West Ham United are predicted to make an immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated last season, according to a supercomputer simulation by Casino Kings. The simulation has Nuno Espirito Santo's side topping the Championship table ahead of their opening league game at Burnley on Sunday.
Promotion and Playoff Predictions
The supercomputer also forecasts Burnley to finish as runners-up, securing automatic promotion, while Wolves are tipped for third place. The playoff spots are predicted to be filled by Norwich, Sheffield United, Wrexham, Southampton, and Birmingham, with Cesar Peixoto's men emerging victorious in the playoff final at Wembley.
Relegation and Squad News
Newly-promoted Lincoln are predicted to go straight back down to League One, joined by Blackburn and QPR in the relegation zone. West Ham have retained captain Jarrod Bowen for their Championship campaign despite Premier League interest.
This is West Ham's first season in the Championship since 2012, when they beat Blackpool in the playoff final thanks to a late goal by Ricardo Vaz Te. It will also be the first time the London Stadium hosts second-tier football. The Hammers began their season with a 3-1 win over Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup on Saturday.
