Championship promotion race: Supercomputer releases new predictions after Middlesbrough and Millwall twists
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Credit: Imago Thu 12 March 2026 11:29, UK The Championship‘s automatic promotion race took another twist in midweek as Middlesbrough dropped points at home to Charlton and Millwall beat Derby County. Boro were beaten 1-0 by Charlton at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday as Conor Coady notched a second half winner for Nathan Jones’ side.Third-placed Millwall had already closed the gap to one point on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Derby, thanks to Josh Coburn’s strike just before the interval.Ipswich Town, meanwhile, dropped points with a 3-3 draw at Stoke, while table toppers Coventry took another step towards the title with a 3-0 win over Preston.The race for second place is wide open with 10 games to play, and Opta have released their new supercomputer promotion predictions after the latest round of results.Middlesbrough remain set for automatic promotion alongside CoventryCoventry’s win saw them move nine points ahead of third place as it stands, and Opta have now given them a whopping 99.4 per cent chance of promotion, with a 95.2 per cent chance of lifting the Championship title this season.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Despite their latest defeat and lacklustre home form, Middlesbrough are still being backed to seal automatic promotion ahead of Millwall and Ipswich.Boro are predicted to pick up 84 points, and have a 47 per cent chance of finishing in the top two as it stands.Millwall, meanwhile, are set to accrue 82 points, with Opta giving them a 25 per cent chance of sealing automatic promotion right now.Ipswich’s game in hand means they are given a 26.8 per cent chance of finishing above both Boro and the Lions to join Coventry in the top flight.Who do Opta think will be relegated from the Championship this season?Opta’s supercomputer is predicting both Blackburn and West Brom to be relegated in 22nd and 23rd place respectively this season.Michael O’Neill’s side now have a 49.6 per cent chance of playing League One football in 2026-27, while James Morrison’s men are given a 61.86 per cent chance of dropping into the third tier.The Baggies drew 1-1 with Southampton on Wednesday, while Blackburn were beaten 1-0 by fellow strugglers Oxford.Football Insider recently revealed that Will Lankshear turned down a move away from Oxford in January, and his goals have helped Matt Bloomfield’s side move level on points with 21st-placed Leicester as it stands.They are now predicted to avoid relegation after three wins in a row, with the Foxes and Portsmouth also set to be safe for another year. 🏆 Championship Insider Access Get the full story from across the EFL with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from across the EFL Championship.