Middlesbrough Surge to Top of Championship Table Following Bramall Lane Victory
London, 10 February 2026 – The race for the Premier League has taken a significant turn this week as Middlesbrough moved to the summit of the Sky Bet Championship. Under the management of Kim Hellberg, who took charge in November, Boro secured a vital victory away at Sheffield United to leapfrog Coventry City in the standings. With 31 matches played for the leading contenders, the battle for automatic promotion remains incredibly tight, with only two points separating the top two sides.
Title Race and Promotion Standings
Middlesbrough currently lead the division with 61 points, bolstered by a superior run of form that has seen them overtake long-term leaders Coventry City. Despite Coventry boasting a superior goal difference of +28, Boro’s consistency under Hellberg has placed them in the driving seat for the title. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town remain firmly in the hunt for the second automatic promotion spot, trailing the leaders as the league enters the final third of the 2025/26 campaign.
At the opposite end of the table, the relegation battle has been intensified by off-field developments. Leicester City have been docked six points, a sanction that has seen them dragged into the thick of the survival fight, allowing Norwich City to climb away from the immediate danger zone. Portsmouth also remain in a precarious position, sitting just one point above the bottom three following a recent defeat to Preston North End.
Sky Bet Championship: Current Top Standings
The following table outlines the current positions of the primary promotion contenders as of 10 February 2026.
| Position | Club | Played | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlesbrough | 31 | +19 | 61 |
| 2 | Coventry City | 31 | +28 | 59 |
| 3 | Ipswich Town | 31 | +15 | 56 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are promoted from the Championship?
A total of three teams are promoted to the Premier League each season. The top two teams in the table receive automatic promotion, while the teams finishing between third and sixth enter a play-off system to determine the final promoted side.
Why were Leicester City docked points?
Leicester City were docked six points during the 2025/26 season following a breach of league regulations. This deduction has significantly impacted their league standing, moving them from mid-table security into a relegation battle.
Who is currently managing Middlesbrough?
Middlesbrough are currently managed by Kim Hellberg, who was appointed in November 2025. Since his arrival, the club has seen a dramatic rise in form, culminating in their current position at the top of the Championship table.
What are the play-off positions?
The teams finishing the season in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th place qualify for the Championship play-offs. The winners of the semi-finals meet in a final at Wembley Stadium, with the victor earning promotion to the Premier League.