Championship 2026-27 season preview: Club-by-club guide to new campaign
Hammers & Boro to go up? Championship club-by-club preview
Image source, BBC/Getty Images
ByCompiled by Alex Hoad
Here we go again... you can leave the Viking Row, Wonderwall, Mexican ducks and (most) hydration breaks in the summer of '26 - proper football is back.
The open road of the Championship season stretches nine months before us, punctuated by 46 twists and turns along the way.
Whisper it, but it looks like being one of the most open and competitive seasons ever in a division which is already known around the world for being ridiculously unpredictable.
Just four of the 24 clubs in the second tier have the benefit of parachute payments in 2026-27, newly relegated West Ham, Wolves and Burnley, while the other, Southampton, begin the campaign with a four-point penalty after the spygate scandal which cast a shadow over the climax of the last campaign.
Lincoln City take their place in the division for the first time since 1961 after their heroics in League One, while Cardiff bounced back after a 12-month exile as runners-up and Bolton join them in the Championship for the first time since 2019.
As Wolves and Blackburn prepare to hit the open road on Friday, BBC Sport correspondents across England and Wales break down the 24 teams and what - at this stage at least, given the transfer window remains open until 1 September - we can expect from them.
Jobi McAnuff from the BBC's dedicated EFL podcast 72+ (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0p3n9dp) also offers his predicted finishes in the table.
Image source, Getty Images
Birmingham City
Head coach: Chris Davies
Last season: 10th
Key ins: James Beadle (Brighton, loan), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Jhon Solis (Girona), Luis Vazquez (Anderlecht)
Key outs: Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union), Ibrahim Osman (end of loan), Jonathan Panzo (released), Tommy Doyle (end of loan), Kyogo Furuhashi (LA Galaxy)
Expectations? While many supporters expected play-off places last season, this time around it is a more realistic ambition. Indeed, entering his third season boss Chris Davies will likely accept that the expectation of the owners will be a top eight finish as a minimum.
Strengths? There is a sense of continuity from the second half of last season when the squad was revamped with younger, hungrier players. The likes of winger Carlos Vicente, midfield stopper Jhon Solis and striker August Priske will have all benefited from the experience they gained. Skipper Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann should be one of the more formidable central defensive pairings in the Championship.
Weaknesses? Any route to the play-offs will require a rethink as to how Chris Davies sets up away from home. Last season they fell short on their travels - their five away wins put them in the Championship's bottom six and only two clubs scored fewer goals away from home. By way of contrast St Andrew's was something of a fortress, a 44-point haul was the fourth best record in the division.
Difference-maker? This could be a breakthrough year for young Danish striker August Priske. His first Blues goal came on the final day of last season at his father's former club Portsmouth, and he has regularly found the net in the warm-up games this summer. Priske has bulked up over the break putting some meat on his 6ft 5in frame. Over a full season, the 22-year-old may just prove to be a 15-goal plus striker.
Jobi's prediction: 11th
Blackburn Rovers
Head coach: Tony Mowbray
Last season: 20th
Key ins: Jayden Fevrier (Stockport), Sam Morsy (free)
Key outs: Sondre Tronstad (out of contract), Ryan Hedges (released)
Expectations? The main objective is to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles. Rovers won only four home games at Ewood Park last term and improving that record will be crucial. Tony Mowbray believes the squad still needs more quality and is hoping to bring in further additions before the transfer window closes.
Strengths? The experience gained from successfully battling relegation in two of the past three seasons should benefit the squad. Just as importantly, keeping key players fit and available throughout the campaign would significantly improve Rovers' chances of a more comfortable season.
Weaknesses? The squad still lacks Championship experience in key areas. Michael O'Neill highlighted this during his time at the club, and Mowbray has echoed similar concerns, although his primary focus is on adding quality. The Championship is a demanding league, and it can be difficult for inexperienced players to adapt quickly. The goalkeeping area is also of concern. Both Balazs Toth and Aynsley Pears are in the final year of their contracts. Toth could still leave before the window closes.
Difference-maker? Centre-back Tom Atcheson has begun the season as the first-choice option in defence. He turns 20 in September and is already being tipped for the top. The decision to hand him the number six shirt is a significant vote of confidence and it's likely he is already attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
Jobi's prediction: 22nd
Bolton Wanderers
Head coach: Steven Schumacher
Last season: 5th in League One (play-off winners)
Key ins: Luca Stephenson (Liverpool), Ryan Hardie (Wrexham, loan), Gaizka Larrazabal (free), Lewis Brunt (Wrexham)
Key outs: Amario Cozier-Duberry (end of loan)
Expectations? The bottom line for me this season has to be about consolidating a return to this level, that's not to be confused with a lack of ambition, but a reality check. Bolton are more than capable of providing a few upsets and having a successful season, but they must find their feet early.
