As things stand, Manchester United and Manchester City may play Championship football next season, as Football League World examines what the league could look like with those two involved.
Manchester United is one of the bottom three heading into the international break, with only Crystal Palace and Sunderland trailing the Red Devils, who have only won one of their first ten Premier League matches.
Michael Carrick has been fired at Old Trafford, and it appears like former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino would quit his position as USMNT manager to salvage the global giants in the English North West.
Manchester City is currently third in the Premier League, trailing Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal. With seemingly no prospect of relegation, the Citizens await the decision after being found guilty of 114 of the 115 accusations made against them for financial malfeasance and non-cooperation.
A harsh punishment is almost probably on the horizon, with expulsion or a significant points deduction being discussed, as Football League World examines what the 2027/28 EFL Championship table might look like, according to AI, if both Manchester clubs were relegated.
24Lincoln City
AI says: Struggle with the quality increase and lack of squad depth to compete regularly.
Lincoln City is ranked 24th because, while the Imps survived their first Championship season, AI believes they lack the necessary skills to remain in the second division for another year.
The financial discrepancy between Lincoln and the rest of the Championship is evident right now, and despite the financial infusion of another year in the second division, AI believes the Sincil Bank side will be unable to improve on their historic achievement and return to League One.
23Charlton Athletic
AI says: A challenging season, with an uneven offensive and too many missed opportunities.
Charlton Athletic led the Championship standings after three games, defeating Derby County, Preston North End, and West Ham United to start the season.
However, with only one win in the following 12 games, the Addicks have slipped down the table under Nathan Jones, who, for the first time in his tenure at The Valley, faces greater pressure to turn things around.
AI expects the Welshman to guide them to safety this year, but it anticipates they will not be so fortunate the following year.
22Oxford United
AI says: Enjoy a few nice moments following promotion, but the Championship is a step too far.
Oxford United played in the Championship for two years, from 2024 to 2026, before being relegated to League One at the end of previous season alongside Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Out of those three clubs, the United have adapted the best to the hardships and tribulations of the third tier, keeping key pieces of their squad such as Cameron Brannagan, Michel Helik, and Mark Harris.
AI believes they will be promoted this year, however after only one year in the second division, they will be relegated in the final round.
21Bolton Wanderers
AI says: Competent in spells, but lacks the consistency required to compete higher in the rankings.
Bolton Wanderers, who were promoted back to the Championship for the first time since 2019 last season, have looked right at home since their return, with Steven Schumacher’s team producing some fantastic football.
AI believes they will have enough to avoid relegation this year, but not enough to expand on that success, and while Bolton will spend a third year in the Championship, it will be only just, finishing narrowly above the drop zone and far too close for comfort.
20Cardiff City
AI says: A challenging campaign, with a mid-table squad struggling against superior opponents.
Cardiff City, like Bolton, does not look out of place in the Championship upon their return, as Brian Barry-Murphy has the Bluebirds playing some sparkling football, which is comparable to some of the finest in the league.
Unfortunately for Cardiff, despite the sheer quantity of chances they can create, they have lacked a consistent clinical touch, and while most fans would be content with survival, a few couldn’t help but believe it could be better.
AI believes they will be a Championship club again, but they will not expand beyond that.
19Wrexham
AI predicts that they will continue their spectacular rise, but will face more severe competition from larger, better-funded clubs.
Wrexham have had a rough start to the year under Phil Parkinson, and for the first time since the National League, the Welsh club must seriously consider a change in leadership sooner rather than later if results do not improve significantly.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have spent extensively in the club, both on and off the pitch, and will expect to see a return on their investment soon, as AI predicts they will be in the Championship again next year.
Aside from that, according to AI, the Red Dragons will suffer a slight decline and will finish far lower than the top eight.
18Huddersfield Town
AI thinks they have enough quality to survive, but their promotion momentum gradually fades.
AI feels Huddersfield Town, the second promoted club on this list, will have what it takes to fire themselves to greatness this season, with players like Joe Taylor, Derensili Sanches Fernandes, and Archie Collins leading the way.
The Terriers are expected to maintain their momentum into the new season and survive comfortably, albeit any Huddersfield supporter would probably bite your hand off right now.
17Stockport County
AI says: A solid first season back, with some outstanding results but occasional defensive issues.
Stockport County, the final promoted team, are expected to continue their journey through the EFL by gaining promotion this season, their first time playing in the second division since 2002 and the first since it was relaunched as the Championship.
With Jimmy McNulty taking over at Edgeley Park from Dave Challinor, the Hatters have been backed by AI to not only earn promotion in 2027, but also to comfortably survive in 2028, which would be a fantastic achievement for the club.
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