s leading sides so far this season, the home side fresh with a new manager in Kim Hellberg. Lampard’s Coventry will look to outscore the Boro in what looks set to be an interesting encounter.

Alex’s Prediction: A really intriguing clash. Middlesbrough will look to be much more on the front foot than they were under Rob Edwards, which may clash with Cov’s high-tempo nature. It may be too early to see signs of Hellberg’s side performing, so I’ll go with the away side here. 2-1 to Coventry.

Christian’s Prediction: With both sides fighting for automatics, the anticipation grows. They’ve yet to appoint manager Kim Hellberg at Teeside, trusting interim Adrian Viveash to provide stability and potentially yield a result against high-flying Coventry. Scoring 45, Lampard’s side have conceded the most goals amongst the top three, but have scored more goals than second and third combined. Despite Boro not having suffered a home defeat all season, it looks set to be their toughest opponents yet. 3-1 Coventry. 

AllSaints’ Prediction: Boro have had a pretty mixed bag of results recently, whilst Coventry continue to grind out impressive victories. This might be a bit of a bold prediction, but I think Coventry’s firepower will prove too much! 4-0 Coventry.

Norwich CITY vs Oxford UNITED

The Canaries, who are still winless at home, will be hoping to find their first win under new boss Clement against an Oxford United with just two away wins to their name.

Alex’s Prediction: The home crowd will be desperate for an immediate response from the players and new coaching staff, and hosting Oxford United isn’t a bad fixture to try that with. Canaries to edge it. 1-0 to Norwich.

Christian’s Prediction: Oxford were undefeated against the Canaries last campaign. Given seven straight losses on home turf, manager Philippe Clement will be seeking a turnaround against a side sitting just two places above them. 1-0 Norwich.

AllSaints’ Prediction: It could genuinely go either way, with both teams suffering torrid starts to their seasons. Kvistgaarden has scored in 3 in 3 for Norwich, so maybe he can conjure up some magic for the Canaries? 1-1.

Stoke CITY vS Charlton ATHLETIC

Stoke City host a Charlton who will be hoping to swiftly move on from Saturday’s drubbing against Southampton. The Potters have lost just twice at the Stadium of Light this season and will hope to recover after the weekend’s loss to Leicester.

Alex’s Prediction: Fresh with a new contract, the manager of Stoke, Mark Robins, will hope to keep up the Potters’ brilliant form at home against a Charlton clearly capable of conceding goals. It should be an interesting affair. 2-2.

Christian’s Prediction: Both sides suffered on the weekend, with Stoke losing narrowly to Leicester and Charlton being dismantled by Southampton, resulting in a 5-1 home loss. Nathan Jones’ men have the toughest pair of fixtures this week, playing away at Stoke and Coventry, but could fall victim to Mark Robins’ side, who will be seeking to end their losing streak. With both sides keeping six clean sheets, a battle of defensive dominance could be played out. 1-0 Stoke. 

AllSaints’ Prediction: After being smashed by Saints 5-1, Nathan Jones’ men will have rock-bottom confidence, which Stoke’s firepower should be able to capitalise on! Mubama for a brace. 3-1 Stoke.

Swansea CITY vs Derby COUNTY

Swansea, who have won just twice at home, host a Derby County who have lost just two away from home all season. Both sides are floating about in the bottom half and will be hoping to navigate towards mid-table with a result here.

Alex’s Prediction: Derby will be wanting to regain form, and facing a Swansea side who aren’t the most capable defensively should be a good chance to do this. 2-0 to Derby.

Christian’s Prediction: John Eustace’s men were on fire, winning four games on the bounce. Two goals in quick succession saw the Rams capitulate in the latter stages of the weekend, losing to Watford. Swansea are leaking goals at the moment; however, they have conceded nine in their past three. It won’t be easy, but Derby look set to edge past the Welsh side. 2-1 Derby.

AllSaints’ Prediction: Perhaps the in-form player in the EFL, Derby’s Carlton Morris, continues to excel with 6 goals in his last 5 games! Hat-trick against Swansea? 3-0 Derby.

Watford vs Preston NORTH END

A clash of two sides seemingly stuck in mid table for eternity, Watford will be hoping to keep up their decent home form against a Preston North End side going above expectations this campaign.

Alex’s Prediction: Watford have had much-needed improvement under Javi Gracia in his second spell at the club, and hosting Preston North End will probably mean the away side come out and attack the game. Watford will catch them out. 2-1 to Watford.

Christian’s Prediction: Watford will be brimming with confidence after their first away victory of the campaign. Coming back to Vicarage Road will be a massive boost, given their improved performances while at home. Preston have lost only once on the road in their past five, sitting fourth in the table. 1-1.

AllSaints’ Prediction: A difficult one to call, with both teams enjoying decent starts to the season overall, but a mixed range of results recently. I’m leaning slightly with the home team. 1-0 Watford.

Southampton vs Leicester CITY

The Saints will be looking to win four out of four under Tonda Eckert, who looks set to be appointed as permanent manager if they win this clash against the Foxes, who have similarly struggled so far this season.

