West Brom, Leeds United and Blackburn’s final positions in Championship table - according to latest forecast

West Brom suffered a costly blow to their Championship play-off hopes in a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to fellow top-six challengers Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night.

It marked Albion’s first home defeat since Tony Mowbray’s return to the West Midlands and was a frustrating evening for the Baggies faithful, who conceded two sloppy goals despite dominating possession throughout the contest against the managerless side.

Baggies supporters weren’t the only ones to vent their frustrations after the match as a disgruntled Mowbray highlighted his disappointment at his side’s lack of bravery in wide areas, absence of physicality and defensive concentration for both of the goals. Mowbray, who once managed Blackburn to promotion from League One told Birmingham World: “I don’t think it’s new, I was told we hadn’t won back to back games since September. It’s telling me it’s not new, it’s the players we’ve got.”

A frustrated Mowbray continued: “I need to get to the surface of the team and find out why that is. We need to find the answer with the mentality of the team because I think the talent’s there.”

Mowbray, who spearheaded the Baggies to promotion in 2008 will be seeking a huge response when his team travel to Millwall in their next Championship clash - and it is increasingly clear that consistency will be paramount if the team are to maintain a grip on a play-off place.

But do the experts at OPTA Sport think West Brom will have what it takes to make the top six amid competition from Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and more? Here’s all you need to know.

Who is expected to win automatic promotion from the Championship?

League-leaders Leeds United are the overwhelming favourites to remain at the summit after their emphatic 4-0 victory over Millwall. They have been given a 73.6% chance of winning the Championship title and an impressive 92% chance of securing promotion to the top-flight at the second time of asking.

Fellow Yorkshire side Sheffield United are also expected to clinch automatic promotion under Chris Wilder after a strong start to the season. The Blades are predicted to pick up 91 points - giving them a slender one point advantage over third-placed Burnley in what promises to be an intriguing run-in.

Who is expected to finish in the Championship play-off places?

Burnley are expected to just miss out on automatic promotion in third position despite picking up a 10th consecutive clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Hull City. Sunderland are tipped to finish in fourth position in a strong first season for Regis le Bris with 85 points.

OPTA Sport believes West Brom will clinch fifth spot with 69 points in an outcome which would see them meet the Black Cats in the play-off semi-final as the Baggies aim to improve on last season.

Blackburn Rovers, despite the departure of John Eustace, are still thought to have enough to qualify for the play-offs despite strong competition from Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and a rejuvenated Coventry City team.

Who is expected to finish in the Championship relegation places?

Plymouth Argyle, despite their shock FA Cup victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool and a thumping 5-1 victory over Millwall, are expected to finish bottom of the Championship. They have been given a 71% chance of being relegated, 10% lower than earlier in the week, but still have a huge task to perform a great escape under Miron Muslic.

Derby County, despite the arrival of survival specialist John Eustace, are expected to finish in 23rd position. The Rams have a 59.98% chance of being relegated. Luton Town, who were relegated from the Premier League last year, have been predicted to suffer back-to-back demotions. They have been given 62.64% chance of being relegated.

Full OPTA predicted Championship table

1. Leeds United
2. Sheffield United
3. Burnley
4. Sunderland
5. West Brom
6. Blackburn Rovers
7. Middlesbrough
8. Sheffield Wednesday
9. Coventry City
10. Bristol City
11. Norwich City
12. Preston
13. Watford
14. Millwall
15. QPR
16. Oxford United
17. Swansea City
18. Stoke City
19. Portsmouth
20. Hull City
21. Cardiff City
22. Luton Town
23. Derby County
24. Plymouth Argyle