AI Predicts Cardiff and Lincoln’s EFL Championship Finish Next Season

Bassyonni

Published: February 28, 2026 11:02 AM ET

AI Predicts Cardiff and Lincoln’s EFL Championship Finish Next Season

Cardiff City and Lincoln City are currently at the top of League One, each enjoying a significant 10-point lead over their closest competitors. Cardiff recently suffered their first league defeat since December, while Lincoln remains unbeaten since late November. These performances have sparked interest in how both teams might fare next season in the EFL Championship.

AI Predicts Cardiff City and Lincoln City’s EFL Championship Finish Next Season

AI modeling has provided insights into how Cardiff City could perform in the Championship next season. The club boasts considerable experience, having participated in the Championship for seven of the last ten seasons. This historical context is crucial for AI predictions, as the majority of the squad and infrastructure have been shaped by their time in the second tier.

Cardiff City’s Prospects

The Bluebirds are expected to adopt a competitive approach under manager Brian Barry-Murphy, focusing on attacking play.
Key players, such as Yousef Salech and Chris Willock, are anticipated to make significant contributions.
Salech has impressive stats, scoring 12 goals in 27 appearances in League One, showcasing his readiness for the Championship.

According to the AI predictions, Cardiff City is likely to finish between 15th and 18th place next season. This forecast indicates that they may not challenge for promotion but should remain safely clear of relegation worries, marking a season of consolidation.

Lincoln City’s Challenges

In contrast, Lincoln City faces a different set of challenges. Having spent the past decade primarily in the National League and League One, they lack recent Championship experience. The club’s stadium, LNER Stadium, has a capacity of just 10,669, which may limit their financial resources compared to larger Championship clubs.

Lincoln ranks 17th in League One in terms of wage expenditure, indicating a smaller budget for potential player acquisitions.
Despite these limitations, AI suggests that Lincoln could still compete due to their strong team organization and established manager, Michael Skubala.

However, the AI predicts a tough season ahead, projecting that Lincoln City may finish between 20th and 23rd place, entering a relegation battle. Their survival could hinge on strategic recruitment during the summer transfer window.

Transfer Window Significance

The transfer strategies adopted by both Cardiff and Lincoln will be crucial for their Championship campaigns. While both clubs are unlikely to match the spending sprees of teams like Wrexham or Birmingham City, they can draw lessons from Charlton Athletic. Last season, Charlton effectively recruited talent from lower leagues while integrating proven Championship players.

If Cardiff and Lincoln can emulate Charlton’s successful strategies during the upcoming transfer window, both clubs may enhance their chances of avoiding relegation in the Championship next season.