The 24-team line-up for the 2026-27 Championship season has now been confirmed

Less than 24 hours have passed since the 2026-27 Championship line-up was confirmed, but already the favourites for the title have emerged.

On Sunday, Bolton Wanderers joined champions Lincoln City and Cardiff City in winning a return to the second tier from League One. Steven Schumacher’s Trotters beat Stockport County 4-1 in the play-off final at Wembley as they booked a Championship place for the first time since their relegation in 2019.

Hours later, West Ham’s anticipated demotion from the Premier League was ratified, despite thumping Leeds United 3-0 on their final game of the season. With Spurs beating Everton 1-0, the Hammers missed out on top-flight survival by two points as they joined Burnley and Wolves in waving goodbye to the top division in the English game.

Pompey, who finished 18th in last season’s Championship table, last faced West Ham in January 2012, when the visitors won 1-0 at Fratton Park to secure a league double (Championship) over the Blues. Pompey have never played at the London Stadium, either, meaning a new ground awaits the Fratton faithful next term.

However, you’ll have to go back to the 2009-10 Premier League season for the last time Pomey took on Wolves, with Avram Grant’s side beating them 3-1 at home on the penaultimate match-day of the season and just two weeks before their FA Cup final against Chelsea.

A first trip to Molineux since October 2009 therefore awaits Blues supporters.

But building up a modern rivalry between both the Hammers and Wolves over the coming years looks unlikely. Along with Bunrley, who the Blues last faced during the 2024-25 Championship season, all three are hotly tipped to make an instant return to the Premier League.

And with Lincoln and Cardiff both among the least fancied to secure the title, it’s safe to assume many people believe their Championship returns could be short-lived.

Of course, a lot can happen between now and the end of the 2026-27 season. In fact, much can happen between now and the opening day of the new campaign, with the transfer window not even open for business yet.

Nevertheless, next season’s title odds are already out, which make for an interesting read.

Here’s the latest bettingaccording to Skybet, including where Pompey stand on the current market...