EFL Championship betting tips: Matchweek 19 predictions

After a rare midweek break for most playing in England’s second division, a set of well-rested and well-prepared teams are gearing up for matchweek 19 of the Championship campaign. 

We’re nearing the half way stage of what has so far been an intriguing second-division season, and as we enter what will be a typically hectic festive period, let’s see if we can bag a few winners. 

Want more? Get live EFL Championship match odds and bookmaker welcome bonuses today.

We have our all-new statz.ai powered Premier League tips, pitting our experts' picks against the model. But i’ve sifted through the weekend’s Championship fixtures to try and uncover the best bets. 

Latest Championship outright winner odds 

Latest Championship promotion race odds

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Ipswich vs Coventry betting tips 

Coventry continue to show the rest how it's done in the Championship, so much so that as each week passes, Frank Lampard’s men look more and more likely to play top-flight football next season. 

However, the Sky Blues may not have it all their own way on Saturday. The Tractor Boys should be suited by the likely open nature of this game, and I really wouldn’t be surprised if the hosts thrived offensively. 

Moreover, for all they’re by far the best offensive team in the division, the visitors haven’t exactly kept it tight of late, conceding five in their last three. Against what is arguably the second-best attack in the division, they may have more defensive problems. 

Scoreline prediction

Ipswich 2 - 2 Coventry (11/1, PricedUp)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Ipswich to score over 1.5 goals (5/4, PricedUp)

Bristol City vs Millwall betting tips

As Bristol City and Millwall clash at Ashton Gate, I cannot resist plumping for Femi Azeez to register a shot on target at a generous-looking price of even-money. 

Millwall’s Azeez has been excellent this season, ranking as the fifth best player in the division for shots per 90 minutes, averaging 3.27. While only three EFL Championship players have registered more shots on target per 90 minutes, with Azeez averaging 1.36. 

Having scored two in his last two, Azeez will arrive in Bristol full of confidence. And let’s face it, he’s not a player to stop going for goal, shooting 14 times in his last four appearances, registering six shots on target during that time. 

Such numbers really do make odds of even-money look out of whack in the best possible way. 

Scoreline prediction

Bristol City 1 - 1 Millwall (6/1, 10bet)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Femi Azeez over 0.5 shots on target (EVS, Betway)

Watford vs Norwich betting tips

If you’re hoping to see fireworks between Watford and Norwich on Saturday afternoon, you might be disappointed. In fact, I’ll be stunned if you’re not. 

Sure, we’ve seen both teams score and concede a fair bit in recent weeks. But I fancy that there’s a decent chance of the pair cancelling each other out here, with both teams producing similarly poor numbers in terms of shots and shots on target in relation to the rest of the division. 

When the Canaries last visited the Hornets in the Championship (earlier this year), just one goal was scored. Prepare for something similar here. 

Scoreline prediction

Watford 0 - 0 Norwich (11/1, PricedUp)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Both teams to score - No (11/10, 10bet)

QPR v West Brom betting tips

At Loftus Road, the Baggies will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season, but given that they’ve lost each of their last five away games, that doesn’t look overly likely. 

What does look likely, or at least a little more likely than the early odds suggest, is at least one goal going in at either end. Neither side has defended well of late, so this must be viewed as a game for both to attack. 

Both teams have notched in each of QPR’s last four at home. Will the home crowd see goals at both ends for the fifth game in a row? I think so.

Scoreline prediction

QPR 2 - 1 West Brom (9/1, Jeffbet)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Both teams to score (10/11, 7bet)

Sheffield United vs Stoke betting tips

Ahead of the game at Bramall Lane, I’m siding with Stoke player Million Manhoef to register a shot on target. I was on Manhoef to score last weekend, which he failed to do, but that wasn’t for the lack of trying, with the Dutchman firing off three shots, registering two on target. 

Given his shooting form, Stoke’s most prolific shot taker really does look generously priced here. He’ll enjoy playing on the break, while he really isn’t someone who is shot shy, taking ten shots in his last three games, registering five on target. 

Interestingly, only two Championship players have recorded more shots on target than Million Manhoef this season. That’ll do for me. 

Scoreline prediction

Sheffield United 1 - 1 Stoke (11/2, PricedUp)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Million Manhoef over 0.5 shots on target (11/10, Unibet)

Southampton vs Birmingham betting tips

Lastly, I’m siding with the visitors to notch a couple of goals at St. Mary’s, where the Birmingham boys should enjoy having space to work on the counter. 

We know that Tonda Eckert hosts can hurt any team at this level and they’ll certainly see plenty of the ball, but the Saints also look very weak on the break, while they’ve not exactly shut up shop much this season. 

The visitors have a strong attack, one that is growing in confidence, while they’ve created plenty in their last couple of away games, so much so that odds of 7/2 look too big to ignore. 

Scoreline prediction

Southampton 2 - 2 Birmingham (14/1, Unibet)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Birmingham to score over 1.5 goals (7/4, Betfred)

Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

See below for some quick picks ahead of the remaining six Championship fixtures due to take place this weekend. 

