Football League expert @TonyIncenzo gives his best bets and Championship predictions ahead of a huge round of fixtures in the Football League...
ANOTHER intriguing weekend programme of EFL Championship action is approaching going into the month of November.
Whilst a gap has opened up at the top, just five points separate second down to ninth. The battle to avoid relegation is intensifying too.
Here are the upcoming games I am anticipating most alongside considered score predictions to assist your sports betting…
Friday 1st November 2024
Luton Town v West Bromwich Albion
Following relegation from the Premier League, Luton Town are surprisingly slumbering third bottom a point beneath that dreaded dotted line.
They’ve lost three of their past four games including throwing away a 2-0 half-time advantage to capitulate 3-2 at Coventry City last Saturday. It is presently one win in six.
I’ve visited Kenilworth Road to watch a Championship fixture recently and Hatters fans remain fiercely loyal providing a raucous atmosphere.
Meanwhile, West Brom are fifth despite six matches without victory. The current run comprises four straight draws. Only one Albion goal has been scored in five ongoing outings.
Score prediction: 0-0 written all over it.
Saturday 2nd November 2024
Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland
Looking back to the summer when Sunderland brought in Lorient boss Regis Le Bris on 22nd June as new head coach, it seemed quite a risky appointment.
After all, the Frenchman had no previous experience of English football. However, those purring Black Cats have now won nine out of 12 Championship assignments scoring in every League contest to date.
They enjoy an impressive five point cushion in pole position and are the division’s foremost scorers amassing 23 goals.
Next is a trip to Shepherd’s Bush where Queens Park Rangers lie second bottom some three points below safety by virtue of picking up only one victory in 2024/25.
Even so, the R’s secured draws during their last two games including a promising 0-0 result at high flying Burnley. But no home wins thus far is concerning for Rangers fans.
Score prediction: Action packed 2-2.
Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle
Leeds United hover third – tucked behind Burnley on goal difference. Daniel Farke’s men suffered their only reverse on 14th September and boast a seven match unbeaten spree.
The former France international defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui could make his debut after his free agent signing last week.
As for 21st ranked opponents Plymouth, a first away win is still sought at the seventh attempt. Argyle have mustered just one goal on the road.
Score prediction: Leeds lethal 4-0.
Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United
A crucial Play-Off zone clash whereby sixth entertains fourth. Blackburn have lost three times amidst five engagements.
They are yet to be beaten at home throughout 2024/25 though. Rovers defender Hayden Carter is ruled out for two to three months due to knee injury surgery.
Contrastingly, Sheffield United succeeded 2-0 versus visitors Stoke City last Saturday to overturn two consecutive defeats.
Score prediction: Very tight 1-1.
Hull City v Portsmouth
Rock bottom Portsmouth nurse two losses on the spin subsequent to earning a first Championship victory 2-1 at Queens Park Rangers.
Although they might fancy their chances away to 15th placed Hull City who are winless in four encounters. The Tigers have only registered one home triumph.
Midfield man Liam Millar will sit out the rest of Hull’s season because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Score prediction: Pompey chiming 1-0.
Sunday 3rd November 2024
Millwall v Burnley
Filling second spot, Burnley are undefeated across nine Championship affairs beyond 24th August. The Clarets protect this division’s best defensive record leaking merely five goals.
They’ve only lost one away game. Zian Flemming isn’t allowed to appear for Burnley against his parent club, being on loan from Millwall.
The Lions themselves occupy 10th rung claiming two victories at the tail end of a four match unbeaten streak incorporating three clean sheets.
Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn may well return for the South London side having missed six weeks through a calf injury.
Score prediction: Claret canter 3-1.
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*
