Championship Predictions & Odds: Rooney winless in four? Sunderland stay top

Luton vs QPR 

Luton were amongst the favourites to win the title ahead of the start of the Championship season but they have started poorly Rob Edwards’ side are still searching for their first win after three matches.

Their only point came thanks to a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. QPR knocked Luton out of the EFL Cup via a penalty shootout midweek but the Hatters can exact revenge here.

Correct Score: 2-1

Burnley vs Blackburn

Burnley started the season in style but a toothless performance against Sunderland, coupled with several outgoings in the final days of the window has left Scott Parker with work to do. However, the Clarets did the double over Blackburn the last time they were in the Championship, which includes a 3-0 win at Turf Moor.  They are capable of edging past John Eustace’s side here.

Correct Score: 2-1

Cardiff vs Middlesbrough

Cardiff scored late on to draw with Swansea last weekend but face a tough test here. Middlesbrough are without a win in their last three matches across all competitions. They suffered a crushing 5-0 home defeat against Stoke in their last game but their xG paints a prettier picture. Over the course of those three matches, Boro have an xG of 7.11 to their opponents’ 4.07. Michael Carrick’s side recorded a 4-1 win at this ground last season.

Correct Score: 0-1

Coventry vs Norwich 

Coventry have a poor record against Norwich but they are the form team coming into this one.  They are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions but a draw could be on the cards here. The Canaries have drawn their last two league matches. This fixture last season also ended in a draw.

Correct Score: 1-1

Derby vs Bristol City 

Bristol City are unbeaten so far this season, picking up a total of five points from their three matches so far. Derby picked up all three points in their only home game of the season so far but there was an element of good fortune about that win. The Rams had just 29% and 0.50 less xG than Middlesbrough as they ran out 1-0 winners. I’m going for a narrow away win here.

Correct Score: 0-1

Leeds vs Hull

Leeds had to wait for their first win of the season but Daniel Farke will be hoping that can kickstart the campaign. Leeds lost in the playoff final last season and are gunning for promotion once again.  They beat Hull 3-1 at Elland Road back in April and will fancy their chances of securing another win here. The Tigers have drawn all three of their Championship matches thus far but Leeds are their toughest test yet. 

Correct Score: 2-0

Millwall vs Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday have been unpredictable so far this season. Their first game was an impressive 4-0 win over Plymouth. They went on to beat Hull in the EFL Cup before being hammered 4-0 by Sunderland in their next league game. However, they can get the better of a Millwall side that have earned just one point from their three games to this point.

Correct Score: 1-2

Oxford United vs Preston

Oxford United started the season with a win but they have lost both of their matches since then. They were beaten by Coventry and Blackburn in the league. Luckily for Oxford, Preston are without a win in their last six Championship matches on the road dating back to last season. Therefore, I’m tipping Des Buckingham’s side to emerge victorious with the team impressing in their home league game of the campaign so far when they beat Norwich 2-0.

Correct Score: 1-0 

Plymouth vs Stoke

Plymouth have the worst xG difference in the Championship after three matches with -1.13. They’ve picked up two points so far but they were fortunate to get 
the draw in their last outing against QPR. Argyle scored with their only shot on target while their opponents finished the game with an xG of 2.17. Stoke will be full of confidence after their 5-0 away win over Boro in the cup so we could see another away triumph here.

Correct Score: 1-2

Portsmouth vs Sunderland

Sunderland boast a 100% record after three matches and are yet to concede a goal. Jack Clarke is big loss but the Black Cats showed they can slug it with the best of them when they beat Burnley 1-0 in their last league game. The Clarets created next to nothing in that game with Anthony Patterson making just one save in the Sunderland goals. Regis Le Bris’ side should have enough to earn an away win against a Portsmouth side still searching for their first win upon their return to the Championship.

Correct Score: 0-1

West Brom vs Cardiff

Swansea looked as though they might blow Cardiff away in the first half of the South Wales Derby last weekend but they were pegged back late on. Under Luke Williams, the Swans are scoring an average of 1.27 goals and conceding the same amount in their away matches so this one promises to be a tight affair. Four of those 11 matches on the road have ended all square. West Brom’s last game at the Hawthorns was also a draw.

Correct Score: 1-1

Sheffield United vs Watford 

Sheffield United have one win and two draws from their opening three matches but their two points deduction means they are sat in 11th place.  They face another unbeaten side in the form of Watford but home advantage can help the Blades get the better of their opponents here. Chris Wilder’s side ran out 1-0 victors the last time they host the Hornets.

Correct Score: 2-1