Hull vs Middlesbrough

• Best bet: Both teams to score - No (11/10, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Hull 1 - 0 Middlesbrough (9/1, 7bet)

Charlton vs Portsmouth

• Best bet: Charlton to win (11/10, 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Charlton 2 - 0 Portsmouth (8/1, Coral)

Derby vs Leicester 

• Best bet: Leicester to win (7/4, Betway)
• Scoreline prediction: Derby 0 - 2 Leicester (12/1, 7bet)

Blackburn vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Best bet: Blackburn to win & both teams to score (5/2, Betfred)
• Scoreline prediction: Blackburn 3 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday (12/1, Betfred)

Preston vs Wrexham

• Best bet: Under 2.0 Asian goals (5/4, 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Preston 0 - 0 Wrexham (7/1, Ladbrokes)

Swansea vs Oxford

• Best bet: Over 2.5 goals (6/5, Mr.Play)
• Scoreline prediction: Swansea 2 - 2 Oxford (16/1, Coral)

Previous odds/matches

27/11/2025

Championship outright winner odds 

Latest Championship promotion race odds

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Oxford vs Ipswich betting tips

Kicking things off on Friday night is a game at Kassam Stadium, where Oxford and Ipswich will lock horns. Ahead of this game, I’m siding with visiting winger Jaden Philogene to do some damage. 

Philogene has now gone three appearances without a goal, but he’s not somebody to forget about. After all, we’re talking about Ipswich’s top scorer, a player who averages 3.21 shots per 90 minutes, 1.46 shots on target (per 90), as well as 0.58 goals. 

Capable of scoring a variety of goals, effective from range and as a runner in behind, Philogene should fancy himself to hurt a home side that continues to concede regular goals.

Scoreline prediction

Oxford 1 - 2 Ipswich (15/2, Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Jaden Philogene to score (13/5, 7bet)

Stoke vs Hull betting tips

As Stoke take on a defensively weak Hull team on Saturday, it’s worth betting that Million Manhoef finds the net for the second time in a week. 

By his own admission, the Dutch winger/forward said he needed to score more goals a little while, and he’s since scored twice, while he’s never shy to go for goal, shooting more than all but three Championship players this season. 

Having scored in the week, Manhoef should be feeling confident, while the man who averages 3.19 shots per 90 minutes now gets the chance to face a defence that has conceded nine goals in four games. I’m all over odds of 3/1. 

Scoreline prediction

Stoke 2 - 1 Hull (15/2, Ladbrokes)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Million Manhoef to score (3/1, Unibet)

Middlesbrough vs Derby betting tips

Things had been going quite well for Middlesbrough under interim boss Adrian Viveash, but facing runaway league leaders Coventry at home during the week proved to be too much. Though it must be said that Boro did give a decent account offensively. 

Morgan Whittaker has been particularly impressive in the final third for Saturday’s hosts in recent weeks, scoring two in his last two, showing a clear hunger for goals, shooting eight times in those two matches. 

The youngster will likely want more here and given his recent efforts, odds of 10/3 look like a less than accurate reflection of his chances of finding a third in as many games. 

Scoreline prediction

Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Derby (15/2, Unibet)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Morgan Whittaker to score - (10/3, Unibet)

Millwall vs Southampton betting tips

There could be fireworks when Millwall and Southampton clash at The Den on Saturday afternoon. 

Both the Lions and the Saints have shown a clear ability to score goals this season, while the visitors have found it hard to avoid high-scoring games in general, so I really wouldn’t put anyone off betting on ‘over 2.5 goals’ at a shade over even money. 

However, at larger odds, I’m going to side with Southampton’s Leo Scienza to register what would be his third goal since joining from Bundesliga outfit Heidenheim. 

Here's more: Check out our 5/1 weekly acca including the Copa Libertadores final

The Brazilian knows how to do damage in the final third, especially from range, while he’s no stranger to pulling the trigger. 

He’s warmed up by taking six shots in his last two appearances and I shouldn’t think he’ll be looking to slow down here. 3/1 looks like a more than fair price. 

Scoreline prediction

Millwall 2 - 2 Southampton (13/1, Unibet)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Leo Scienza to score (3/1, Unibet)

West Brom vs Swansea betting tips

It’s been a mixed bag from Ryan Mason’s men this season, but the Baggies did fight hard to take a point against Birmingham last weekend, delivering a sturdy performance. And they likely won’t need to do much more than that to beat a struggling Swansea team. 

In fact, this is probably more of a gilt-edged opportunity to grab all three points than the early odds suggest, so it’s well worth betting on the hosts to emerge victorious. 

After all, they are up against the third-worst Championship team in terms of both shots for and expected goal difference, not to mention the worst second-tier side when it comes to expected goals created.   

Scoreline prediction

West Brom 2 - 0 Swansea (7/1, PricedUp)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

West Brom to win (10/11, 7bet)

Birmingham vs Watford betting tips

Ahead of the Monday-night game at St Andrew’s, it’s worth betting on goals. Both teams have been scoring and conceding with regularity in recent weeks. 

So much so that both should fancy themselves to make offensive headway, which could quite easily spark a high-scoring game.

