AI supercomputer predicts where Saints will finish in 2026/27 Championship
SAINTS are predicted to finish sixth in the Championship next season and land inside the play-off places, according to a supercomputer simulation.
An AI computer was fed information about all 24 clubs before simulating the entire 2026/27 Championship campaign to produce the results.
Saints, who begin the season under Tonda Eckert following last year's controversial Spygate saga, are tipped to collect 74 points and finish sixth.
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They are starting the term with a four-point deduction, but the simulation predicts that resources and squad quality will ensure they are strong.
The Tipman Tip's model's reasoning for finishing sixth read: "Big spending power even after the four-point Spygate deduction; talent is there."
Every #SkyBetChampionship stadium for the 26/27 season! 🏟️#EFL pic.twitter.com/Icl3N8zapG
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) July 23, 2026
But it will only be enough to secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs, as they are predicted to finish 19 points behind champions West Ham.
The Hammers are forecast to win the title with 93 points in their first season back in the second tier, finishing four points clear of Wolves.
Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and recently relegated Burnley are also expected to finish above Saints in third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Millwall and Wrexham are tipped to narrowly miss out on the top six but sneak into the play-offs because of the new expanded six-team format.
At the opposite end of the table, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City are all tipped to suffer relegation to League One.
Full predicted Championship table 2026/27
1. West Ham United – 93 points
2. Wolves – 89 points
3. Sheffield United – 81 points
4. Middlesbrough – 79 points
5. Burnley – 77 points
6. Southampton – 74 points
7. Millwall – 72 points
8. Wrexham – 70 points
9. Watford – 66 points
10. Derby County – 64 points
11. Bristol City – 63 points
12. Norwich City – 61 points
13. Preston North End – 60 points
14. Birmingham City – 59 points
15. Stoke City – 58 points
16. Queens Park Rangers – 56 points
17. Cardiff City – 55 points
18. Swansea City – 54 points
19. Charlton Athletic – 52 points
20. West Bromwich Albion – 51 points
21. Portsmouth – 49 points
22. Blackburn Rovers – 47 points
23. Bolton Wanderers – 43 points
24. Lincoln City – 39 points