Football League expert @TonyIncenzo gives his best bets and Championship predictions ahead of a huge round of fixtures in the Football League...
WE have new leaders in our EFL Championship approaching a crucial round of midweek action.
It’s really tight overall since goal difference separates the top three clubs. There are also desperate relegation battles unfolding.
Here are the fixtures I am anticipating most alongside considered score predictions to assist your sports betting…
Tuesday 26th November 2024
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion
Sunderland have slipped to second place thanks to four consecutive draws culminating in the 1-1 affair away to Millwall on Saturday when they conceded three minutes into added time at the very end. However, the Black Cats are on nine games bereft of losing.
Down at The Den, Aaron Connolly volleyed his first Sunderland goal beyond joining as a free agent in September. Their 40,000-plus crowd will want to see the 2024/25 undefeated home record extended in this visit of sixth ranked West Brom who are unbeaten across eight outings - albeit seven of them resulted in draws.
Josh Maja blasted his 10th goal of the campaign via a spectacular scissors motion in the 2-2 home scoreline versus Norwich City.
Score prediction: Sunderland saunter 3-1.
Sheffield United v Oxford United
Third placed Sheffield United equal the leading pair on 32 points but hold an inferior goal difference. The Blades’ four match winning sequence terminated in Saturday’s exciting 2-2 points share at Coventry City.
Chris Wilder’s men played more than half the game with 10 men after a straight red card for Anel Ahmedhodzic on 44 minutes for raising his hands towards an opponent.
Four yards out, Tyrese Campbell left footed his fourth goal in five appearances. A return to home soil looms now where they haven’t lost all season.
Imminent adversaries Oxford United in 18th spot are fresh from an emphatic 6-2 capitulation to visitors Middlesbrough. In fact, only one victory among their last 11 encounters. Significantly, the U’s are yet to win away and hover two points above that dreaded dotted line.
Score prediction: Blades brilliant 4-0.
Burnley v Coventry City
Filling our fourth rung, Burnley have won two back-to-back engagements. Jaidon Anthony’s angled strike into the roof of the net secured Saturday’s 1-0 triumph away to Bristol City.
They boast the Championship’s meanest defence reflecting six goals conceded and 10 clean sheets. Furthermore, the Clarets are unconquered at home.
Meanwhile, managerless Coventry City sit 17th amassing two encouraging 2-2 draws for interim boss Rhys Carr facing high flying Sunderland and Sheffield United respectively – coming from behind on both occasions.
The former England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is favourite to take over Cov’s hot seat although Steve Cooper is the latest name in the frame.
Score prediction: Another “Desmond” 2-2.
Wednesday 27th November 2024
Leeds United v Luton Town
Leeds United hit pole position on Sunday courtesy of a truly exhilarating 4-3 success at Swansea City. The close range stoppage time winner was notched by Wilfried Gnonto right in front of their travelling fans.
Next up, 16th placed Luton Town travel to Yorkshire looking to build on two victories from three.
Mark McGuinness scooped in following a right flank corner to cement Saturday’s 1-0 Kenilworth Road maximum pointer past Hull City thereby lifting some of the pressure on Hatters boss Rob Edwards.
Score prediction: Leeds stay top 2-0.
Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers
Fifth entertains ninth in the Play-Off push. Boro’s aforementioned 6-2 road trip annihilation of Oxford United made it three successive wins scoring 15 times.
Emmanuel Latte Lath produced a 12 minute hat-trick at The Kassam Stadium increasing his tally to five in those three fruitful games. Middlesbrough are divisional highest scorers on 29 goals.
Contrastingly. Blackburn’s home clash with Portsmouth was postponed because of a Storm Bert affected waterlogged pitch.
Score prediction: Goals galore 3-3.
Cardiff City v Queens Park Rangers
Nerves set to jangle in the relegation zone! Cardiff City lie 21st and three without victory incorporating their 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday. Ollie Tanner got on the Bluebirds’ scoresheet registering a three yard conversion.
Omer Riza continues as caretaker boss hosting rock bottom QPR. I sat in the Loftus Road press box for Saturday’s 1-1 outcome against Stoke City. It was a decent Rangers performance piecing together good chances whilst rattling the post twice.
But they have still managed just one win all season currently slumbering five points adrift of safety.
Score prediction: Stalemate 0-0.
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*
