Matchweek 27 | January 17-19, 2026
The Championship returns this weekend with a packed schedule of fixtures featuring playoff six-pointers, local derbies, and crucial battles at both ends of the table. After last week’s FA Cup third round interruption, all 24 teams refocus on the promotion and relegation races with just over half the season gone.
Championship Table
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coventry | 26 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 57 | 29 | 28 | 52 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 27 | 14 | 7 | 6 | 40 | 28 | 12 | 49 |
| 3 | Ipswich | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 42 | 24 | 18 | 44 |
| 4 | Preston | 26 | 11 | 10 | 5 | 36 | 25 | 11 | 43 |
| 5 | Millwall | 26 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 29 | 33 | -4 | 43 |
| 6 | Watford | 25 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 37 | 29 | 8 | 41 |
| 7 | Hull City | 25 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 40 | 38 | 2 | 41 |
| 8 | Stoke City | 26 | 12 | 4 | 10 | 32 | 23 | 9 | 40 |
| 9 | Wrexham | 26 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 38 | 32 | 6 | 40 |
| 10 | Bristol City | 26 | 11 | 6 | 9 | 38 | 29 | 9 | 39 |
| 11 | QPR | 26 | 11 | 5 | 10 | 38 | 39 | -1 | 38 |
| 12 | Leicester | 26 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 37 | 38 | -1 | 37 |
| 13 | Derby | 26 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 35 | 35 | 0 | 35 |
| 14 | Birmingham | 26 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 34 |
| 15 | Southampton | 26 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 38 | 38 | 0 | 33 |
| 16 | Sheffield Utd | 25 | 10 | 2 | 13 | 36 | 38 | -2 | 32 |
| 17 | Swansea | 26 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 27 | 33 | -6 | 32 |
| 18 | West Brom | 27 | 9 | 4 | 14 | 31 | 38 | -7 | 31 |
| 19 | Charlton | 25 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 25 | 32 | -7 | 29 |
| 20 | Blackburn | 25 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 24 | 30 | -6 | 28 |
| 21 | Portsmouth | 24 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 21 | 35 | -14 | 25 |
| 22 | Norwich | 26 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 28 | 39 | -11 | 24 |
| 23 | Oxford United | 25 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 25 | 35 | -10 | 22 |
| 24 | Sheffield Wednesday | 25 | 1 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 51 | -33 | -7 |
Updated: 17 Jan 2026, 9:31 AM
Friday Night: New Manager, New Era?
West Bromwich Albion vs Middlesbrough
Kick-off: Friday, 7:45 PM | Venue: The Hawthorns
Eric Ramsey takes charge of his first Championship match as West Brom manager, arriving from MLS side Minnesota United to rescue the Baggies from their alarming slide. Sat 18th in the table, 10 points off the playoffs and only seven clear of the relegation zone, West Brom desperately need results.
The challenge could hardly be tougher – second-placed Middlesbrough visit the Hawthorns in ominous form. Michael Carrick’s side thrashed Southampton 4-0 in their last Championship outing and have been making smart January moves, including the signing of Leo Castledine.
However, Boro’s inconsistency remains their Achilles heel. Four wins were followed by four winless games before that Southampton demolition. They also exited the FA Cup to Fulham last weekend, though few at the Riverside will lose sleep over that.
The Hawthorns factor looms large – West Brom are significantly better at home than away. Can Ramsey engineer a new manager bounce? The quality in the squad suggests they’re better than 18th, but translating that into points has proven elusive.
Prediction: The home crowd and managerial change could inspire West Brom, but Middlesbrough’s class should tell. A high-scoring draw feels likely. 2-2
Saturday’s Headline Act: The M69 Derby
Coventry City vs Leicester City
Kick-off: Saturday, 12:30 PM | Venue: CBS Arena
The M69 Derby headlines Saturday’s lunchtime fixtures, with Coventry desperate to arrest a worrying slide. The Sky Blues sit top of the table but have struggled recently – knocked out of the FA Cup, beaten by Birmingham, and held by Charlton. Three consecutive away games haven’t helped, but form remains a concern.
Leicester arrive 12th but with momentum, winning three of their last four in all competitions. Their inconsistency has defined the season, but they possess match-winners who can punish defensive lapses around the penalty area.
This feels like a statement game for Coventry. Win, and they can reignite their promotion push. Drop points – particularly lose – and questions will intensify about whether they can maintain top spot until May.
