I've predicted the final 2026/27 EFL Championship table - here's what it looks like | OneFootball

Who will surpass expectations and who will flop in a stacked second tier?

Next season will see one of the most stacked Championship lineups in recent memory, making it incredibly difficult to predict how clubs will fare.

With Wolves, West Ham and Burnley relegated from the Premier League, there are not only sizeable clubs gracing the second tier but also some extremely talented players.

On the other hand, Lincoln City, Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers should not be underestimated, having risen from League One, while there is a collective of Championship mainstays who should not be written off.

But how will the league table look come the close of play on 8 May? Here, I predict the final positions from bottom to top.

24 ? ? Blackburn Rovers

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Blackburn Rovers have been an up-and-down side in the Championship for years, but the club look in a perilous position and could sink to a new low by finishing bottom of the pile.

Tony Mowbray may have returned to Ewood Park, but Rovers were the second-lowest scoring side in the second tier last term, and their transfer business has not been convincing.

23 ? ? Lincoln City

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Lincoln City will be competing in the Championship for the first time in their history and have the unique quirk of two head coaches in Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, who have replaced the departed Michael Skubala.

Without Skubala in the dugout, the Imps could struggle, and while they waltzed their way to the League One title, I expect them to suffer an instant return to the third tier.

22 ? ? West Brom

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West Brom narrowly avoided relegation last season, and while a points' deduction placed them closer to the drop, I fear they could join Blackburn in the drop zone.

James Morrison enjoyed a successful spell as caretaker boss last term, turning around their form, but I do not see how their new signings alleviate their goalscoring concerns.

21 ? ? Bolton Wanderers

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Bolton Wanderers will not have Amario Cozier-Duberry in their ranks next season and still have work to do if they are to build a squad capable of surviving in the Championship.

However, Steven Schumacher has done a solid job with the Trotters and Luca Stephenson and Ben Davies are shrewd additions, so I think they will just about avoid the drop.

20 ? ? Cardiff City

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There has been little in the way of incomings so far at Cardiff City this summer, but I believe they possess several players who will cope with the step-up, including Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill and Yousef Salech.

Brian Barry-Murphy is a manager I rate highly, and I feel like the Bluebirds are the best equipped of the promoted sides to stay up.

19 ? ? Charlton Athletic

I do not expect much progress from Charlton Athletic next season, but I think they will do enough to maintain their Championship status for another year.

Looking at their squad, goals are likely to be an issue again, but if new arrival Karlan Grant can stay fit, then he should make a valuable contribution.

18 ? ? Portsmouth

Portsmouth are another side I do not expect to make heaps of progress, but with John Mousinho in the dugout, they are a shoo-in to remain in the division.

It is always difficult to predict which of their new boys will make a mark in the Championship, but Rocco Shein and Mark Milovanovic have encouraging track records and look like solid additions.

17 ? ? Watford

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One of the trickier sides to predict is Watford, who have yet another new head coach in Alessio Dionisi and another influx of Udinese players.

They could finish anywhere between the play-offs and the cusp of the bottom three, and I make the not-so-bold prediction of Dionisi losing his job before the end of the season.

16 ? ? Preston North End

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Supporters will rightly be demanding progress at Preston North End next season, but there are plenty of other sides who I think are better placed to move up the table.

Alfie Divine is a superb signing for North End though, and if the club can add some more quality to Paul Heckingbottom's side before the end of the window, then there is no reason why they can't finish in the top 12.

15 ? ? QPR

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QPR ended last season in worrying fashion, and while I think they are capable of improving, there is an abundance of sides that have better squads.

Pierce Charles and Tariq Lamptey do look like quality signings from the outside, and if Jimmy Dunne can remain fit, then that will alleviate their defensive fragility.