New Championship predicted table decides West Brom and Sunderland fate

West Brom are predicted to finish in the play-offs and take on Sunderland, as per data from Opta Sport. | Getty Images

placeholder image — West Brom are predicted to finish in the play-offs and take on Sunderland, as per data from Opta Sport. | Getty Images

West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are all vying for promotion from the Championship.

West Brom remain in the top six of the English second tier following one win, two draws and one defeat under the interim management of Chris Brunt.

Carlos Corberan’s exit on December 24 rocked the Baggies but a search is underway for a new permanent head coach, who will inherit a team chasing play-off qualification and a subsequent promotion to the Premier League.

Even with Albion misfiring at times, drawing 13 of their 26 outings so far, there’s a good chance a top six finish can be secured. Plenty of other teams are determined to stop West Brom, however, with Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Watford, Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City all within four points as it stands.

Only Burnley (2) and Leeds United (3) have lost fewer games than West Brom (4) this campaign but wins need to be secured more often to ensure enough points are gained to escape the closing chasing pack.

So then, what are West Brom’s promotion chances looking like this season and where exactly are they likeliest to finish? Here we take a look at the latest Championship predicted table, according to data from Opta Sport.

Who will win automatic promotion this season?

Championship favourites Leeds United are expected to win the league with around 90 points, according to Opta, who have sensationally given the Whites a 71% chance of winning promotion this term.

Sheffield United, who currently sit third in the Championship table are expected to leapfrog Burnley in the automatic promotion race and have been given a 58.1% chance of reaching the Premier League.

Opta expects the promotion race to go right down to the wire and believes goal difference will be the only factor separating the Blades and the Clarets.

Who will make the Championship play-off places?

Burnley, Sunderland, West Brom and Middlesbrough are all expected to battle it out for a place in the promised land of the Premier League through the Championship play-offs. Third placed Burnley, who have been given a 57.64% chance of promotion are expected to face sixth place Middlesbrough in the first play-off game, with Sunderland taking on West Brom in the other encounter.

Who is likely to be relegated?

Plymouth Argyle, Cardiff City and Hull City all parted company with their managers in 2024 and in the eyes of Opta Sport are expected to start next season in League One.

League One champions Portsmouth are expected to perform a great escape after failing to win any of their opening 14 games and Oxford United are expected to also survive despite the departure of Des Buckingham.

Stoke City, Luton Town and Derby County are all expected to struggle in the final six months of the season.