Coventry vs Leicester
Last 5 league meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2025 | Leicester | 0 – 0 | Coventry |
| 13 Jan 2024 | Coventry | 3 – 1 | Leicester |
| 06 Aug 2023 | Leicester | 2 – 1 | Coventry |
| 03 Mar 2012 | Leicester | 2 – 0 | Coventry |
| 06 Aug 2011 | Coventry | 0 – 1 | Leicester |
The atmosphere at the CBS should be electric, with genuine needle in this local rivalry. Coventry’s home record gives them the edge, but Leicester’s quality makes this genuinely unpredictable.
Prediction: Coventry to edge a tight, tense encounter. 2-1 to the Sky Blues
Playoff Six-Pointers
Watford vs Millwall
Kick-off: Saturday, 12:30 PM | Venue: Vicarage Road
Sixth meets fifth in what could prove pivotal for playoff aspirations. Watford’s last Championship fixture was the farcical Hull postponement 15 minutes before kick-off, followed by a humbling 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Bristol City. However, they’d won four Championship games in a row before that Cup embarrassment.
Millwall also conceded five in the FA Cup (away at Burnley) but arrive with eight points from their last four Championship matches. The Lions’ solid form keeps them firmly in playoff contention, though consistency remains key.
Both teams can now focus entirely on the league after Cup exits. Watford’s home form has been strong, and they’re increasingly being mentioned as potential dark horses to trouble the top two, not just secure playoffs.
Watford – Recent League Form
Millwall – Recent League Form
Prediction: Watford’s momentum and home advantage should edge this tight contest. 2-1 to the Hornets
Stoke City vs Queens Park Rangers
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: bet365 Stadium
Stoke have found their rhythm at exactly the right time, winning back-to-back Championship games to sit just one point outside the playoffs. Victory here could see them gate-crash the top six this weekend.
QPR remain maddeningly inconsistent – capable of brilliance or disaster on any given day. Their 9,000 fans at the London Stadium for the FA Cup defeat to West Ham demonstrated impressive support, while recent signing Ronnie Edwards adds defensive quality.
Stoke’s recent clean sheets and attacking improvements make them favourites, particularly at home. If they maintain this form through January, a genuine playoff push beckons.
Prediction: Stoke to continue their upward trajectory. 1-0 to the Potters
The Resurgence Stories
Wrexham vs Norwich City
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: The Racecourse
Five consecutive wins in all competitions. Four straight Championship victories. An FA Cup giant-killing of Nottingham Forest. Wrexham aren’t just surviving in the Championship – they’re thriving.
The Racecourse has become a genuine fortress, and the winning mentality cultivated through previous promotions shows no sign of diminishing. Their ability to juggle cup runs with league campaigns was proven in their National League days – don’t bet against them making the playoffs.
Norwich under Johannes Hoff Thorup have improved but lack consistency. Their 5-1 FA Cup demolition of Walsall was impressive, but Championship results remain patchy. Away at the Racecourse against this Wrexham side? That’s a serious test.
Prediction: Wrexham’s momentum continues. 2-1 to the home side
Sheffield United vs Charlton Athletic
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: The Valley
Remember when Charlton beat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane just as Chris Wilder returned? The Blades have been a different proposition since, looking like genuine top-six material over the past two months.
Charlton’s form is sliding alarmingly – their 5-1 FA Cup thrashing by Chelsea highlighted the gulf between them and top-level opposition. Sheffield United also exited the Cup (4-3 to Mansfield), but might welcome the chance to focus solely on promotion.
The Blades famously have just two draws all season – they win or lose, rarely anything in between. Nine points off the playoffs currently, three points here could reduce that to seven and maintain pressure on those above.
Prediction: Sheffield United to bounce back from Cup disappointment emphatically. Charlton 1-3 Sheffield United
Crucial Fixtures at Both Ends
Ipswich Town vs Blackburn Rovers
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: Portman Road
The third meeting between these sides this season after two matches at Ewood Park. Ipswich look strong at Portman Road, and Jaden Philogene continues his remarkable record of scoring spectacular goals at home.
Blackburn remain solid but can’t escape the bottom-half gravity. Always competitive but struggling for wins, they need results to push away from relegation concerns.
If Middlesbrough slip up at West Brom on Friday, victory here could lift Ipswich back into the automatic promotion places.
Prediction: Ipswich’s home form proves decisive. 2-1 to the Tractor Boys
Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: Hillsborough
One win in 25 Championship games. Zero home wins at Hillsborough all season. Sheffield Wednesday’s nightmare continues, and remarkably, their only Championship victory this season came… away at Portsmouth.
