Championship 2025/26 Preview & Predictions Week 14: Featuring Sam__SFC | OneFootball

The Championship is back for another round of midweek fixtures! Who will come on top this time? Could it be the Saints, with them sacking Will Still, looking for a resurgence up the table?

Last week, guest Joe from Saints Statistics won the week’s predictions with a score of 5, and resident writers Alex and Christian both took home 2.

The guests are well ahead in the league table at the moment, can the writers catch up this week?

This Week’s Guest

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by Southampton fan, Sam in predicting the games to come.

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 14 Preview & Predictions

Birmingham city v millwall

Millwall, the only side in the division still unbeaten away from home, travel to St Andrew’s, where Birmingham have lost just once this season.

Alex’s Prediction:  Birmingham looked to click into gear on the weekend and will want to keep up momentum at a well-fortified St Andrew’s. Millwall have been exceptional outliers on the road, but I see their run away from the Den ending here. 2-1 to Birmingham.

Christian’s Prediction: A huge victory for Birmingham saw them score four goals, keeping a clean sheet in the process. They sit only four points from the play-offs, while Millwall are placed fourth, unbeaten in their last five games. A tough clash for both sides, but a narrow Millwall win looks probable. 1-0 Millwall.

Sam’s Prediction: Chris Davies’ Birmingham won by multiple goals for the first time this season at the weekend and will be anxious to continue that against a high flying Millwall side; the Lions will be no pushover however, having won 4 from their last 5 and remaining unbeaten away form home. Despite that, Blues should win this game – I’m going for a 2-0 win for the promotion hopefuls.

bristol city v blackburn rovers

Blackburn Rovers, who have been good on the road despite their ongoing battle for survival, travel to Ashton Gate, to face Gerhard Struber’s flying Bristol City.

Alex’s Prediction: Bristol City haven’t been as good at home this season, despite making Ashton Gate somewhat of a fortress of late. Visited by a Blackburn side in decent form, they will have to work for a result here, but quality should come through. 3-1 to Bristol City.

Christian’s Prediction: Blackburn have looked like a rejuvenated side in the past two matches. A dominant second-half performance over Southampton and a comfortable away victory over Leicester saw them snatch six points from two of the early-season promotion contenders. Bristol City have just suffered their biggest defeat of the season against Stoke, but have won the previous two tests on home turf. An even clash, based on form, so I’ll go 1-1.

Sam’s Prediction: After a 5-1 humbling at Stoke Bristol City will hope to return to winning wats against a Blackburn team who have climbed out of the bottom three with successive wins against parachute sides. Provided they keep their heads, the Robins should take this one. 2-0.

charlton athletic v west bromwich albion

Charlton, lead by Nathan Jones, host Ryan Mason’s West Brom. Both sides sit in and around the play-offs and will want to continue their good form at The Valley.

Alex’s Prediction: Both sides haven’t been the most consistent all season long, but a trip to the Valley will be extremely tough for a Charlton side in top form as of late. I can see it being all square between two decent teams. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: Charlton’s defensive-oriented style, under Nathan Jones, has provided five clean sheets from 12 — the second most in the league. The Baggies are yet to hit their stride with Ryan Mason, without a dominant and complete performance all season. West Brom have suffered three defeats in a row on the road, and may do so again on Tuesday. 2-0 Charlton. 

Sam’s Prediction: Charlton and West Brom’s results have been a mixed bag so far, but the Addicks will take confidence in their strong home record against a baggies side winless in three. This should be tight, and with neither side having an on-form striker one goal should be enough to win this. Charlton are the more likely winner, but I’ve gone for a goalless draw. 0-0.

derby county v hull city

Hull, unbeaten in their last five games, travel to Pride Park in search of extending their run. Derby, the hosts, are in a good run of form too, losing just once in their last five.

Alex’s Prediction: A battle between two sides trying to overperform in a tough league, offering good threats up front. I can see it being a high-scoring outing. 2-2.

Christian’s Prediction: Derby striker Carlton Morris has been revived this season under John Eustace. Last season was a low point for him, but four goals in the past two games has highlighted a boost in his game. But Hull have also signed Oli McBurnie, who has been instrumental for the Tigers, and their surge to seventh in the table. With Hull’s direct approach, six games unbeaten and the third highest goals per match, I’ll predict 2-1 Hull. 

