AN early season managerial casualty impacts the build-up to this weekend’s EFL Championship action and William Hill News preview the best of Saturday’s fixtures in the second tier.
Meanwhile, the four leading contenders are tied on 14 points. And two teams are yet to register much sought after victories. Therefore football betting odds offer stimulating reading – particularly with two rousing local derbies approaching.
Here is my analysis of the upcoming games I am looking forward to most alongside considered score predictions to assist your Championship betting…
Millwall v West Ham United Prediction
- Kick-off: 12.30pm
- Rankings: 11th versus 1st
Millwall preview – Renewing fierce cross-London ‘dockers derby’ rivalry for the first time in 14 years. Previously in 2011/12, the teams fought out a 0-0 draw at the Den prior to West Ham edging an Upton Park return 2-1.
Currently, Millwall are a point short of the coveted Play-Off zone despite one maximum pointer during five attempts.
West Ham United preview – Four straight wins amassing 16 goals cement the Hammers in first place. I felt last Friday’s brilliant 6-0 home hammering of Wrexham issued a real statement of intent.
Some of West Ham’s slick attacking football played was simply exquisite.
Score prediction: Don’t blink 4-4.
Lincoln City v Swansea City Prediction
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Rankings: 8th versus 2nd
Lincoln City preview – Fresh from Tuesday’s impressive 1-0 victory at Bristol City thereby eclipsing former manager Michael Skubala.
That result took the Imps into our fledgling Championship Play-Off region. It was a second successive 1-0 road trip triumph. In fact, Lincoln haven’t lost in five EFL games overturning two defeats at the start of their 2026/27 campaign.
Swansea City preview – Tucked behind the leaders on goal difference. Swansea’s sole Championship loss so far was 3-1 at Southampton on Tuesday 8th September.
Score prediction: Lincoln large it up 1-0.
Birmingham City v Middlesbrough Prediction
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Rankings: 10th versus 3rd
Birmingham City preview – Last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Derby County was Blues’ first victory within four engagements. So one point to make up on the Play-Off region.
Middlesbrough preview – Goal difference keeps Boro off pole position. Five games unconquered at present.
Score prediction: Boro bloodthirsty 3-1.
Queens Park Rangers v Preston North End Prediction
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Rankings: 5th versus 23rd
Queens Park Rangers preview – Three winless games scoring just once leave Rangers two points shy of top spot.
I was amused when former QPR season ticket holder and lifelong supporter Chris Mepham scored an own goal for West Bromwich Albion last Saturday… playing against Queens Park Rangers!
Preston North End preview – One point adrift of safety nursing six defeats amid seven EFL encounters. Almost inevitably, North End sacked boss Paul Heckingbottom on Sunday.
His assistant Stuart McCall has also departed. Club coach Jason Euell assumes temporary charge for the imminent trip to West London.
Score prediction: Rangers rejoice 3-0.
Rest of the Championship score predictions for Saturday:
- Cardiff City v Charlton Athletic: 0-0
- Stoke City v Sheffield United: 2-1
- Burnley v Derby County: 0-1
- Portsmouth v Blackburn Rovers: 1-1
- Wrexham v Southampton: 0-4
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