READ: What to consider when 1x2 betting - strategies and more

Fuelling the high-scoring fire further is the fact that both teams rank inside the top six for both shots and expected goals this season, while they’re both in the top nine for goals scored. 

Moreover, the hosts simply find it hard to avoid being embroiled in a goal-filled clash in front of their own fans, with each of their last five home games containing four or more goals. 

Scoreline prediction

Birmingham 3 - 2 Watford (28/1, PricedUp)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Over 3.0 goals (15/8, 7bet) 

Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

For those looking for a little bit of inspiration ahead of the other six games, here are some quick picks:

Leicester vs Sheffield United 

• Best bet: Both teams to score (10/11, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Leicester 2 - 2 Sheffield United (14/1, Unibet)

Portsmouth vs Bristol City

• Best bet: Bristol City to score over 1.5 goals (8/5, Unibet)
• Scoreline prediction: Portsmouth 1 - 2 Bristol City (17/2, Coral)

Coventry vs Charlton

• Best bet: Ellis Simms to score (5/2, Unibet)
• Scoreline prediction: Coventry 2 - 0 Charlton (6/1, PricedUp)

Norwich vs QPR

• Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (19/20, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Norwich 0 - 0 QPR (11/1, PricedUp)

Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston

• Best bet: Lewis Dobbin to score (9/4, Unibet)
• Scoreline prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 2 Preston (17/2, 10bet)

Wrexham vs Blackburn

• Best bet: Both teams to score (10/11, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Wrexham 1 - 1 Blackburn (11/2, 10bet)

20/11/2025

2025/26 Championship outright winner odds 

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Preston vs Blackburn betting tips 

On Friday night, Preston and Blackburn will clash at Deepdale, where the hosts look a little generously priced to come out on top. After all, they’ve won three of their last four at home. 

Paul Heckingbottom’s men have recently enjoyed themselves, especially offensively. In games where they’ve had less of the ball, proving to be an effective counter-attacking team. 

This sort of tactic should work well against a Blackburn team that will dominate the ball. 

Scoreline prediction

Preston 1-0 Blackburn - 6/1 (Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip: 

Preston to win - 6/4 (Ladbrokes)

Bristol City vs Swansea betting tips

One of Saturday’s early kick-offs in the Championship sees Swansea travel to take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate. The hosts have what I can only describe as a chunky opportunity to resume winning ways, so much so that they look a good bet to come out on top at odds of 5/4. 

The Robins have had their train derailed a little of late, but in general, their home efforts have been strong, while they’re up against a Swansea team that is weak on the road. 

We’re also talking about a Swansea side that is least creative in the Championship this season, averaging a measly 0.59 expected goals per 90 minutes. 

Scoreline prediction

Bristol City 2 - 0 Swansea - 9/1 (Ladbrokes)

FIRST.com’s top tip: 

Bristol City to win - 5/4 (7bet)

Charlton vs Southampton betting tips 

The Addicks have been incredibly tough to beat this season. In fact, there are very few Championship teams as organised and as hard-to-get-at as Nathon Jones’ solid unit. 

In contrast, the Saints have struggled all too often to keep teams quiet, especially on the break, and it is on the break where Saturday’s hosts are at their deadliest. 

Given this, I think home goals aren’t quite being priced as accurately as they should be. 

Scoreline prediction

Charlton 2 - 1 Southampton - 9/1 (Mogobet)

FIRST.com’s top tip: 

Charlton to score over 1.0 goals - 10/11 (Mogobet) 

Ipswich vs Wrexham betting tips

A home game against a low-scoring Wrexham team is about as good an opportunity as the Tractor Boys could have asked for post international break. 

Thanks to a recent run of positive results, Kieran McKenna’s men are surging up the second-tier table. The taste of victory here would almost certainly take them into the top six, and in truth, it’s hard to see anything other than a home win. 

At the available odds, it’s worth plumping for a relatively low-scoring home win. The visitors don’t concede an abundance of goals, even on their travels, but they don’t score many either. 

So it wouldn’t be surprising if they were edged out by the second-best performers in the division when it comes to both shots for and expected goals for. 

Scoreline prediction

Ipswich 2 - 0 Wrexham - 10/1 (Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip: 

Ipswich to win & under 3.5 goals - 5/4 (Betway)

QPR vs Hull betting tips

If the hosts are looking for an opportunity to sharpen their final-third tools, then this may just be it. 

The Tigers have picked up their fair share of decent results this season, but they continue to look weak at the back, especially on the road, where they’ve conceded multiple goals in five of their last six. 

The R’s have now gone six games without notching more than one goal, but don’t be too put off by that. 

Their most attacking effort against the Blades was a promising one, while they are now up against a team that has conceded the third-most away goals in the Championship this season. The visitors are also the worst team in the division in terms of expected goals against. 

Scoreline prediction

QPR 2 - 1 Hull - 15/2 (Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip: 

QPR to score over 1.5 goals - 23/20 (Coral)

Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United betting tips

Last but certainly not least, we have the Steel City derby, which takes place early on Sunday afternoon. Two struggling teams will battle it out in a bid to restore some faith among their respective fanbases. 

