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English Championship Predictions - Matchday 46, Battle for a Playoff Spot

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 01 May 2026

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Simon Lewis 01 May 2026

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Goals to flow as Wrexham go down to Middlesbrough.
Heartbreak for Hull as Norwich ruin their playoff dreams.
Derby to outplay Sheffield United and keep a clean sheet as they hold thumbs for Wrexham and Hull to both lose their final match.

Expired

Wrexham celebrate a goal (Getty Images).

English Championship Predictions - Matchday 46, fight for the final playoff spot

English Championship Predictions - Matchday 46, fight for the final playoff spot
Wrexham vs Middlesbrough
Hull vs Norwich
Derby vs Sheffield United

The final day of action in the English Championship sees Millwall, Ipswich and Middlesbrough fighting for the automatic promotion spot, but the toughest fights will be found in the fight for sixth place, the final playoff promotion spot, with Wrexham, Hull and Derby all toughing it out to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Wrexham vs Middlesbrough

Wrexham are in 6th place level with Hull on 70 points but ahead by one goal on goal difference. A win will almost take them through… unless Hull pick up a bigger goal difference win over Norwich.

Boro are in 4th spot and a win could put them in the automatic promotion spot, so they will throw everything at Wrexham as they have nothing to lose.

Boro have won five and drawn three of their last nine matches on the road, while Wrexham have lost three of their last five matches at home. I’m backing a Boro win with both teams to score, and I’m putting an extra bet on four-plus goals as both sides go full throttle for the win.

Hull vs Norwich

Norwich have nothing to play for so they will be relaxed and carefree, which could be to Hull’s benefit or their detriment. Norwich are in good form, winning four of their last seven matches, with just one defeat. Hull haven’t won in their last six matches, tasting defeat twice.

I’m backing both teams to score, with Hull looking for a big win to rise above Wrexham, as Hull will have to presume Wrexham will win. But based on form and with Norwich having no pressure, I’m backing the visitors to take the win.

Derby vs Sheffield United

Derby sit one point behind Wrexham and Hull but have a far superior goal difference, so they could snatch a playoff place with just a draw if the other two teams lose, although that’s a big ask. They need to go for the win but there’s no pressure on them, so they should play with confidence while keeping it tight at the back.

Derby have three wins in their last five matches while Sheffield have lost three of their last five matches, so I’m backing a cautious Derby win. With a draw being possibly good enough I think they will have their defence super-tight, so this stacks up as a win to nil.

Verdict

English Championship

I’m backing wins for Middlesbrough, Norwich and Derby.

Middlesbrough Goals

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