Alex’s Prediction: The Saints are close to salvaging their season, and a result against Leicester would reaffirm that they are back! This is a really big game for both sides – 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: An awful start to the season left the Saints hovering above the relegation spots. Interim boss Tonda Eckert arrived and has guided them to three successive wins, only three points behind the Foxes. Marti Cifuentes has provided himself with breathing room after their 2-1 win against Stoke, but will be under much pressure to deliver on Tuesday night. It’s the toughest match during Eckert’s tenure, but confidence could play a massive factor. 2-1 Southampton. 

AllSaints’ Prediction: A bit biased? Of course! However, Saints’ recent form, alongside injuries and suspensions for various members of Leicester’s back line, could be promising for Southampton to capitalise on. Goals from Scienza, Armstrong, and Fellows. 3-1 Southampton.

Blackburn ROVERS vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Rovers, in a good vein of form, winning four from their last five, host a QPR side with just one win in their last five. Despite this, the Hoops sit three points ahead but this could all change in time.

Alex’s Prediction: Blackburn have been in brilliant form, and I can see them making chances pay against a QPR side who have to travel a long way this week for their games. 2-0 to Blackburn.

Christian’s Prediction: Blackburn have gained significant confidence after their victory against Southampton. Before that, they’d won two games all season, lingering in the relegation zone. This recent turn of form has seen them convert their chances. Despite scoring five fewer than their expected goals, they’re averaging more goals than their opponents, QPR, who pulled off a crucial victory against Hull last weekend. An even clash of sides at the lower end of the table, 0-0.

AllSaints’ Prediction: Whilst Blackburn have looked much better over the last few weeks, I can’t see this game having much excitement overall. A draw seems fair. 0-0.

Millwall vs Sheffield Wednesday

Millwall have started the season well, and will look to bring this form into a busy winter period. They face a Wednesday side really struggling, destined to go down.

Alex’s Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday aren’t going down without a fight, but their lack of depth and quality in this league is sad to see. Millwall are a decent Championship side and should have the beating of the Owls. 1-0 to Millwall.

Christian’s Prediction: Sitting on minus four points has left the Owls separated from their fellow relegation contenders. Millwall are four games without a win, but should look to capitalise on Wednesday, considering the difference in squad quality and depth. 2-0 Millwall. 

AllSaints’ Prediction: With 2 goals in 2 games for Millwall, Ivanovic continues to impress, and will likely prove too much for Weds’ woeful defensive stats from the start of this season. 2-0 Millwall.

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth

The Blades will be bouncing after their demolition of fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, and will hope to take that form into this game against struggling Pompey, who have just one win in their last five.

Alex’s Prediction: The Blades will want to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, and after they beat rivals Wednesday, will want to back that up. 2-1 to Sheffield United.

Christian’s Prediction: Despite a terrible start, the Blades are beginning to catch up under Chris Wilder, matching the win total of their South Coast opponents — 4. A win could see Sheffield United creep out of the relegation zone for the first time, but their home record continues to haunt them. One win at Bramall Lane is a stark contrast to the fortress built last season. Pompey were six games without a win before the weekend, but their away record is abhorred, ranking the lowest in the division. 1-0 Sheffield United. 

AllSaints’ Prediction: After a great result in the Sheffield derby, United will look to push on and stave off the looming threat of relegation. I’m tipping them to narrowly beat Portsmouth by a last-minute winner. 2-1.

Wrexham vs Bristol City

Hosts Wrexham are unbeaten in their last five, and face a Bristol City outfit just four points away from 2nd place, despite mixed form as of late.

Alex’s Prediction: Bristol City have been good this season, and I wonder how long Wrexham can keep up their good resolve, with injuries mounting. 2-1 to Bristol City.

Christian’s Prediction: Injuries are catching up to Wrexham, leaving them scarce for quality both on the pitch and on the bench. Bristol City looked rejuvenated on the weekend against Swansea, full of energy alongside midfielder Anis Mehmeti, racking up three assists as their central creator. With a draw against Watford on the road just one game prior, the Robins look set to be right back on track. 2-0 Bristol City.

AllSaints’ Prediction: Bristol have been a brilliant surprise package this season, and I back their impressive firepower, with the likes of Mehmeti and Twine, to seal the away win. 3-1 to the Robins.

West BromWICH ALBION vs Birmingham CITY

The Albion have won just once in their last five, and boss Ryan Mason is really struggling for results. Visitors Birmingham City have won three of their last four and will hope to keep up their hot goalscoring form.

Alex’s Prediction: Two sides capable of scoring plenty of goals, Ryan Mason really has to win this game. It’s a clash of possession-based football and it will be interesting to see who grabs control of the match. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: Birmingham have found their stride. Jay Stansfield leads their goalscoring rankings with eight goals, sitting joint third in the division. Since the turn of November, the Blues have won three, scoring four in each of them, and have only conceded two. Ryan Mason will be feeling the pressure and scrutiny, as, if results don’t pick up soon, Albion will drift from playoff contention. Placed 17th in the table, it’s already beginning to go sideways. 3-1 Birmingham. 

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