In truth, the visitors look a very decent bet to notch a couple of goals here. All season long, the Owls have struggled to defend, conceding more goals than any other Championship team, conceding also the second-most expected goals. 

Of course, it’s not been great from the Blades, but the men who will make the very short trip to Hillsborough have delivered their best attacking efforts on the road, scoring six goals in their last three away games. 

Scoreline prediction

Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 2 Sheffield United - 8/1 (Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip: 

Sheffield United to score over 1.5 goals - 11/10 (Mogobet)

Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

See below for some quick picks ahead of the remaining six Championship games due to take place this weekend:

Coventry vs West Brom

• Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (19/20, 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Coventry 1 - 0 West Brom (13/2, 7bet)

Birmingham vs Norwich 

• Best bet: Both teams to score (10/11, Ladbrokes)
• Scoreline prediction: Birmingham 1 - 1 Norwich (6/1, Betway)

Derby vs Watford

• Best bet: Both teams to score - NO (10/11, Coral)
• Scoreline prediction: Derby 0 - 0 Watford (15/2, 7bet)

Leicester vs Stoke 

• Best bet: Issahaku Fatawu to score (11/4, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Leicester 2 - 1 Stoke (8/1, 10bet)

Oxford vs Middlesbrough

• Best bet: Under 2.0 goals (13/8, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Oxford 1 - 0 Middlesbrough (9/1, Ladbrokes)

Portsmouth vs Millwall

• Best bet: Millwall to score over 1.0 goals (17/20, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Portsmouth 0 - 2 Millwall (11/1, Mr.Play)

17/11/2025

2025/26 Championship outright winner odds 

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Blackburn vs Derby betting tips

One of Saturday’s early games comes to us from Ewood Park, where two in-form teams will clash. 

The hosts have won each of their last three, as have the visitors, so we should see two confident teams take to the pitch here. 

Given that both teams head into this game in fine scoring form, ‘both teams to score’ looks to be leniently priced in the early betting. After all, Rovers have certainly made a habit of scoring and conceding at home of late. 

Scoreline prediction

Blackburn 2 - 1 Derby - 8/1 (Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Both teams to score - 21/20 (Ladbrokes)

Millwall vs Preston betting tips

Another of the early games sees Millwall and Preston do business at The Den, where the Lions need to bounce back following that midweek defeat in Birmingham. 

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the hosts did get back on the horse in front of a home crowd, where they’ve been strong this season. At odds of 5/2, I like the look of home-team forward Mihailo Ivanovic to score what would be just his second goal of the campaign. 

30/10/2025

2025/26 Championship outright winner odds 

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Saturday 12:30PM KO

West Brom vs Sheffield Wednesday betting tips

One of Saturday’s early kick offs in the Championship takes place at The Hawthorns, where the Baggies will be hoping to be the latest in a growing line of teams to take advantage of the rather dire situation at Sheffield Wednesday. 

In the early betting, it’s worth taking home-team maestro Isaac Price to find the net. The Northern Ireland international is enjoying a fine campaign, scoring five Championship goals so far. 

While he looks hungry for more, ranking as the seventh-best player in the league for total shots. This game represents a massive opportunity for the youngster to satisfy that hunger. 

Scoreline prediction

West Brom 2 - 0 Sheffield Wednesday (11/2 - Betway)

FIRST.com's top tip

Isaac Price to score (2/1 - Mogobet)

Saturday 3PM KO

Birmingham vs Portsmouth betting tips 

The early betting suggests that a low-scoring game is the most likely outcome at St. Andrew’s on Saturday afternoon, but personally, I can’t have that. 

Portsmouth created bundles against Stoke last weekend, so much so that they really should’ve found the net multiple times, while the hosts have created lots (and scored lots) in their last couple at home. 

Neither team looks overly strong at the back, so both should have this earmarked as a game to attack, and with that in mind, a relatively high-scoring game is worth betting on. 

Scoreline prediction

Birmingham 2 - 2 Portsmouth (18/1 - 7bet)

FIRST.com's top tip

Over 2.5 goals (6/5 - 10bet)

Oxford vs Millwall betting tips 

Buoyed by their win at Hillsborough last weekend, the U’s ought to fancy themselves to make life tough for Millwall at Kassam Stadium, where they’ve only failed to score in one of their last four. 

The visitors will arrive in Oxford in great form, especially offensively, so they too should be confident of finding the net here. 

Throw into the mix the fact that both teams have scored in each of Millwall’s last four on the road and odds of 19/20 start to look a little too generous to ignore. 

Scoreline prediction

Oxford 1 - 1 Millwall (5/1 - Betway)

FIRST.com's top tip

Both teams to score (19/20 - 7bet)

Sheffield United vs Derby betting tips

The Rams certainly don’t specialise in high-scoring games, and it’s fair to say that John Eustace’s men prefer to keep things relatively low-key, but they might not have a choice at Bramall Lane on Saturday. 

The Blades have found their scoring touch in recent weeks, while they’ve certainly been taking a more cavalier approach, which has resulted in some exciting, open and goal-filled games. 

On this basis, odds of 5/4 for ‘over 2.5 goals’ look too large and are well worth taking advantage of. 

