Supercomputer makes new Championship relegation prediction after West Brom and Sheffield United wins
West Brom and Sheffield United are now each increasingly likely to avoid a shock relegation from the Championship after the latest round of fixtures.
The Championship has just passed its halfway stage, with Coventry City and Middlesbrough leading the way at the top of the table as it stands.
West Brom have struggled throughout this campaign, with manager Ryan Mason under serious pressure despite only being appointed as their new boss in the summer.
Sheffield United have experienced similar issues, but club legend Chris Wilder was appointed for the third time in September and has restored some stability in the three months since.
Both clubs picked up three points on Monday night to boost their chances of avoiding a relegation battle, with new calculations from Opta proving that they are both more likely to be safe come May.
Opta predict Norwich and Oxford to join Sheffield Wednesday in League One next season
Sheffield United were 2-1 victors over Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Monday, while West Brom also beat promotion-chasing QPR 2-1 on home turf.
The Blades now sit seven points away from the relegation zone in 17th place on 29 points, with the Baggies just one place and two points ahead.
Opta had Sheffield United as 3.12 per cent likely to be relegated after they were beaten by Mason’s side in mid-December, but they are just 2.02 per cent likely to go down now, after their second win in three games.
West Brom, meanwhile, are 3.5 per cent likely to be playing in the third tier next term following their win, according to Opta, with Norwich City, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday all set to be relegated.
Norwich are 61.08 per cent to go down in 22nd, while Oxford are sat at 61.66 per cent, and Wednesday seemingly have no chance of staying up, with Opta giving them 100 per cent of relegation.
Who do Opta think will get promoted from the Championship?
The race for promotion to the Premier League has opened up in the last few games, with league leaders Coventry winning just two of their last five.
Ipswich were previously predicted to be pipped to promotion by Middlesbrough, but their 2-0 win over Frank Lampard’s side on Monday has shaken things up, according to Opta.
Their supercomputer now has the Tractor Boys at 44.94 per cent likely to be promoted this season, despite still sitting two points behind second-placed Boro, who are at 26.22 per cent.
Coventry are still way out in front and have a 95.36 per cent chance of being back in the top-flight, while Hull City, Millwall and Watford are all predicted to make the play-offs alongside Middlesbrough.