Supercomputer makes new Championship title prediction after Coventry City outclass Middlesbrough
Coventry are once again predicted to win the Championship title after their 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough on Monday.
The Sky Blues’ stumbling form had seen them briefly lose the top spot in the second tier last week for the first time in months, with Boro moving to the summit.
However, an outstanding hat-trick from Haji Wright has quickly sent Middlesbrough back to second place, with Frank Lampard’s side one point clear.
Now, Opta on 16 February has backed the Sky Blues to once again win the Championship.
Coventry favourites to win the Championship once more
After Coventry’s 0-0 draw against Oxford United, Boro had become the favourites for the title, and their ambitions were reinforced by an impressive 2-1 victory over Sheffield United last week.
Yet, this has not lasted, with the Sky Blues now 43.46 per cent likely to remain at the summit come the campaign’s end.
In comparison, Middlesbrough is at 38.60 per cent to beat Coventry to the title, while Ipswich Town are not ruled out of the race at 12.94 per cent.
🔙🔛🔝 @Coventry_City #EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/MXo7YmsgeK
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) February 16, 2026
However, it remains to be seen if Lampard’s side can continue to perform or if their victory over Boro was simply a bright spark in what has been an inconsistent 2026 to date.
Who is currently the favourite to make the playoffs?
While Coventry and Middlesbrough are the favourites for the top two, the question remains about who makes it into the playoffs.
Currently, Millwall have the highest percentage of finishing inside the playoffs at 77.66 per cent, followed by Hull City at 74.24 per cent.
Ipswich Town then follow at 62.26 per cent, with their potential to finish in the top two dragging their odds down.
🏆 Was there ever any doubt?!
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) February 16, 2026
Haji Wright is the @SkyBet Player of the Match! ⚽️⚽️⚽️#EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/AuzjP2DN00
Then, excluding Coventry and Middlesbrough, Southampton are next, with 26.22 per cent.
This would no doubt be a remarkable comeback considering how far the Saints were from the promotion places when Will Still was sacked.
Following this, Derby County and Wrexham are believed to still have a chance of finishing in the playoffs at 23.48 per cent and 20.78 per cent.
Therefore, as it stands, Opta remains fairly confident that the current top five will remain there by the season’s end; the task is just deciphering who will take the last place inside the top six.