Scoreline prediction

Sheffield United 3 - 1 Derby (16/1 - 10bet)

FIRST.com's top tip

Over 2.5 goals (5/4 - 7bet)

Stoke vs Bristol City betting tips

It was a bit of a smash-and-grab from the Potters at Fratton Park last weekend, but that won’t bother Mark Robins, whose team may just build on that confidence-boosting victory. 

Sometimes lacking in the final third, Stoke can definitely hurt teams if they get the ball to the exciting and direct Million Manhoef, who continues to look very threatening at this level. 

READ MORE: Will you score big on our 4/1 Weekly Acca? 

Manhoef has notched three times so far this season, but by his own admission, the Dutchman should have more, averaging an eye-catching 3.35 shots per 90 minutes. 

He’s also averaging 1.12 shots on target per 90 minutes, ranking as the Championship’s fourth-best player for total shots. Odds of 7/2 are a less than fair reflection of his goal-getting qualities as far as I’m concerned. 

Scoreline prediction

Stoke 2 - 1 Bristol City (8/1 - Betway)

FIRST.com's top tip

Million Manhoef to score (7/2 - 10bet)

Watford vs Middlesbrough betting tips

Both the hosts and the visitors will surely by eyeing up a win at Vicarage Road, with neither team covering themselves in defensive glory of late. 

From a betting point of view, I’m interested in home-team forward Nestory Irankunda, who looks leniently priced to register a shot on target. 

The Aussie didn’t start last time out but looks likely to come back in here, and let’s face it, he’s delivered some encouraging efforts recently, working the opposition keeper against Swansea, Southampton, Millwall, Hull, Oxford and Coventry (off the bench). That’ll do for me. 

Scoreline prediction

Watford 1 - 1 Middlesbrough (5/1 - Highbet)

FIRST.com's top tip

Nestory Irankunda Over 0.5 shots on target (10/11 - Mogobet)

Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

See below for betting suggestions ahead of the other games to be played in the English second tier this weekend. 

Wrexham vs Coventry 

• Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (EVS - Coral)
• Scoreline prediction: Wrexham 0 - 1 Coventry (11/1 - Betway)

Leicester vs Blackburn 

• Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (10/11 - Betway)
• Scoreline prediction: Leicester 1 - 0 Blackburn (6/1 - Ladbrokes)

Norwich vs Hull  

• Best bet: Norwich to score over 1.5 goals (EVS - 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Norwich 2 - 1 Hull (8/1- Betway)

Charlton vs Swansea 

• Best bet: Charlton to win (6/5 - 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Charlton 1 - 0 Swansea (11/2 - Coral)

QPR vs Ipswich

• Best bet: QPR to score over 1.5 goals (19/10 - 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: QPR 2 - 1 Ipswich (11/1 - Coral)

Southampton vs Preston

• Best bet: Southampton to win & both teams to score (14/5 - 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Southampton 3 - 1 Preston (12/1 - 10bet)

23/10/2025

2025/26 Championship outright winner odds 

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Ipswich vs West Brom betting tips

At Portman Road on Saturday afternoon, both the Tractor Boys and the Baggies will be looking to bounce back after disappointing efforts in midweek. 

Given that they’ve not often struggled to score goals at home, coupled with West Brom’s lack of defensive solidity on the road, the hosts should have enough in the locker to get the job done, though in the betting, it might pay to take a different approach. 

I’m going to side with the visiting Isaac Price to register a shot on target, with odds of 11/10 looking too big to ignore. 

The Northern Irish international should be raring to go having notched in the week, while he hasn’t exactly been shy to shoot this season, ranking among the Championship’s best eight players for shots taken. 

Scoreline prediction

Ipswich 2 - 1 West Brom (7/1, 10bet)

FIRST.com’s top tip

Isaac Price over 0.5 shots on target - 11/10 (Coral) 

Portsmouth vs Stoke betting tips

Down on the south coast, the Pompey boys have a fantastic opportunity to shift through the offensive gears against a Stoke City team that defended miserably at Millwall on Tuesday evening. 

The hosts have hinted at a big offensive performance in recent weeks, scoring against both Leicester and Coventry, and I’m not convinced that the early market has picked up on this enough, while they’re not going to get many better opportunities than this to do some serious damage. 

Scoreline prediction

Portsmouth 3 - 1 Stoke - 25/1 (7bet)

FIRST.com’s top tip

Portsmouth to score over 1.5 goals - 17/10 (10bet)

Millwall vs Leicester betting tips

The Lions had an easy time of it at The Den on Tuesday evening, but this game might not be quite as simplistic for Alex Neil’s men.

From a value point of view, the odds available for Leicester Issahaku Fatawu to find the net look a little too juicy for my liking. After all, no Championship player has taken more shots than the hungry young forward, who is scoring a little less than once every three games. 

Fatawu didn’t score against either Portsmouth or Hull, but he didn’t exactly shy away from the frontline, taking eight shots in those two games. 

Clearly, the 20-year-old is thirsty for more, and at 7/2, I’m betting that he can satisfy that thirst in Bermondsey. 

