Southampton’s 1-0 victory over Norwich City on Wednesday sent them into the Championship play-offs, leapfrogging Wrexham.

The Red Dragons are still equal on points with the Saints, but Tuesday’s 3-1 setback to Watford proved expensive, as Tonda Eckert’s side took full advantage.

Southampton will be desperate to maintain sixth place with only eight games remaining, while Wrexham will be hungry to keep up the pressure on the Hampshire club.

Meanwhile, Hull City is on the verge of missing out on the play-offs due to a terrible run of form, having lost three of their previous five games.

Following the latest twists and turns at the top of the Championship table, Football League World examines how Opta’s supercomputer predicts the top six will finish.

Southampton – Sixth

As previously stated, Southampton’s victory over Norwich propelled them above Wrexham and into the crucial play-off positions.

And Opta’s supercomputer feels the Saints have what it takes to hold off the Red Dragons and finish sixth, but Eckert’s men understand that mistakes are costly.

The fact that the St Mary’s Stadium team is now firmly in the play-off picture is a credit to Eckert’s incredible efforts given his club’s dismal start to the season under former manager Will Still.

Hull City – Fifth

Hull were once in contention for automatic promotion, but three defeats in their last five games have put the Tigers at risk of missing out on the Championship play-offs.

However, the supercomputer believes Sergej Jakirovic’s team has what it takes to finish fifth, allowing them to compete for a spot in the Premier League next season.

Millwall – Fourth

Millwall, unlike Hull, is still in great contention to beat either Ipswich Town or Middlesbrough to second place, although they were hampered by a 2-1 loss to relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, March 14.

Opta’s supercomputer predicts the Lions will finish fourth, which is still an impressive result for a team that hasn’t made the Championship play-offs since winning promotion from League One in 2017.

Ipswich Town – Third

Many Championship analysts believe Ipswich can jump Middlesbrough into second place, while the Tractor Boys have a game in hand.

However, the supercomputer has advised that Kieran McKenna’s team will have to settle for third place, requiring them to navigate the play-offs to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough – Second

Middlesbrough previously had a lead over Coventry City in the Championship title battle, but it seems like a distant memory now, given their recent dismal play.

Boro have been left uneasily looking over their shoulder at Ipswich and Millwall, but Opta predicts that Kim Hellberg’s side will retain the second automatic promotion slot.

Coventry City – First

Coventry has been the best team in the second division for the bulk of the season and will be superb value if they are crowned winners in May.

Frank Lampard’s side had a disappointing start to 2026, winning just two of their six league games in January, but a victory over Middlesbrough on February 16 marked the start of a six-game winning streak.

It’s no surprise that the supercomputer has picked the Sky Blues to win the Championship’s top award.