Image source, Getty Images

Hull City and Watford might not have been everyone’s tip to be challenging for promotion more than halfway through the season, but both sides are deservedly knocking on the door at the top end of the table - and both are just three points off second.

Before their 1-0 home defeat to Stoke on New Year’s Day, the Tigers had been on an excellent five-game unbeaten run (W4 D1) and even with that loss to the Potters, they remain firmly in the mix.

The Hornets are the Championship's form team right now as the only side to have won their past four games and they are unbeaten in their past seven (W5 D2).

However, with just one point separating Hull and Watford from Millwall in seventh and a two-point gap to Bristol City in eighth, the results need to keep on rolling in to maintain their promotion or play-off bids.

Image source, PA

Two sides who face each other having begun their respective 2026s with victory.

Derby, who beat high-flying Middlesbrough on New Year's Day, prepare to take on Wrexham at home with the Welsh side making the trip to Pride Park having beaten Blackburn.

"Where we lack with a little bit of quality, we make up with determination, grit and heart," Rams boss John Eustace said of his side after beating Boro.

Wrexham are two points and a place above Derby headed into today's meeting and both sides will want to boost their Championship play-off aspirations with victory.

"I know it's a very passionate football club, they'll have a massive crowd," Wrexham boss Steve Parkin said about the trip to the East Midlands.

"I'm sure we'll have a big following because we've not been there for a long time and it's one to really look forward to."

Image source, PA

Bristol City welcome Preston today with both sides welcoming

Gerhard Struber's Robins welcome the Lilywhites having thrashed Portsmouth 5-0 on New Year's Day and he was chuffed to bits with the impact his selection had.

"This result could be nearly perfect. We executed the high press so well and this is what makes me really happy," he said in the aftermath.

It's fair to say that in-form Preston might prove to be a tougher challenge today, mind.

Preston welcomed Milutin Osmajic and Lewis Dobbin back earlier this week with the pair of them getting on the scoresheet in their win against Sheffield Wednesday.

"The biggest thing for me is having those attacking options at the top end of the pitch which is really important," Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom said.

"Whoever we start with, being able to bring on energy, aggression and quality at the top end of the pitch whether you're winning or losing is a big thing."

Following their 2-0 defeat at home by Wrexham on New Year's Day, Blackburn have now won just once in their past nine Championship games (D5 L3).

In the aftermath of that defeat, Rovers boss Valerien Ismael said he may have squeezed all he can from his current roster.

"We lost two players again today, and it's clear we've touched the limit with the squad," he told BBC Radio Lancashre after the game.

Ismael's side host Charlton today with Nathan Jones's side a place and point above them in 19th in the table.

They make the lengthy trip to Lancashire off the back of holding league leaders Coventry to a 1-1 draw on 1 January.

Here's what's next this afternoon:

• Blackburn Rovers v Charlton Athletic
• Bristol City v Preston North End
• Derby County v Wrexham
• Hull City v Watford
• Middlesbrough v Southampton
• Millwall v Swansea City
• Norwich City v Stoke City
• Portsmouth P-P Ipswich Town

Image source, PA

That was just the starter.

We've got seven more games coming up at 15:00 GMT.

Let's see what's on the menu...

Birmingham City

Birmingham debutant Kai Wagner speaking to Sky Sports:

"I was joking before the game a little bit with Marvin [Ducksch] to be in the right spot, just give me the ball.

"He said just give me a one touch finish, so really excited. One training session that's it, but I don't need a lot. I know what I can do. Really proud today."

Birmingham City

Birmingham's Lewis Koumas speaking to Sky Sports:

"It was good. Good to get a start. Really happy we've managed to get the win today."

On his goal: "Great vision from Pat [Roberts]. I just tried to stay calm to finish it off and I did. So happy.

"We've been training hard, working hard. We trust the gaffer and he's got the win for us today, helping us come into the game ready."

Darren Carter
Ex-Birmingham midfielder on BBC Radio WM

It is not always going to be smooth with the ball, playing great football, but I thought Blues showed quality when they needed to, then dug in to stop a very strong Coventry attack.

Huge three points.

Chris Davies getting the round of applause that he deserves.

He needs some reinforcements in this window, but it is about sticking together, getting around each other.

Richard Wilford
BBC Radio WM commentator

Birmingham City are victorious for the first time in 2026, upsetting the league leaders Coventry.

You sense that Chris Davies really needed a victory to get the season moving again.

You sense they have just squeaked over the line.

That is a huge result for Birmingham City.

Image source, Getty Images

All very comfortable in the end for QPR who end a three-game winless streak against a Sheffield Wednesday side who still only have one victory this season.

Rumarn Burrell notched his 10th goal of the season before having to go off injured.

It took the visitors 64 minutes to produce a shot on goal as they huffed and puffed but to little effect.

Home fans did start to get frustrated in the second period before Rayan Kolli, who had replaced Burrell in the first half, scored twice in the closing 10 minutes.

QPR get their play-off challenge back on track while at least the beleaguered visitors only have 21 more games to go before the end of a miserable season on and off the field.

Image source, Shutterstock

A pulsating encounter comes to an end!

Birmingham end their seven-game winless run with a massive victory over their West Midlands rivals and put another dent in Coventry's title bid.

That's now three games without a win for the Sky Blues and just two wins from eight.

Middlesbrough will have the chance to close the gap at the top to six points this afternoon.

Two minutes remain.

Sheffield Wednesday replace Bailey Cadamarteri with Favour Onukwuli.

The visitors just want to get on the bus home.

Coventry send it forward but Eiran Cashin gets there for Blues and drives it all the way to the corner.

Birmingham win a free-kick on halfway and they will run down the clock even further now.

We've played the eight added minutes. Is there any extra to be added on after the red card to Bobby Thomas?

Steve Ogrizovic
Ex-Coventry City goalkeeper on BBC CWR

Coventry won't necessarily rue it today, but they will in the coming games, missing him at a crucial stage of the season.

It was an impulsive retaliation, nothing really in it, but it is enough for the referee to quite rightly say you have got to go.

Rob Gurney
BBC Radio CWR Sport

Thomas goes off and that is another straight red card for the Sky Blues and he will now be serving a three game ban.

It was a tangle, it happened off the ball, he raised his hands.

That's not going to help Coventry. Bobby Thomas gets in a tangle with Blues defender Phil Neumann and then raises a hand to his face as he gets back up.

Needless red, but he has to go. And he will miss three games for a straight red. Insult to injury.

Ipswich Town won't kick a ball today with their game at Portsmouth postponed, but they'll be happy if it stays like this.

Can Coventry conjure up a late chance?