Scoreline prediction

Millwall 1 - 2 Leicester - 9/1 (Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip

Issahaku Fatawu to Score - 7/2 (10bet)

Swansea vs Norwich betting tips 

I’ll get right to it here. If Josh Sargent doesn’t find the net very, very soon, I’ll be stunned. 

Without a goal in seven Championship games, the man who netted 15 times last season is going through a dry spell, that’s for sure. 

But he continues to get into promising positions, firing off seven shots in his last two appearances. His sixth goal of the season is just around the corner for my money. 

Put it this way, at odds of 5/2, I’d much rather be a backer of a Sargent goal than a layer. 

Scoreline prediction

Swansea 2 – 2 Norwich - 14/1 (7bet)

FIRST.com’s top tip

Josh Sargent to score - 5/2 (Highbet)

Derby vs QPR betting tips

Another forward struggling to find the net at present is Carlton Morris, but like Sargent, I wouldn’t be too quick to write off this experienced second-tier scorer. 

Morris, who has scored four league goals for Derby this season, continues to get himself into clever positions, while he’s taken more shots than any other Rams player this season. 

Against a QPR side that has conceded 14 goals in seven away games this term, Morris is definitely worth betting on to get back on the scoresheet all the time a price of 13/5 is on offer. 

Scoreline prediction 

Derby 2 - 2 QPR 12/1 - (Ladbrokes)

FIRST.com’s top tip

Carlton Morris to score 13/5 - (Coral)

Sheffield Wednesday vs Oxford betting tips 

Gary Rowett’s men have found it tough to get the ball in the net of late, scoring just two goals in their last five games, so they may not appear to be one of the more likely teams to score at least two goals this weekend. 

However, this is a clear and obvious opportunity for the U’s. The hosts continue to be in disarray, while they still have some key players out. 

Amid news of potential administration closing in for the Owls, defensively, it’s been a shambles at Hillsborough this season, with Wednesday conceding 15 goals in six home games. 

The fact that the visitors, for all their recent struggles, have scored multiple goals away to Hull and Bristol City this season, fuels this fire further. 

Scoreline prediction

Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 2 Oxford - 9/1 (Ladbrokes)

FIRST.com’s top tip

Oxford to score over 1.5 goals - 7/4 (10bet)

Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

It wouldn’t be right to give the other six games happening this weekend zero coverage, so here are a few thoughts on that front: 

Preston vs Sheffield United

• Best bet: under 2.5 goals (19/20, Betway)
• Scoreline prediction: Preston 0 - 1 Sheffield United (7/1, 7bet)

Coventry vs Watford

• Best bet: Both teams to score (5/6, 7bet) 
• Scoreline prediction: Coventry 2 - 1 Watford (7/1, 7bet)

Blackburn vs Southampton 

• Best bet: Over 2.5 goals (11/10, 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Blackburn 1 - 2 Southampton (17/2, Mogobet)

Bristol City vs Birmingham

• Best bet: Both teams to score - No (19/20, 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Bristol City 1 - 0 Birmingham (6/1, Coral)

Hull vs Charlton

• Best bet: Joe Gelhardt over 0.5 shots on target (10/11, 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Hull 1 - 1 Charlton (11/2, Betway)

Middlesbrough vs Wrexham

• Best bet: Over 2.5 goals (EVS, Mogobet)
• Scoreline prediction: Middlesbrough 3 - 1 Wrexham (12/1, Betway)

17/10/2025

2025/26 Championship outright winner odds 

Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes

Friday

8PM

Middlesbrough vs Ipswich betting tips 

The Friday night game this week takes place at Riverside Stadium, where Middlesbrough host Ipswich in what is likely to be a tight contest. After all, both teams have been difficult to beat in recent weeks. 

From a betting angle, I’m interested in visiting forward George Hirst to go in the book. It hasn’t yet been a vintage season for the 26-year-old in front of goal, but he has been prolific in one sense. 

Off the ball, Hirst has worked hard, but his eagerness to battle has meant that he’s given away lots of fouls, more than any other Ipswich player in fact. Having made 15 fouls in eight appearances, averaging 2.38 fouls per 90 minutes, I make odds of 4/1 too good to miss. 

Scoreline prediction 

Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Ipswich (7/1 - Ladbrokes)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

George Hirst to get a card (4/1 - Mogobet)

Saturday

12:30PM

Oxford vs Derby betting tips 

As Oxford and Derby clash at Kassam Stadium early on Saturday afternoon, a scorer bet that favours the hosts appeals. 

I was with Will Lankshear before the international break. Spoiler alert, he didn’t score, but don’t be too quick to give up on the lively forward, who has already proven that he can do plenty of damage at this level. 

Hungry for goals, the on-loan Spurs forward has scored three times for Oxford (in the Championship), netting an average of 0.33 goals per 90 minutes. 

Most of his best efforts have come at home, which helps me to conclude that odds of 3/1 are a little too large ahead of a game against a Derby side that is far from secure at the back. 