Sam’s Prediction: Derby have finally picked up some form under John Eustace but they face a Hull side looking to break into the playoff places with a win. Hull will take the lead early but Derby will rally to take a decent point, possibly through Carlton Morris who has quietly got to 8 goals already! 1-1.

ipswich town v watford

Ipswich Town, who have lost just once at home this campaign, host Watford who are winless in all attempts on their travels so far this season.

Alex’s Prediction: Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town are seemingly clicking into gear, and given the fact that they are great at home, while Watford aren’t good away – completely winless. 2-1 to Ipswich.

Christian’s Prediction: Watford sit 24th in terms of away form, with Ipswich utilising Portman Road as their central hub for gaining three points. After a dominating performance over QPR, the Tractor Boys have established themselves as the current strongest of the relegated sides. 2-0 Ipswich. 

Sam’s Prediction: Javi Gracia delivered a huge win at Vicarage Road at the weekend with an exciting attacking lineup, but Watford are the only side yet to win away this year and Ipswich have a chance to win three on the bounce for the first time since April 2024. I’m expecting Kieran McKenna’s men to dispense with Watford relatively easily, despite Kwadwo Baah popping up with a goal contribution. 3-1 to Ipswich.

leicester city v middlesbrough

Leicester City, who have lost their last three matches, host Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough. It would take the right results and a win by three goals to send Boro top here.

Alex’s Prediction: Leicester’s form under Cifuentes is going from bad to worse, and their direct style could be cut out against a Rob Edwards side that is excellent out of possession. 2-1 to the visiting Boro.

Christian’s Prediction: Manager Rob Edwards has been the subject of major interest from Wolves due to their head coach vacancy. The Englishman has led Boro to 2nd in the table — a huge improvement, if they can keep this up, from last season’s position of 8th. Leicester haven’t dominated nearly as much as they did two years ago, falling to defeat in the past three games, despite only losing once beforehand. A run like this must come to an end, eventually, but I don’t think it will be against Boro. 2-1 Boro. 

Sam’s Prediction: This is a big game for both sides after disappointing losses at the weekend. Unfortunately for Boro however, who are perhaps lucky to have as many points as they do, it comes amidst reports linking Rob Edwards to the vacant Wolves job, a position Edwards is evidently keen to take up. All things considered, I’d back a Leicester win. 2-0.

oxford united v stoke city

Oxford United, who haven’t had great fortune at home as of late, host Mark Robins’ Stoke City. The Potters’ boss is facing speculation, as Southampton look for a new manager, but will be focusing heavily on winning this one.

Alex’s Prediction: Oxford United have had a very hit and miss season, but are looking comfortable enough – for now. They’re visited by Mark Robins’ Stoke, who are good on their travels and have goalscorers in their team. 2-0 to Stoke.

Christian’s Prediction: While Oxford sit above the likes of Sheffield United and Southampton, they do fall significantly short against their upcoming opponents. Stoke have been in amazing form under former Coventry manager Mark Robins. With just under half of Oxford’s goals conceded per 90, the Potters have proven their ability to remain stable and win games, evidenced by their seven victories compared to just 12 in the entire duration of last campaign. 3-0 Stoke. 

Sam’s Prediction: Consistently inconsistent Oxford are huge underdogs against Mark Robins’ high-flying Stoke. Although their away form of late is hardly special, Stoke should have enough to win this one, albeit in less convincing fashion than their 5-1 triumph at the weekend. 1-0 to Stoke.

coventry city v sheffield united

Like Mark Robins, Coventry boss Lampard is facing speculation over a move to Southampton, but will be focusing on continuing his side’s unbeaten run at home, against the Blades who sit in the relegation zone.

Alex’s Prediction: High-flying Coventry will want to further their lead at the top of the table, but Wilder’s Blades certainly won’t be rolling over for them. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back after losing on Friday night. 1-1.

Christian’s Prediction: The Sky Blues tasted defeat for the first time this season, but they should be looking at this upcoming clash as a bounce-back. Despite Wilder’s men gaining two out of their three victories on the road, this looks to be too big a task for the Blades. 3-1 Coventry.

Sam’s Prediction: Coventry suffered a surprising first loss of the season at Wrexham on Friday – Sheffield United will hope that opens a window of opportunity for them. Former Cov man Callum O’Hare has been United’s standout this year, but his former club should be able to return to winning ways at home. 2-1 to Coventry.

preston north end v swansea city

Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston North End, now in the play-off spots, host Swansea City, who arrive at Deepdale with just one win in their last five games.

