How data experts Opta view Championship relegation battle

John Eustace’s side find themselves 19th in the table ahead of their upcoming matches against Coventry and Leicester.

Rovers were on the verge of securing safety after their stunning victory at promotion contenders Leeds. However, Saturday’s defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park has made things slightly more tense.

Rotherham’s relegation to the third tier was confirmed earlier this month after a nightmare campaign for the Millers. Since then, the club sacked Leam Richardson and opted to bring Steve Evans back to the New York Stadium.

We have taken a look at the clubs who could still mathematically be relegated and how Opta rates each of their survival chances

HUDDERSFIELD

Relegation chances – 86.4 per cent

Remaining fixtures – Birmingham (H), Ipswich (A)

Andre Breitenreiter’s side have lost three games on the spin and won just one of their last 10 in the league.

The Terriers’ hopes of beating the drop were dealt a heavy blow at the weekend following an emphatic 4-0 defeat against Swansea at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Taking maximum points from Saturday’s clash with Birmingham is a must if the Yorkshire outfit are to have any chance of staying in the second tier going into their daunting trip to Ipswich on the final day.

BIRMINGHAM

Relegation chances – 53.6 per cent

Remaining fixtures – Huddersfield (A), Norwich (H)

Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield also feels like a must-win game for the Blues even though they are a couple of points better off than the Terriers.

Birmingham have won two of their six matches since Gary Rowett took interim charge last month. Tony Mowbray has been taking a break from the game in recent months to receive treatment for a health issue.

The Midlands outfit were left frustrated after a goalless draw against bottom club Rotherham at the weekend, with Jay Stansfield seeing a late goal ruled out by the offside flag. However, there were signs of fight in the 3-0 victory against Coventry seven days prior.

Rowett’s side also have a tricky fixture on the final day, hosting Norwich who could still need points to secure a play-off spot. The Canaries currently occupy sixth spot, only behind fifth-place West Brom on goal difference.

Birmingham interim boss Gary Rowett (Image: PA)

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Relegation chances – 45.2 per cent

Remaining fixtures – West Brom (H), Sunderland (A)

The Owls’ victory against Rovers was a major boost as they look to pull off a great escape under Danny Rohl.

The Yorkshire club were at the foot of the table when Rohl took charge in October, having won just won of their opening 11 fixtures.

Wednesday have taken eight points from their last four matches, including a 2-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers, to climb out of the bottom three. Rohl’s side now face a tough test against West Brom, who are looking to maintain their spot in the top six.

The Owls also head to Sunderland on the final day. The Black Cats are an unpredictable side, having won one of their last five matches under interim boss Mike Dodds, yet that victory came against the Baggies.

PLYMOUTH

Relegation chances – 7.5 per cent

Remaining fixtures - Millwall (A), Hull (H)

The Pilgrims aren’t out of the woods yet following their 3-0 defeat at Stoke against former boss Steven Schumacher over the weekend.

Neil Dewsnip has taken interim charge of the past few games after Ian Foster’s sacking and the shock 1-0 win against Leicester could prove vital come the end of the campaign.

A positive result at Millwall this weekend would have a big impact for the Devon club ahead of a tough test against Hull on the final day as the Tigers look to break into the play-off places.

QPR

Relegation chances – 0.6 per cent

Remaining fixtures – Leeds (H), Coventry (A)

The Londoners have a four-point cushion over the drop zone heading into their final couple of games, which could prove vital given the standard of opposition.

Saturday’s clash with Leeds looks set to be a tough one as Daniel Farke’s side battle to secure automatic promotion, and Coventry will also be eager to gain ground on the current top six.

However, Marti Cifuentes’ side will enter the matches with belief following their 1-0 win against Preston on Saturday thanks to Lyndon Dykes’ strike.

STOKE

Relegation chances – 0.4 per cent

Remaining fixtures – Southampton (A), Bristol City (H)

The Potters should also have enough points in the bank to beat the drop following their six-pointer against Plymouth at the weekend.

Schumacher had a tough spell following his arrival at the club but has overseen an upturn in results over the past couple of months, including wins against Hull and Preston.

The trip to Southampton is a tricky one on paper but Stoke will back themselves to get something against Bristol City on the final day, in front of a home crowd, if they are still in danger.