Football League expert @TonyIncenzo gives his best bets and Championship predictions ahead of a huge round of fixtures in the Football League...
THE sixth round of action in our enthralling EFL Championship is looming this weekend.
Only three teams remain unbeaten. The other side of the coin sees three clubs still seeking first victories of the campaign. We’ve also had a managerial change to digest over the past few days.
Here are the games I am anticipating most alongside considered score predictions to assist your sports betting…
Friday 20th September
Stoke City v Hull City
Sitting in 13th place, Stoke City sacked head coach Steven Schumacher on Monday. This followed a 1-0 defeat at Oxford United 48 hours beforehand making it three League reverses in four for the Potters.
Schumacher lasted nine months having switched from Plymouth Argyle in December. Ryan Shawcross - the club’s under-21 coach - oversaw caretaker matters for their midweek home Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood Town.
Significantly, Norwich City first team coach Narcis Pelach was appointed at Stoke on Wednesday afternoon. His initial task is the visit of third bottom Hull City.
Yet to win and a point adrift of the early season safety zone, it has been a baptism of fire for Tigers’ new boss Tim Walter.
Score prediction: Ho-hum humdrum 0-0.
Saturday 21st September
West Bromwich Albion v Plymouth Argyle
West Brom moved top of the table in succeeding 3-0 at Portsmouth on Sunday thereby climbing four rungs above Watford, Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland.
Josh Maja notched their quicksilver opener eight yards out on 53 seconds and is now Championship leading scorer racking up five goals. In addition, Alex Mowatt curled home a couple of glorious left footers.
The Baggies are undefeated in 2024/25 amassing four maximum pointers within five encounters swiftly laying to rest the spectre of last season’s Play-Off Semi Final loss at the hands of Southampton.
Meanwhile, 16th ranked Plymouth Argyle are fresh from new head coach Wayne Rooney’s first EFL victory in charge.
Previous leaders Sunderland were edged 3-2 at Home Park thanks to a close range stoppage time winner by Joe Edwards. I loved how Rooney leapt around wildly celebrating that goal in his technical area. Pure passion!
Score prediction: Baggies buoyant 3-1.
Sunderland v Middlesbrough
Sunderland lie second a point off the summit in light of the aforementioned Rooney inflicted defeat. It curtailed the Black Cats’ best winning commencement to a League programme in 99 years dating to 1925/26.
Even so, the possibly risky June introduction of head coach Regis Le Bris has totally galvanised Sunderland and they’ll be roared on by the weekend’s largest EFL crowd of 40,000-plus for this imminent Tees-Wear derby.
Undergoing the 32 mile trip up the A19, Middlesbrough fill 10th spot and are unbeaten in three outings.
Score prediction: Black Cats bounce back 2-0.
Burnley v Portsmouth
In fourth position, Burnley gave a true statement of intent courtesy of triumphing 1-0 away to pre-season title favourites Leeds United last Saturday.
Luca Koleosho delivered the decisive goal in a spirited 80 yard solo breakaway despite only 28% possession throughout for Scott Parker’s men.
Contrastingly, upcoming second bottom opponents Portsmouth continue to strive for a first victory in the second tier of English football beyond April 2012.
Score prediction: Clarets in command 4-0.
Cardiff City v Leeds United
Cardiff City are rock bottom mustering merely one point and one goal amidst five engagements with a -10 goal difference.
It is their worst start to a League programme for 35 years since 1989/90. Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut opted not to speak to the media after last Saturday’s 1-0 setback at Derby County.
Indeed, many supporters and respected pundits in South Wales are calling for Bulut to get the bullet.
It could well be his final chance as Leeds United come calling in ninth spot protecting a record of just one defeat so far.
Score prediction: Bulut clinging on to his job 2-2.
Sunday 22nd September
Preston North End v Blackburn Rovers
These two Lancashire rivals are based 11 miles apart but occupy opposite ends of the divisional spectrum whereby 21st hosts 3rd.
