Supercomputer makes new Championship relegation prediction after West Brom and Sheffield United wins
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Supercomputer Makes New Championship Relegation Prediction After West Brom and Sheffield United Wins
Opta's supercomputer has issued an updated Championship relegation prediction following recent victories for West Brom and Sheffield United, significantly lowering their respective risks of dropping into League One[6][3]. Sheffield United, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to West Brom on December 12 but had won four of their prior six games, now face just a 3.12% chance of relegation, easing fears of a return to the third tier after their 2024-25 play-off final loss[3]. West Brom's win at The Hawthorns propelled them further from danger, with both clubs under 4% likelihood of the drop according to the model[6].
The supercomputer's analysis reflects shifts in form across the division. Earlier in December, it pinpointed Sheffield Wednesday as near-certainties for relegation at 99.98%, with Norwich City at 68.34% and Portsmouth at 46%[3]. Recent updates maintain this outlook, though Portsmouth have improved slightly to 37.12%, while Oxford United (34.96%-59.08%) and Swansea City (14.10%-13.90%) remain under threat amid ongoing struggles, including Oxford's sacking of manager Gary Rowett[3][4].
| Team | Relegation Chance |
|---|---|
| Sheffield Wednesday | 99.98%[3] |
| Norwich City | 68.34%[3] |
| Portsmouth | 37.12%-46%[3][4] |
| Oxford United | 34.96%-59.08%[3][4] |
| Swansea City | 13.90%-14.10%[3][4] |
| Sheffield United | 3.12%[3] |
At the top, Sheffield United are favorites for promotion in 2025-26 simulations after nearly achieving automatic promotion last season with 90 points[2]. The model highlights the Championship's unpredictability, successfully forecasting Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle's relegation last year but missing others like Oxford's survival[2]. Coventry City lead with 48 points, followed by Middlesbrough (42), but the bottom three—Oxford, Norwich, and Sheffield Wednesday—face grim prospects persisting into May[4].
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