Some of the EFL Championship’s 24 clubs may feel as if they belong in a different tier.
A number of second-tier clubs have lately spent numerous years in the top flight, even won the competition, and will believe they deserve to return there in the future.
Other teams may be content with their Championship status after spending much of their contemporary existence in the lower tiers of the EFL.
With this in mind, Football League World has used AI Chatbot, ChatGPT, to determine which division all 24 EFL Championship clubs should be in.
Birmingham City – Championship.
Despite owner Tom Wagner’s Premier League ambitions, ChatGPT feels Birmingham should maintain their Championship position.
The AI cites the Blues’ history of underperformance as evidence that they should not be functioning outside of the top division.
Blackburn Rovers, League Two
ChatGPT believes that Blackburn Rovers, despite winning the Premier League in 1995, should be playing in the fourth tier.
Their inability to fill Ewood Park and subsequent underperformance have caused the AI to anticipate that they will fall down the rankings over time.
Bristol City – Championship
ChatGPT believes that Bristol City’s location, fanbase, and stadium make them an ideal Championship team.
According to the chatbot, these resources will allow them to maintain their second-tier status indefinitely, which is impossible for the rest of the division.
Charlton Athletics – League One
Despite Charlton Athletic’s recent promotion to the Championship, ChatGPT does not believe they should remain in the second tier permanently.
The chatbot describes its infrastructure and supporters as being too modest in comparison to other Championship teams.
Coventry City – Championship
The AI confirmed that Coventry City is on the verge of becoming a Premier League team, but lacks the necessary resources at the moment.
Although the Sky Blues have high ambitions, it remains to be seen whether they have sufficient revenue streams to sustain their position in the first flight.
Derby County, League One
ChatGPT identifies Derby as a historically large club, although this hasn’t been supported in recent years.
Because of their recent financial troubles and visit to League One, the chatbot believes that status is most appropriate for the Rams.
Hull City – Championship
ChatGPT describes Hull City as a good Championship outfit, with a stadium and fanbase that deserve to be in the second division.
Premier League ambitions have previously materialised, but the AI believes that the Tigers have not performed sufficiently outside of the top tier.
Ipswich Town, Premier League
Despite being relegated last season, Ipswich Town’s recent performance suggests that they deserve to be in the Premier League, according to the AI.
According to ChatGPT, their high attendance and strong transfer market performance in recent years indicate that they have all they need to succeed in the top flight.
Leicester City, Premier League
The 2016 Premier League winners have been demoted in their last two seasons, but the chatbot feels they still deserve to play in English football’s top tier.
According to ChatGPT, the Foxes are “overqualified” for the second tier based on their previous achievements and infrastructure, and a return to the Premier League is expected soon.
Middlesbrough – Championship
Middlesbrough, like Coventry City, is described as a Premier League contender.
However, the AI believes that their lack of financial resources in comparison to other teams in the division holds them behind.
Millwall – Championship.
Despite being rated as smaller than many of the other teams in the division by ChatGPT, Millwall’s fans and history qualify them for Championship status.
The Lions have been performing well at the level for a long time and have what it takes to stay in the second tier.
Norwich City, Premier League
Although Norwich has been in and out of the Premier League over the last decade, ChatGPT believes they are worthy of top-flight status.
The Canaries’ fan base and ability to consistently win Championship crowns help them justify Premier League football in the AI’s eyes.
Oxford United, League Two
ChatGPT commends Oxford United on their recent promotion to the Championship, but they are unlikely to stay there for long.
The chatbot believes they lack the resources and fanbase to continuously compete in the second tier.
Portsmouth – League One
Portsmouth should be dropped from League One, according to ChatGPT, due to low turnover and financial losses in recent years.
Despite their large fans, Pompey’s capacity to compete in the Championship on a regular basis is questioned due to limited finances.
Preston North End – Championship
Preston North End, like Millwall, deserves to be in the Championship because of their ability to play regularly.
ChatGPT is confident in PNE’s second-tier standing, given its prior successes.
Queens Park Rangers, League One
Despite not competing outside of League One in over 20 years, AI believes QPR are best suited to that tier.
Their modest fanbase and infrastructure prevent them from competing with some of the other Championship teams, relegating them to the third tier.
Sheffield United, Premier League
Sheffield United’s problems in the 2025/26 season have been well chronicled, but AI believes they deserve to compete in the Premier League.
Brilliant infrastructure and funds indicate that the Blades will soon be in the top flight, even if not next season.
Sheffield Wednesday – League Two.
Sheffield Wednesday, unlike its local rivals, should be in League Two right now, according to ChatPGT.
Because of their ownership status and inferior facilities, the Owls are expected to tumble down the divisions in the future.
Southampton, Premier League
After spending the majority of the 2010s in the first division, the Saints have been relegated several times in recent years, but the chatbot’s choice has not changed.
Southampton’s strong fans and stadium help them attain Premier League status in the AI’s eyes, even if their league form isn’t quite there right now.
Stoke City – Championship
Stoke City have played a lot of top-flight football this century, but they don’t deserve it right now.
The Coates family is extremely wealthy, but their previous results have not been good enough to earn a Premier League position.
Swansea City – League One
Swansea City last competed in League One in 2007/08 and have played a lot of Premier League football since then, but that doesn’t matter to ChatGPT.
According to the chatbot, the Swans are not investing aggressively enough to sustain their Championship status over time.
Watford – Championship
Watford, another club that has played in the top division over the last decade, is not thought to be deserving of that status anytime soon.
The chatbot cites their inability to preserve their place in the Premier League as a reason why they cannot be accorded such status.
West Brom – Premier League.
ChatGPT particularly adds that West Brom must improve their finances to do this, but believes the Baggies have the potential to be a consistent Premier League team.
Their recent top-flight history and large fan base suggest that with adequate finance, they should be able to operate in English football’s top tier for the foreseeable future.
Wrexham – League One
Despite Wrexham’s recent success under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, AI believes the Red Dragons are better suited to League One in the long term.
Although they may survive this season, ChatGPT does not feel the Welsh team has what it takes to stay there in the long run.
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