Championship Fan Preview 26/27
Hundreds of fans. All 72 EFL clubs. Squad ratings, predictions, key players, breakout stars and everything rival supporters need to know for 2026/27.
We are the Championship, my friends.
In the second tier, we had 298 responses. On average, supporters picked their teams to finish between 2nd and 20th, which means that across all divisions, no club’s fan base collectively predicted their team to finish in the relegation places.
In fact, just one person out of exactly 750 responses picked their club to finish bottom. Every pessimistic fan remains an optimist. Schrödinger’s pessimist, then. They might not rate their squad very highly, they might think the manager is unlikely to last the full term, but when it comes to predicting a league finish, nobody in the EFL can bear to hit the number 24.
That’s how it should be in pre-season. Pure vibes. And we’ve distilled them all below.
A thank you to everyone who took part
This preview is your handiwork. Some 750 supporters across the EFL shared predictions, squad ratings, player picks and, most importantly, their view of their own club. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, shared the survey or helped to spread the word — and a quick reminder that responses closed on 3 August, so later transfers and developments aren’t reflected.
Oh, and remember: they’re your views, not ours.
Championship Fan Preview 26/27
My expectations this season are...
...a top-eight finish. You can make allowances for last season’s disappointment because it was our first year back at this level, but the pressure ramps up again now. (Gabriel Sutton)
…to make the top eight. We got a bit carried away last year; now it’s more realistic. (Craig Downing)
…a season of nothing. The expectation is on us to do well because we have money to spend, but our recruitment has been poor. (Steven Gasby)
What could define the season is...
...the manager’s performance. Keeping Chris Davies is a massive call from Knighthead, and if we start slowly, particularly away from home, we could be looking at an early change and a disrupted season. (Jack Styles)
…Davies being more flexible with his playing style. (Berts)
…the performances of Jay Stansfield and August Priske. (Sam Power)
What other fans should know about my club is...
...our new set-piece coach, Scott Fry, did remarkable work at Lincoln City and Rangers. (Ryan Deeney)
…we were the first English team to play in a European final. (Gabriel Sutton)
My expectations this season are...
...another struggle, sadly. The squad is paper-thin and midfield is a huge weakness. (Ollie Duxbury)
...a lower-half finish, periodic debates about the club’s direction and more unanswered questions for the owners. (Chris Alfred)
...to surprise a few people, if most of our squad stay fit. (Michael Duckworth)
What could define the season is...
...who we sign in midfield before the window closes. (Michael Duckworth)
...whether Tony Mowbray can get any of the attackers firing. If they can get 30 goals between them, we have a chance. (Ollie Duxbury)
...whether anything finally changes in recruitment and decision-making under the owners. (Chris Alfred)
What other fans should know about my club is...
...we are still, and will remain, Venky’s Out. (Ollie Duxbury)
...we are getting a new pitch. Yay. (Michael Duckworth)
...Mowbray is hugely respected, but even he cannot create promotion credentials out of thin air. (Chris Alfred)
My expectations this season are...
...survival. As long as we are above the dotted line, I’ll be happy. (Nathan Dewhurst)
...a long and tough season. I’d be happy to survive, but we need to keep building and improving. (Gareth E)
...a survival battle, but just keeping our heads above the line all season. (Iain)
...extremely worried. We’ve been through five goalkeepers in 12 months and the squad still lacks depth. (Bazza C)
What could define the season is...
...replacing the loans from last season. (Cian)
...how well we use the loan market, both in the summer and in January. (Ben)
...getting another goalkeeper and striker. Loans will likely define our season. (Ashley)
...goals. We missed too many chances last year and cannot continue that trend. (Nathan Dewhurst)
What other fans should know about my club is...
...we play until the last minute and beyond. (PH)
...we love a good draw. If you’re building an acca, Bolton can be a very useful selection. (Nathan Dewhurst)
...fans will expect us to be competitive against nearly everyone at home. (Ben)
...we’ve been in the top flight in every decade. We need promotion soon if the 2020s are going to continue that run. (Iain)