Scoreline prediction 

Oxford 2 - 1 Derby (10/1 - 7bet)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Will Lankshear to score (3/1 - Betway)

3PM

Charlton vs Sheffield Wednesday betting tips 

At The Valley, Charlton will be expected to turn over a Sheffield Wednesday side in turmoil, though the Owls have performed with credit on the road, especially offensively, scoring in all four of their away games this term, notching a total of seven goals. 

Get more from FIRST.com: Who’s in our weekly four-fold acca this week?

This bodes well ahead of a game against a Charlton side that has shown a few defensive cracks of late. 

The visitors are struggling massively to keep things tight at the back, though, which makes a bet on ‘both teams to score’ look slightly more appealing than the early odds suggest it might be. 

Scoreline prediction 

Charlton 2 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday (15/2 - Coral)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Both teams to score (11/10 - 7bet)

Stoke vs Wrexham betting tips 

A quick glance at the early market ahead of Stoke vs Wrexham, which takes place at Bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon, tells us that the hosts are very much fancied to get the job done, but I’m not sure I agree with that. 

The Potters have been struggling to get over the line in recent games, scoring a fairly worrying lack of goals. 

At the same time, this Wrexham team is very capable of grinding out results, while the visitors absolutely pack a punch offensively, as would any team containing Kieffer Moore at this level. 

Having beaten both Millwall and Norwich on the road already this season, drawing at Leicester most recently, the Red Dragons look too big in the betting and are definitely worth betting on with the insurance that ‘Draw No Bet’ provides. 

Scoreline prediction 

Stoke 1 - 2 Wrexham (12/1 - Ladbrokes)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Wrexham Draw No Bet (7/4 - PricedUp)

West Brom vs Preston betting tips 

At the Hawthorns, both the Baggies and the Lilywhites should fancy themselves to do some damage, so much so that ‘both teams to score’ rates as a decent bet all the time odds of 6/5 are on offer. 

The hosts have conceded in each of their last four at home (in all competitions), scoring in three of those, while the visitors have scored three in their last two on the road in the Championship, conceding twice last time out. 

I’ll be betting that goals go in at both ends here. 

Scoreline prediction 

West Brom 2 - 1 Preston (8/1 - Coral)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Both teams to score (6/5 - 7bet)

Sheffield United vs Watford betting tips 

As Watford travel to what is turning out to be a less than intimidating Bramall Lane, forward Kwadwo Baah looks nicely priced to find the net. 

The young forward hasn’t always started this season, but when he has been on the pitch, he’s caused teams plenty of problems, most recently registering two shots on target as a sub against Oxford. 

Off the back of that eye-catching effort, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the nod to start, and if he does, he’s worth betting on to score at chunky odds of 9/2. 

Baah is a clear threat on the break, which bodes well given that the hosts will push forward here, while he’s also the Championship’s second-best player in terms of shots per 90 minutes, averaging a massive 4.33. 9/2 is too big for my money. 

Scoreline prediction 

Sheffield United 1 - 1 Watford (11/2 - Betway)

FIRST.com’s top tip:

Kwadwo Baah to score (9/2 - 10bet)

Rapid fire: Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

For those interested in the six games not featured above, here are a few suggestions: 

QPR vs Millwall

• Best bet: Both teams to score (EVS - 7bet)
• Scoreline prediction: QPR 1 - 1 Millwall (6/1 - Highbet)

Southampton vs Swansea

• Best bet: Adam Armstrong to score (21/10 - Betway)
• Scoreline prediction: Southampton 3 - 1 Swansea (16/1 - Jeffbet)

Birmingham vs Hull City

• Best bet: Hull City draw no bet (12/5 - 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Birmingham 0 - 1 Hull City (10/1 - Mr.Play)

Coventry vs Blackburn

• Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (6/5 - Betway)
• Scoreline prediction: Coventry 1 - 0 Blackburn (7/1 - Ladbrokes)

Norwich vs Bristol City 

• Best bet: Anis Mehmeti to score (5/2 - 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Norwich 2 - 2 Bristol City (12/1 - Mogobet)

Leicester vs Portsmouth 

• Best bet: Colby Bishop to score (7/2 - 10bet)
• Scoreline prediction: Leicester 2 - 1 Portsmouth (15/2 - Coral)

Previous odds/matches

09/10/2025

2025/26 Championship outright winner odds 

Friday

8PM

Wrexham vs Birmingham betting tips

We kick things off with Friday night action in Wales, where Wrexham and Birmingham meet in an all-newly-promoted clash. 

Prior to the campaign, the visitors were billed as a team not just capable of making the jump up to this level but as a team that could even challenge towards the top half. At this stage I’m far from convinced, so much so that I can’t really see why they should be sturdy favourites ahead of this clash. 

Phil Parkinson’s hosts haven’t been perfect, but they’re unbeaten in three league games, while they’ve certainly not found it tough to score. 

Plus, this Birmingham team that has struggled to keep teams out. The Blues have conceded multiple goals in two out of three on the road, as well as in each of their last two overall, home goals look a bit too nicely priced for my money. 

Scoreline prediction

Wrexham 2 - 2 Birmingham (14/1 - Betway)

FIRST’s top tip: 

Wrexham to score over 1.5 goals (2/1 - Mogobet)

Saturday

12:30PM

Blackburn vs Stoke betting tips 

One of Saturday’s early Championship games will take place at Ewood Park, where hosts Blackburn will be hoping to bounce back following consecutive defeats. 

