Tony Incenzo looks ahead to the 2026/27 EFL Championship relegation fight, assessing the clubs that may be involved in the battle to avoid dropping down to the third tier.
OUR totally absorbing EFL Championship is football’s greatest division in my opinion. It provides a promotion route to the Premier League golden riches. And competition is so fierce that football betting enthusiasts often fail to predict Championship results.
Furthermore, there is intense pressure to remain in the second tier rather than dropping down into League One. So which teams will be looking over their shoulders in the upcoming 2026/27 campaign?
Here is my analysis of the potential relegation scenario to assist your Championship betting…
Lincoln City
- Final position 2025/26: 1st in League One
Unbeaten beyond November and eventual worthy champions of League One. Therefore in the second tier for the first time in 65 years. I was really anticipating Lincoln pushing onwards positively as worthy Championship members.
However, I truly believe the loss of all-conquering boss Michael Skubala to Bristol City is a huge setback. Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw became joint head coaches on 29th May.
Club sporting director Jez George said: “We did our due diligence before making the joint appointment. It was definitely the right thing for our club. Championship football is a big challenge so we didn’t want to create uncertainty within the coaching staff and players.”
Lincoln relegation odds: 4/6
Predicted finish: 24th
Bolton Wanderers
- Final position 2025/26: 5th in League One
Some 16 points behind second place in League One before crushing Stockport County 4-1 at Wembley Stadium in the Play-Off Final. I just feel Bolton aren’t quite ready for Championship football and will make a swift return to the third tier.
Their boss Steven Schumacher said: “Hopefully we will get some more signings in during the transfer window. I know I am short, especially with attacking options. What we need to do now is consolidate this season, get some finances behind us and build a better squad. Then hopefully we can stay at Championship level for a little while until we have the backing and infrastructure to kick on again.”
Bolton relegation odds: 11/10
Predicted finish: 23rd
Watford
- Final position 2025/26: 16th
The underachieving Hornets installed Alessio Dionisi as head coach on 15th June. He replaces Ed Still who was sacked on 3rd May following a Vicarage Road tenure of less than three months.
Dionisi departed Empoli of Italy’s Serie B in March and I don’t think he will last very long at Watford who chop and change their managers on a frequent basis.
Nevertheless, Dionisi said defiantly: “It is a great feeling for me to come to England and coach Watford. I am now working hard with my players to establish a new identity bringing added motivation, a different mindset and improved ambition. This will cover many components including our style of play, player characteristics, the make-up of the team, commitment to the cause, respect for the shirt and strong connection to our supporters. This won’t be easy and will only be delivered by everyone sticking together – players, staff and club – to form a truly united front.”
Watford relegation odds: 11/2
Predicted finish: 22nd
Blackburn Rovers
- Final position 2025/26: 20th
Rovers avoided relegation by five points last season. Tony Mowbray resumed in the Blackburn dugout on 5th June having previously managed them between February 2017 and May 2022.
Despite his vast managerial experience at this level though, I reckon Mowbray will have his work cut out to improve matters at Ewood Park.
Mowbray said: “I want all my players to work hard and compete for Blackburn Rovers. Everyone in the blue and white shirt should have a bit too much nous, a bit too much knowledge and a bit too much desire than the opposing teams. We want to be a good side and play the right way whilst also having some steel in our make-up. Ultimately we have to tackle, we have to win our duels and we have to fight for every ball.”
Blackburn relegation odds: 9/2
Predicted finish: 21st
Portsmouth
- Final position 2025/26: 18th
Pompey picked up a creditable four wins across their final six games to evade relegation peril. And another season of struggle lies ahead for the South Coast men in my view.
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho said: “I am definitely looking at new additions – especially in midfield. Essentially I have to be patient throughout the transfer window.”
Portsmouth relegation odds: 9/2
Predicted finish: 20th
Charlton Athletic
- Final position 2025/26: 19th
Charlton supporters were pleased to end up six points ahead of relegation danger after 2025 promotion via the League One Play-Offs. I sense they will be in the wrong half once more during 2026/27 but the effervescent touchline enthusiasm of Nathan Jones will keep them up.
Jones said: “I am sure we are in a decent place. I have the nucleus of a very good squad although I need to add a little more flair and quality through new signings. I am confident that I will have a competitive team for this new season.”
Charlton relegation odds: 5/4
Predicted finish: 19th
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