Strengths? Having had previous experience of the Championship Steven Schumacher is fully aware of what's needed in terms of performance and the value of an improved squad. It appears that they'll be operating on one of the divisions lowest budgets, which is why close season recruitment could be they key - a search which has been accelerated in the last few days, with eight new arrivals at the time of writing - and I'd suggest at least one more, possibly two on the way.
Weaknesses? Up front is ultimately where the main focus could fall. The ratio of opportunities created to goals scored is the main area for improvement - easier said than done admittedly, but no one suggested it was going to be straightforward, not many things are with Wanderers.
Difference-maker? Hardie - arguably his best spell of goalscoring came when he was with Schumacher at Plymouth. He could be a player to make a big difference to Bolton.
Jobi's prediction: 21st
Bristol City
Head coach: Michael Skubala
Last season: 12th
Key ins: Lorent Tolaj (Plymouth), Dom Ballard (Leyton Orient), Sam Tickle (Wigan), Lisav Eissat (Maccabi Haifa), off the pitch Michael Skubala and James Ellis.
Key outs: Radek Vitek (end of loan), Ross McCrorie (Rangers), Mark Sykes (Millwall).
Expectations? More positive than they were at the end of last season but fairly realistic. It's been a big summer of change at Ashton Gate off the pitch, with James Ellis coming in as sporting director and Michael Skubala as head coach. With eight new signings and a bit more money spent than many fans were expecting, there's genuine optimism that things could change at City for the better and they could finally be genuine promotion contenders. But with so much change, that might take a bit of time.
Strengths? City have a strong looking set of centre-backs and central midfielders if they can keep them fit. At times last season it was last man standing, particularly in defence, but the additions of Eissat and midfielder Gibson Yah should help with that. If Jason Knight, who is also out of contract next summer, follows Max Bird in leaving before the window closes, they'll certainly need replacing.
Weaknesses? The signings of Tolaj and Ballard, who were among the best players in League One last season, has got City fans excited about their forward options for the first time in a long time. Both have good scoring records, but have never played in the Championship before. There are reasons to believe both will adapt well, but for now that still remains a question mark. As does the amount of time it will take the whole squad to adapt to a different style of football under Skubala.
Difference-maker? Tolaj certainly looks like he could be a cult hero at Ashton Gate with his all-action displays (and goals), but Yu Hirakawa is perhaps the most interesting. The Japanese winger helped Hull City to promotion to the Premier League on loan in the second half of last season. He couldn't find a place in the Bristol City squad as successive managers have played without genuine wingers. But with that changing under Skubala, he could be just the man they need for a team that has struggled to create chances against good defensive teams in the last few seasons.
Jobi's prediction: 14th
Burnley
Head coach: Nicky Hayen
Last season: 19th in Premier League
Key ins: Ugo Raghouber (Lille)
Key outs: Maxime Esteve (Leipzig), Jaidon Anthony (Brentford), Luca Koleosho (Paris FC), Florentino Luis (Ipswich).
Expectations? It's still too early to make a firm judgement on Burnley's prospects. The Clarets have earned promotion from the Championship in each of the past two seasons they played in the division, both times reaching 100 points or more. They made bouncing straight back to the Premier League look easy. This summer, though, there is still plenty of business to be done before supporters and pundits can get a clear picture of what Burnley might achieve.
Strengths? Burnley have several players with a point to prove. Aaron Ramsey joined the club for a significant fee three years ago but has struggled with injuries. If he can stay fit, he could feel like a new signing. Mike Tresor failed to make a major impact under Burnley's previous two managers, but there is hope new head coach Nicky Hayen can help him rediscover his best form.
Weaknesses? The biggest concern is the possibility of losing more key players before the window closes. Zian Flemming is one to watch. The forward has been linked with a return to the Premier League and would be a difficult player to replace. Hayen has made it clear that any player who does not want to be part of his plans can leave, provided the club receives the right offer.
Difference-maker? Marcus Edwards could be a key figure this season. The attacker made a positive impression after arriving during the second half of Burnley's promotion-winning campaign in 2024-25. Many fans felt he was not given enough opportunities in the Premier League last season, and the Championship could provide the perfect stage for him to show his quality on a regular basis.
Jobi's prediction: 5th
Cardiff City
Head coach: Brian Barry-Murphy
Last season: 2nd in League One (promoted)
Key ins: Nathan Trott (Copenhagen), Jack Moylan (Lincoln)
Key outs: Ryan Wintle (MK Dons)
Expectations? Survival will be first priority for head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, who has brought life back to the club with his exciting style of football. If the Bluebirds can start the season strongly a top-half finish would mark a successful return to what is an extremely competitive Championship.
Strengths? The Cardiff squad is filled with young talent, many of who came through the academy. Under Barry-Murphy they have been allowed to express themselves and last season it worked wonders, bringing an excitement to the club not seen in many years. The pace at which they play and the freedom allowed by Barry-Murphy will see Cardiff carry a threat against any opposition.