Stoke will also be looking to improve following two away games without a win. In truth, this should be seen as an opportunity for both teams, especially in an offensive sense, with neither side doing a good job of preventing teams from creating chances in recent weeks. 

The visitors have shown slightly less than their hosts in terms of end product, though, meaning that this is probably a slightly greater opportunity for Rovers to get their noses in front than it is for the Potters. 

Scoreline prediction

Blackburn 2 - 1 Stoke (9/1 - Betway)

FIRST’s top tip: 

Over 2.5 goals (5/4 - Highbet)

3PM

Millwall vs West Brom betting tips 

The Lions didn’t exactly roar during the week, with Coventry making light work of beating Alex Neil’s men. But let’s face it, plenty of teams are going to struggle against the Championship’s top scorers. 

This is a more realistic assignment for the men from The Den. Don’t be surprised if they deliver an improved result. 

It’s been a tricky start to the campaign for Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic, who impressed last season. The Serb, who is averaging 2.97 shots per 90 minutes, is yet to find the net in the Championship. 

Nonetheless his performances have not been without promise, while this looks like a nice opportunity for him to get off the mark. 

Scoreline prediction

Millwall 2 - 1 West Brom (10/1 - 7bet)

FIRST’s top tip:

Mihailo Ivanovic to Score (11/4 - 10bet)

Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough betting tips

Down on the south coast, Portsmouth will take on Middlesbrough in front of a home crowd on Saturday afternoon. The hosts have now gone four games without a win, but their point in midweek against Watford wasn’t a bad one. 

They’re now up against a Boro side that doesn’t exactly blow teams away on the road. 

Don’t be surprised if home-team forward Colby Bishop plays a leading role here. The forward has scored just once so far this season, but he’s been getting into some dangerous positions of late. 

The striker is averaging an eye-catching 0.41 xG, while we shouldn’t forget that this is a man who scored more than a goal every three games last term. 

Scoreline prediction

Portsmouth 1 - 1 Middlesbrough (6/1 - Betway)

FIRST’s top tip:

Colby Bishop to score (12/5 - Coral)

Derby vs Southampton betting tips

During the week, the Rams were rescued by a 79th minute equaliser from Matt Clarke, who nodded home late in the day against Charlton to salvage a point. 

Is this becoming a trend? As John Eustace’s men have had to do in each of their last two games.

Offensively, they’ve huffed and puffed without getting a lot of uptick. But against an open and forward-thinking Southampton team there could be more joy for the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Carlton Morris and the speedy Patrick Agyemang. 

This has the makings of a high-scoring game, and I’m not quite sure that the early market reflects that accurately enough. 

Scoreline prediction

Derby 2 - 2 Southampton (14/1 - Ladbrokes)

FIRST’s top tip:

Over 2.5 goals (5/4 - Mogobet)

Sunday

12:00PM

Ipswich vs Norwich betting tips

Sunday’s Championship menu consists of a single course, but what a course it is as Ipswich and Norwich battle it out in the East Anglian Derby. 

Both teams have shown a decent amount of firepower so far this season. But by the same token neither side has defended with any real solidity, so we could see a few goals scored here, which is what happened when the teams last met at Portman Road. 

Leading the visiting forward line will be Josh Sargent, who looks rather generously priced to find the net. 

Sargent knows all about scoring goals at this level, while he’s a striker in form having bagged five already at the start of this campaign. Averaging 0.65 goals per 90 minutes, the American looks very handy to side while odds of 3/1 are on offer. 

Scoreline prediction

Ipswich 2 - 2 Norwich (14/1 - Highbet)

FIRST’s top tip:

Josh Sargent to score (3/1 - Mogobet)

Rapid fire: Additional bets and quick scoreline predictions

Here are some bet suggestions ahead of the other six Championship fixtures taking place this weekend:

Hull vs Sheffield United 

• Best bet: Tyrese Campbell to score (5/2 - Betway)
• Scoreline prediction: Hull 1 - 2 Sheffield United (9/1 - Ladbrokes)

Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry 

• Best bet: Both teams to score (10/11 - Coral)
• Scoreline prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 2 Coventry (13/2 - Ladbrokes)

Bristol City vs QPR

• Best bet: Both teams to score - NO (11/1 - Coral)
• Scoreline prediction: Bristol City 1 - 0 QPR (7/1 - Mr.Play)

Preston vs Charlton 

• Best bet: Both teams to score (21/20 - Mogobet)
• Scoreline prediction: Preston 1 - 1 Charlton (11/2 - Ladbrokes)

Swansea vs Leicester 

• Best bet: Over 3.0 asian goals (2/1 - Mogobet)
• Scoreline prediction: Swansea 3 - 2 Leicester (33/1 - Betway)

Watford vs Oxford United 

• Best bet: Will Lankshear to score (3/1, Mogobet)
• Scoreline prediction: Watford 1 - 1 Oxford United (11/2 - Coral)

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Odds correct at the time of writing.