THE inaugural weekend of EFL Championship action provided our usual blend of high octane football, and William Hill News look at Saturday’s fixtures in the second tier.
Eight teams got off to a flying start masterminding winning results to impact their football betting odds. Curiously though, those three clubs relegated from the Premier League – West Ham United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers – were unable to record victories.
Now heading into a second round of fixtures, here is my analysis of the games I am looking forward to most alongside considered score predictions to assist your Championship betting…
Millwall v Norwich City Prediction
Millwall preview – Fresh from a comfortable 2-0 romp away to Bristol City where Josh Coburn hit both goals. I noticed the Lions defended so solidly that they didn’t have a shot registered on target against them at Ashton Gate.
Norwich City preview – The Canaries lost 2-1 versus visitors West Brom. However, I felt Albion’s opening goal was guided home by Aune Heggebo using his forearm. VAR would’ve definitely disallowed it in a Premier League encounter.
Score prediction: Lions bellowing 3-2.
Preston North End v Wolverhampton Wanderers Prediction
Preston North End preview – Reflecting on a lacklustre 2-1 reverse away to Bolton Wanderers. Meanwhile, North End are chasing the season long loan signing of Liverpool’s 21 year old midfielder James McConnell.
Wolverhampton Wanderers preview – Mexican star Raul Jimenez marked his West Midlands return by crisply converting a 93rd minute penalty to cement the 2-2 draw versus Blackburn Rovers at Molineux last Friday night. Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Score prediction: Wolves wizards 4-1.
Queens Park Rangers v Bolton Wanderers Prediction
Queens Park Rangers preview – Top of our fledgling Championship table on one match played. The R’s came from behind to triumph 3-1 at Portsmouth. Maverick midfield creator Ilias Chair netted twice and seems to have shaken off the niggling injuries which caused him to miss much of last season.
Bolton Wanderers preview – Having come up through the League One Play-Offs, Bolton commenced Championship life after a seven year absence mustering a 2-1 success over visitors Preston North End.
I liked Trotters boss Steven Schumacher’s post-match comments: “The game showed what this division is all about. It’s mental!”
Score prediction: Hooptastic 2-0.
Swansea City v Sheffield United Prediction
Swansea City preview – Swans substitute Adam Idah scored courtesy of his first touch to seal the 2-1 win at Stoke City. Nevertheless, last season’s 23 goal Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik is currently linked with a big money move to Hull City.
Sheffield United preview – Held 0-0 at home by Birmingham City. Furthermore, there are worrying reports of a possible 12 point deduction for the Blades due to a High Court winding-up petition.
Score prediction: Unenthusiastic 0-0.
West Ham United v Charlton Athletic Prediction
West Ham United preview – Disappointed to draw 2-2 at Burnley after being 2-0 ahead with seven minutes remaining in Sunday’s clash of two relegated sides. And on Wednesday morning, West Ham recruited Leeds United striker Joel Piroe on loan – a great acquisition in my opinion.
Charlton Athletic preview – Only a short six mile trip via the Blackwall Tunnel for this one. Many people’s tip for relegation, Charlton Athletic overturned Derby County’s first half lead by delivering second half strikes through Lloyd Jones and Tyreece Campbell to win 2-1 at The Valley.
But police have launched an investigation following tragic news whereby a 33 year old man was found dead inside the South-East London club’s stadium on Tuesday morning.
Score prediction: Hammers too hot 5-1.
Rest of the Championship score predictions:
- Birmingham City v Bristol City: 3-1.
- Lincoln City v Portsmouth: 1-0.
- Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough: 0-0.
- Derby County v Cardiff City: 5-4.
- Southampton v Stoke City: 1-1.
- Wrexham v Watford: 4-0.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