Can they complete the double over Pompey? It feels unlikely. Portsmouth are dreadful away from home themselves (one away win all season, at Oxford), but surely they can’t be the only team not to beat Wednesday?
This is a massive opportunity for Portsmouth to bank three points and potentially drag Wednesday down with them. Lose this, and relegation fears intensify for both clubs.
Prediction: Portsmouth simply must win this. Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Portsmouth
Oxford United vs Bristol City
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: Kassam Stadium
Matt Bloomfield’s first Championship match as Oxford manager after his appointment during their FA Cup penalty shoot-out victory over MK Dons. The U’s desperately need points from somewhere, and new manager energy might provide temporary lift.
Bristol City are dangerous at Ashton Gate but less convincing on the road. However, their 5-0 FA Cup dismantling of Watford showed their attacking potency. They did lose at Oxford earlier this season, which might give Bloomfield’s side belief.
Prediction: New manager bounce gives Oxford a crucial point. 1-1 draw
Preston North End vs Derby County
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: Deepdale
Two mid-table sides looking to edge closer to playoff contention. Preston’s home form makes them marginal favourites, while Derby’s Jacob Zetterstrom continues to impress in goal, often keeping scorelines respectable.
Derby’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Leeds showed the gap to top-tier opposition, but their Championship form has been competitive without spectacular. Preston need to convert Deepdale dominance into points.
Prediction: A tight, cagey encounter. 1-0 to Preston
Southampton vs Hull City
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: St Mary’s
How the mighty have fallen. Southampton sit 15th after their 4-0 Middlesbrough mauling, while Hull occupy the playoff positions. Pre-season, you’d have expected these positions reversed.
Hull’s fixture at Watford was postponed, meaning they’re fresher. Southampton’s form has dried up alarmingly, and the 3-2 FA Cup scare against Doncaster highlighted fragility. Home advantage keeps them competitive, but Hull won’t be underestimated.
Prediction: Neither side convinces. 1-1 draw
Swansea City vs Birmingham City
Kick-off: Saturday, 3:00 PM | Venue: Swansea.com Stadium
Birmingham arrive on back-to-back 3-2 victories, beating Coventry and Cambridge to lift spirits. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain, and their away form continues to raise questions.
Swansea are decent at home under head coach Matos, but consistency eludes them – three wins and three defeats in their last six tells the story. Just two points separate these sides, with victory lifting the winner significantly.
Birmingham are seven points off the playoffs – time is running out to turn St Andrew’s dominance into away points. They can’t keep losing on the road and expect playoff qualification.
Prediction: Both teams’ defences suggest goals, but neither travels well. 2-2 draw
The Weekend’s Biggest Questions
Can new managers inspire immediate change?
Eric Ramsey (West Brom) and Matt Bloomfield (Oxford) face baptisms of fire in their first Championship matches.
Will Coventry steady the ship?
The leaders’ wobble could become a crisis if Leicester win the M69 Derby.
Is Wrexham’s playoff push for real?
Five straight wins suggest this isn’t a fluke – the Racecourse is becoming a genuine Championship fortress.
Who blinks first in the relegation battle?
Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth could define both clubs’ seasons.
Championship – Top 8
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coventry | 26 | 28 | 52 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 27 | 12 | 49 |
| 3 | Ipswich | 25 | 18 | 44 |
| 4 | Preston | 26 | 11 | 43 |
| 5 | Millwall | 26 | -4 | 43 |
| 6 | Watford | 25 | 8 | 41 |
| 7 | Hull City | 25 | 2 | 41 |
| 8 | Stoke City | 26 | 9 | 40 |
Championship – Bottom 8
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Swansea | 26 | -6 | 32 |
| 18 | West Brom | 27 | -7 | 31 |
| 19 | Charlton | 25 | -7 | 29 |
| 20 | Blackburn | 25 | -6 | 28 |
| 21 | Portsmouth | 24 | -14 | 25 |
| 22 | Norwich | 26 | -11 | 24 |
| 23 | Oxford United | 25 | -10 | 22 |
| 24 | Sheffield Wednesday | 25 | -33 | -7 |
This weekend’s fixtures offer drama at both ends of the Championship table. Playoff positions will shuffle, relegation battles will intensify, and new managers will discover whether their reputations can translate into Championship points.
The second tier of English football never disappoints – and this weekend promises to deliver in spectacular fashion.