Weaknesses? Strangely it feels as if Cardiff's biggest strength is also their biggest weakness. At present there are only three players in the Cardiff squad over the age of 30, and on occasions last season they showed signs of naivety - the likes of which will see you get punished in the Championship. On paper a few signings with significant Championship experience would not go amiss, but Barry-Murphy has stuck to his guns so far and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Difference-maker? The young talents of Dylan Lawlor, brothers Rubin and Joel Colwill and Cian Ashford will all have a significant role to play, but if Cardiff are to have a successful season they need goals, and all eyes will be on striker Yousef Salech. Despite being relegated to League One, the powerful Danish striker scored eight goals in 20 Championship games two seasons ago and netted 15 goals last campaign before a nasty neck injury saw him sidelined. If he is fully fit once more he will be a handful for any defender.
Jobi's prediction: 23rd
Charlton Athletic
Head coach: Nathan Jones
Last season: 19th
Key ins: Ivan Mesik (Heracles), Billy Koumetio (Dundee), Karlan Grant (West Brom), Danny McNamara (Millwall), Millenic Alli (Luton).
Key outs: Luke Berry, Lyndon Dykes, Macaulay Gillesphey, Karoy Anderson, Jayden Fevrier, Harry Clarke, Luke Chambers, Conor Coady
Expectations? Another season of trying to steer clear of danger.
Strengths? Charlton's defensive structure. It was more apparent at the start of last season rather than the end but they did keep a decent amount of clean sheets.
Weaknesses? Both fashioning and taking chances. The Addicks were among the lowest scorers in the division last term.
Difference-maker? Karlan Grant. Returned to the club in the summer and Nathan Jones will hope he will add more bite and quality to that attack.
Jobi's prediction: 18th
Derby County
Head coach: John Eustace
Last season: 8th
Key ins: Bobby Clark (Salzburg), Sam Szmodics (Ipswich)
Key outs: Liam Thompson (Mansfield)
Expectations? The collapse of the proposed takeover brought an abrupt end to hopes of significant new investment and a major transfer boost. For now, much rests on the final weeks of the transfer window. The current squad has quality but lacks depth, making further additions essential if Derby are to fulfil ambitions of challenging in the top half of the table.
Strengths? The outlook for the season has changed considerably in a short space of time. Derby possess a strong spine, with goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom providing reliability at the back, captain Lewis Travis entering his first full season at the club after an injury-free pre-season, and Carlton Morris offering a focal point in attack if he can recapture the form he showed before injury last term.
Weaknesses? The Rams remain short in several positions, including both wide areas, full-back, central midfield and in attack. Finding players with proven Championship pedigree is rarely straightforward, and Derby's recruitment team face a challenging few weeks.
Difference-maker? Bobby Clark is likely to be one of the players to watch this season. At 21, he has the talent and potential to become one of Derby's most valuable assets. Patrick Agyemang is not expected to return until January following the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, but his comeback could feel like a new signing midway through the season.
Jobi's prediction: 10th
Lincoln City
Head coaches: Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw
Last season: First in League One, champions
Key ins: Andrei Coubis (Universitatea Cluj), Tanto Olaofe (Charlton, loan), Mason Melia (Tottenham, loan)
Key outs: Jack Moylan (Cardiff), Michael Skubala (head coach, Bristol City)
Expectations? Survive! When you haven't been at this level in over 60 years, just being able to stay up will be an achievement. It's going to be tough for the Imps with them expecting to have the lowest budget in the league. However, like they did last season when they blew League One away with not the biggest budget, City will be hoping to upset the odds once again.
Strengths? It's been a summer of little movement so the core of the squad which helped them achieve promotion remain and the continuity will help. They have a number of players like Tendayi Darikwa and Adam Reach who've done it at Championship level. The appointment of two head coaches might have raised a few eyebrows, but Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw are highly thought of in the footballing world and what might seem a risk might turn out to be a masterstroke.
Weaknesses? It's been a quiet window for City but between now and the end of August you would expect a few more faces to come through the door.
Difference-maker? After a difficult first season, goalkeeper George Wickens played a major part last season and signed a new contract over the summer. Through developing his game with goalkeeping coach David Preece, Wickens could be one of those English goalkeepers who suddenly finds himself in the spotlight in the coming years, just like Lincoln's former loannee Carl Rushworth.
Jobi's prediction: 24th
Middlesbrough
Head coach: Kim Hellberg
Last season: 5th (lost in play-off final)
Key ins: Will Lankshear (Tottenham), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Key outs: Hayden Hackney (Everton), Dael Fry (Birmingham)
Expectations? After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Boro expect to give it another good go this time around. The expanded play-offs are an absolute must for Kim Hellberg's side
