The Championship table is beginning to take shape, but as ever in England’s most unpredictable division, very little feels certain. With form swings, January signings bedding in and the pressure of the run-in looming, it’s time to reassess how the 1–24 might look come May. Ipswich Town remain firmly in the conversation at the top end, yet the margins between success and disappointment are razor-thin.

1. Leicester City
Leicester’s squad depth and Premier League know-how still give them the edge. Even when performances dip, they find results. That consistency over 46 games is usually decisive.

2. Leeds United
Leeds have rediscovered rhythm in attack and look relentless in transition. If they maintain defensive stability, automatic promotion is firmly within reach.

3. Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna’s side continues to impress with brave, front-foot football. Their structure in possession and intensity off the ball make them dangerous against anyone. However, sustaining momentum across the final stretch may determine whether they go up automatically or via the play-offs.

4. Southampton
Technically strong and tactically flexible, Southampton have the quality to dominate games but have occasionally lacked cutting edge. Still, they look nailed-on for the top six.

5. West Bromwich Albion
Solid, organised and hard to beat. West Brom may not always dazzle, but they grind out points — a valuable trait at this level.

6. Middlesbrough
Boro’s attacking talent keeps them in the play-off mix. Defensive lapses remain a concern, yet their ceiling is high enough to threaten promotion.

7. Hull City
Just outside the play-offs, Hull’s inconsistency could prove costly. On their day, they match anyone; over time, that unpredictability may hold them back.

8. Coventry City
Coventry’s energy and tactical discipline keep them competitive. They may fall short of the top six but won’t be far away.

9. Norwich City
Capable of brilliance but too streaky. Norwich’s youthful core shows promise, though consistency has been elusive.

10. Sunderland
Sunderland’s attacking approach excites, but defensive frailties prevent a genuine promotion push.

11. Bristol City
A steady campaign. Competitive in most matches but lacking the spark to break into the upper tier.

12. Watford
Transition has defined Watford’s season. Talent is there, yet cohesion has been missing.

13. Blackburn Rovers
Mid-table security looks likely. They’ve shown resilience but lack sustained momentum.

14. Cardiff City
Organised and determined, Cardiff have outperformed expectations at times but may settle comfortably in mid-table.

15. Preston North End
Difficult to beat at home, inconsistent away. That split could define their finish.

16. Swansea City
Flashes of attractive football, yet defensive vulnerabilities persist.

17. Millwall
Competitive and combative, Millwall should have enough to steer clear of danger.

18. Plymouth Argyle
Home form could be decisive. Survival may hinge on results at their fortress.

19. Stoke City
Struggles for attacking fluency place them lower than anticipated.

20. Birmingham City
A turbulent season suggests a fight to remain clear of the bottom three.

21. QPR
Improvement shown, but too many dropped points earlier in the campaign could haunt them.

22. Huddersfield Town
A scrap for survival. Goals have been hard to come by.

23. Rotherham United
Despite battling spirit, the gap in quality has been evident.

24. Sheffield Wednesday
A season of struggle may ultimately end in relegation unless a dramatic turnaround materialises.

For Ipswich Town, a projected third-place finish underlines just how remarkable their journey has been. Whether automatic or through Wembley drama, the dream remains alive — and in the Championship, belief can be as powerful as form.