Alex’s Prediction: North End are a solid side and decent at home, and will look to build off of a performance that sacked Southampton boss Still on Saturday. Swansea haven’t showed their promise, yet, and their head coach is under pressure to deliver. 1-0 to Preston.

Christian’s Prediction: Swansea are unbeaten in this fixture since 2023, but fall five points below Preston in the table. North End have defeated all three relegated sides from the Premier League, a remarkable feat given their minimal finances they had to spend. Smart recruitment and having a manager of the quality of Paul Heckingbottom has elevated them massively. 1-0 Preston.

Sam’s Prediction: Swansea are such a frustrating side at the minute – the talent is there, but the results aren’t following. I see very little reason to suggest they will triumph midweek at a PNE side who have only lost once at home this season. 2-1 to Preston.

queens park rangers v southampton

Southampton will be managed by interim manager Tonda Eckert on Wednesday, after Will Still was sacked on Sunday evening. It will be a tough test, visiting a Loftus Road that is important to hosts QPR.

Alex’s Prediction: Southampton interim boss Eckert will be viewing this as an audition for the permanent job, and I fear he may be given it if Sporting Director Johannes Spors gets his way. He will fail to get a tune out of the Saints, most likely. QPR are a good team. 2-1 to QPR.

Christian’s Prediction: 12 points after 13 games. That’s what took for Sport Republic to sack manager Will Still. Sitting 21st in the league is poor by Southampton’s standards, averaging fewer goals per 90 than their upcoming London Opponents. QPR have lost five games, the same as Southampton, but the difference lies in their ability to grind out results. The Hoops have won five, whereas the Saints have only won 2, showing their lack of clinical goalscoring to finish the job. Maybe a bounce could be on the cards after Still’s sacking, but it remains unlikely with this set of players. 1-0 QPR. 

Sam’s Prediction: Perhaps interim and soon-to-be-permanent (?) boss Tonda Eckert will benefit from some of the luck (of players scoring open goals) Will Still desperately deserved as Saints boss, but my experience of watching Saints this year suggests otherwise. With the attacking quality Rangers possess and Saints’ defensive record however, it would require a minor miracle if Loftus Road didn’t celebrate at least one goal. As I’m a hopelessly biased optimist, 1-1.

sheffield wednesday v norwich city

Chansiri-less Sheffield Wednesday, bouncing after their owner left, host a Norwich City who will have no choice but to sack Liam Manning if a loss occurs for the Canaries here.

Alex’s Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday will be expecting another sell out at home, and have a good chance to put more pressure on Liam Manning. He said to the media there would be no point sacking him, but I’m not so sure. 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday.

Christian’s Prediction: It’s the clash of relegation contenders. 24th place takes on 23rd. While it was expected of the Owls, due to the financial turmoil and expected points deduction, it’s been a huge shock from manager Liam Manning and Norwich. Dire performances couldn’t be saved by striker Josh Sargent, arguably the best number nine in the league, as they’re already nearing the 10-loss mark — they only lost 15 all last season. With Wednesday at home, and a positive atmosphere returning, I’ll back them for a second win. 2-1. 

Sam’s Prediction: Surely this is make or break for Liam Manning? If the under fire Norwich boss can’t see his side win against a Wednesday side consisting of 27 schoolchildren and the dinner ladies, what will they beat? I think they will though, given they have picked up all their points on the road this year. 2-0 to Norwich.

portsmouth v wrexham

Portsmouth, on a three game losing run, host Wrexham who are contrastingly unbeaten in as many matches. Fratton Park is an important place for Pompey, but they hosts have won just twice there this season.

Alex’s Prediction: Wrexham got a tremendous win on Friday night, but a visit to Fratton Park will be a tough one to follow it up with. Pompey have been doing badly since getting on their high horse after a 0-0 south coast derby win, and I fully expect them to lose here. 1-0 to Wrexham.

Christian’s Prediction: Wow. Wrexham hosted Coventry and did the unthinkable, coming out best against previously unbeaten Coventry. Striker Kieffer Moore scored the perfect hat-trick, which involves a left-foot, right-foot and headed finish. With Pompey losing 4-0 in midweek, confidence will be low as they sit 20th in the table. 1-0 Wrexham. 

Sam’s Prediction: Pompey are in a rut, Wrexham have only lost 1 in 8. However – with the exception of Sheffield Wednesday, most of Portsmouth’s poor results have come against quite good sides, and I would back them to be competitive here. Both teams will score, one will probably win it late on. As a Saints fan I will allow that side to be Wrexham. 2-1 to Wrexham.

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