Relegated Sides Return to the Championship
West Ham United, one of the three relegated sides, are already using the transfer window to ensure their return to the Premier League. The Hammers have signed several new players, including Andre Brooks. Meanwhile, Burnley and Wolves are also returning to the Championship, with Burnley looking to make an instant return to the Premier League.
Newly-Promoted Teams Look to Make an Impact
Lincoln City, Cardiff City, and Bolton Wanderers join the division following promotion from League One. Lincoln City have promoted Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw to head coaches, but their promotion-winning manager Skubala has departed. Cardiff City finished second in League One last season under Brian Barry-Murphy, but they may need a miracle to extend their Championship stay.
Play-Offs Expanded to Eight Teams
The play-offs will be expanded to eight teams in the 2026/27 season, with more than half the division harbouring realistic promotion hopes. Derby County finished eighth in the 2025/26 season and have signed several new players, including Bobby Clark and Sammie Szmodics. Middlesbrough have also been busy in the transfer window, adding Will Lankshear and Sebastian Berhalter to their squad.
Southampton Face Four-Point Deduction
The fallout from Southampton's Spygate scandal continues to loom, with the Saints beginning the campaign with a four-point deduction. Birmingham City have spent over £10million in the transfer market, with the free transfer arrival of former Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry potentially proving the most impressive.
Conclusion
The Championship is shaping up to be a highly competitive season, with several teams vying for promotion to the Premier League. talkSPORT Football's predicted table makes for interesting reading, with some surprising results. From relegated sides returning to the Championship to newly-promoted teams looking to make an impact, it's going to be a season to remember.