Championship Predictions: Rooney to lose opener? Who will start with a win?

Blackburn vs Derby

Blackburn host a newly-promoted Derby on Friday night. John Eustace’s side should have enough to start their campaign with a win and build on a solid pre-season. Rovers have won their last four games against the Rams, scoring 11 goals in the process. 

This is the perfect opportunity for John Eustace to snatch his first win at Ewood Park as Blackburn boss.

Correct Score: 2-1

Preston vs Sheffield United

Sheffield United face a tricky trip to Preston upon their return to the Championship but they should have enough to get the job done. The Blades are unbeaten in their five pre-season matches, putting their Premier League nightmare behind them. 

They haven’t lost any of their last seven against PNE and Chris Wilder has experience of leading United to glory in this division.

Correct Score: 1-2

Leeds vs Portsmouth

Leeds United missed out on promotion when they lost the play-off final against Southampton but they are the favourites to win the league this term. Daniel Farke has lost some big players but his side will take some stopping. 

Leeds had the lowest xGA (expected goals against) in the Championship last season with an average of 0.82 per game. They also had one of the most formidable attacks, scoring an average of 1.73 goals per game.

Correct Score: 2-0

Cardiff vs Sunderland

Cardiff finished 12th last season and they take on a Sunderland side who are aiming for promotion here. The Bluebirds have undoubtedly made progress under Bulut but there are several question marks surrounding them ahead of this campaign. 

The Black Cats were poor on the road last season, winning just six of their 23 away games. With very little to split the teams, a draw is a distinct possibility.

Correct Score: 1-1

Middlesbrough vs Swansea

Middlesbrough look set for a productive season under Michael Carrick. They made the playoffs in the manager's first season but failed to make the top six last term having lost several key players. 

Boro should be amongst the front runners this time and they finished last season in fine fettle, losing just once in their last six matches. Swansea haven’t beaten Middlesbrough in their last six attempts.

Correct Score: 2-0

Oxford United vs Norwich

Oxford United earned promotion via the play-offs last season. They have home advantage for their opening game of the season but Norwich look the most likely victors. 

The Canaries were beaten in the playoffs last season and were dangerous going forward. They scored an average of 1.65 goals per game. Norwich’s attacking firepower should be enough to get them over the line here.

Correct Score: 1-2

Hull vs Bristol City

Hull Just missed out on the play-offs last season and they harbour ambitions of competing for a top-six berth once again. However, the Tigers have lost some big players in the transfer window and not a lot of the money received has been reinvested. 

Three of the last five meetings between these sides in Hull have ended in a draw so that’s the prediction here.

Correct Score: 1-1

QPR vs West Brom

West Brom have been taken over and there is a sense of optimism surrounding the club. Nevertheless, their pre-season form has been poor and it could take some time before changes are felt on the pitch. This fixture ended in a 2-2 draw last season and we should see a hard-fought contest once again.

Correct Score: 2-2

Stoke vs Coventry

Stoke finished in the bottom half of the table once again last season. They haven’t mounted a challenge to return to the Premier League since being relegated and there is no indication they will do that this time around. 

Coventry’s poor form at the back end of last season saw them finish outside of the play-offs but they can make a winning start here. The Sky Blues have won three of their four matches at the Britannia since being promoted.

Correct Score: 1-2

Millwall vs Watford

Millwall finished 13th last season after turning to Neil Harris. The Den remains a fortress and they are unbeaten in their six matches in front of their own fans since Harris returned to the club. 

Over the course of those six matches, they have conceded an average of just 0.33 goals per game. Watford have failed to score on their last four visits to this ground and lost three of those.

Correct Score: 1-0

Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth

Sheffield Wednesday were destined to go down last season but Danny Rohl came in and changed the club’s fortunes. The team finished three points clear of relegation despite they made the worst-ever start to a season in the second tier. 

The Owls won eight of their last 15 matches and should have the edge over Plymouth here. Argyle won just three of their 23 away matches in the league last season. 

Correct Score: 2-1

Luton vs Burnley

Luton put up more of a fight than Burnley in the Premier League last season but the Championship is a different kettle of fish. These teams drew 1-1 when they met back in January and you’d be hard-pressed to pick a winner once again.  A draw looks to be the best bet here.

Correct Score: 1-1