Preston have picked up four points across three matches subsequent to unveiling Paul Heckingbottom in their hot seat on 20th August. They hover a point clear of the dreaded relegation dotted line.
As for unconquered Blackburn, three wins and two draws are earned to date.
This return has rapidly shaken off Rovers fans’ disappointment from the £9 million sale of last season’s 33 goal foremost marksman Sammie Szmodics after one League game of the current campaign.
Score prediction: Dramatic stuff 4-4.
Championship Betting Predictions
The Championship is the second tier of English football.
Each season, the top two teams automatically earn promotion to the Premier League, with teams placed between third and sixth entering the playoffs. The bottom three will be relegated to League One.
By far the most-watched non-topflight league in the world, the Championship is renowned for its competitiveness. While there are huge gaps between Championship salaries, there is no denying the level of parity.
Some huge clubs are involved each season, but that is no guarantee of success, even when taking on teams with much smaller budgets and stadia.
Reaching the Premier League not only gives a chance to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City, Arsenal and the other powerhouse clubs.
It brings unparalleled riches each season, which can completely change the fortunes of a club in both the short and long term. Stakes in the Championship are incredibly high.
The Championship was known as the First Division until 2004. Prior to the founding of the Premier League in the early 1990s, it was named the Second Division. The trophy has not been altered over that period, however.
Since being restructured in 2004, 57 teams have participated in the Championship. Cardiff City have the longest overall tenure with 19 seasons.
Of current teams, Bristol City, Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers have the longest Championship active spells with 10 straight campaigns in the second tier.
There have been 13 different champions with seven winning the title twice.
Championship Tips This Weekend
From analysis of the best teams in Championship history through to match predictions for tomorrow, 888Sport have you covered when it comes to the Championship.
Our experts provide year-round analysis of the division, including weekly match tips.
Wondering who is a good bet to be the Championship top scorer? Trying to find the teams to include in your Saturday afternoon accumulator? Whatever you’re after, 888Sport’s diverse selection of Championship articles can help you out.
The 2024-25 season sees two Championship stalwarts return in Portsmouth and Derby County, whilst Oxford United will make their debut in the second tier.
Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United will be looking to bounce back at the first time of asking after suffering relegation from the Premier League.
When making your correct score prediction for the Championship, you have tonnes of information to weigh up. Injury news and head-to-head records are important, plus you can dive deep into statistics both traditional and advanced.
Championship Predictions For Today
Bettors can find Championship predictions on this page from the opening of the season in late summer through to the Playoffs.
All manner of markets will be covered beyond the standard match winner picks, including both teams to score, total goals over/under and goal scorer bets.
If it’s the latest round of midweek Championship fixtures or tips for this Saturday, 888Sport’s expert team of betting tipsters will have some wagers for you to consider.
Every punter wants some great free sports betting tips. Through our numerous prediction pages, 888Sport has a catalogue of expert predictions, such as football prediction.
Look out for today's Championship prediction pieces and our weekly Championship review articles.
Championship Outright Odds
Leeds United just edge the Championship outright odds for 2024-25, with the three teams relegated from the Premier League also amongst the favourites for promotion.
Leeds United are handed the shortest price, followed by Burnley, Luton Town, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, West Brom and Norwich City.
When it comes to Championship relegation odds, Oxford United are the favourites for the drop.
Championship Teams 2024-25
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Blackburn Rovers
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Bristol City
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Burnley
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Cardiff City
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Coventry City
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Derby County
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Hull City
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Leeds United
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Luton Town
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Middlesbrough
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Millwall
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Norwich City
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Oxford United
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Plymouth Argyle
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Portsmouth
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Preston North End
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Queens Park Rangers
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Sheffield United
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Sheffield Wednesday
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Stoke City
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Sunderland
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Swansea City
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Watford
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West Bromwich Albion
*All of our 888 Experts picks and betting tips can be considered as a suggestion only.*
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
