Birmingham City continued their unbeaten start to life back in the Championship by securing a 1-0 home victory against strugglers Oxford United. It leaves the Blues in a strong fifth place position as they prepare to end August with an away trip to face a recently-relegated Leicester City team at the King Power Stadium.
Elsewhere, West Brom under new boss Ryan Mason, have also started well with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches. The Baggies were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Portsmouth but have shown plenty of encouraging signs in the early weeks of Mason’s time in charge with wins over Wrexham and Blackburn Rovers.
Both sides have plenty of work to do to secure promotion this term but in the early weeks have shown the quality to suggest they can be in contention come the end of the season, particularly with a few strong transfers. But what have the experts at OPTA made of each Championship team so far? Here based on the opening three games, we take a look at their final predicted league table and each team’s projected points tally.

5. Sheffield Wednesday - 20th
OPTA beleives Sheffield Wednesday can beat the drop despite their chaotic summer behind the scenes. | Getty Images

6. Watford - 19th
OPTA predicts a grim season for Watford supporters. It estimates the club will pick up 57 points this season. | Getty Images

7. Hull City - 18th
Hull City are expected to struggle this season. OPTA predicts the Tigers will pick up 58 points. | Getty Images

8. Charlton Athletic - 17th
OPTA backs Nathan Jones to steer Charlton to safety in their first term back in the Championship. Predicted points tally: 58 | Getty Images


