As the 2025/26 Championship season kicks off, punters are on the lookout for early value, and Oddschecker+ has done the hard work for you.

Using advanced AI that analyses 125 million daily price changes and runs over 100 million weekly simulations, our Value Bets tool identifies betting opportunities where the odds don't reflect the true probability.

We've picked out five standout selections for the opening weekend, each offering positive Expected Value (EV), meaning they could deliver long-term profit when backed consistently.

From bookings to goalscorers, here are five smart bets to consider.

 

Championship Football Tips

Olaf Kobacki - To Be Shown A Card

Olaf Kobacki picked up just one card last season in 12 appearances however, he played very few minutes due to injury. The season before in the Polish league he picked up nine cards in 34 games. You can expect increased involvement this season with Sheffield Wednesday's financial issues.

He has an implied probability of 15% to get a card but our AI tool suggests there is value to be had here, giving it a 32% probability. This equates to an EV (Expected Value) of 115%.

Bilal El Khannouss - Anytime Goalscorer

Bilal El Khannouss only managed to find the net twice in the Premier League last season, however, he did average 1.24 shots per game and we should see him play with more attacking freedom in the Championship where Leicester should dominate games.

He has an implied probability of 20% to score but our AI tool suggests there is value to be had here, giving it a 43% probability. This equates to an EV (Expected Value) of 112%.

Morgan Whittaker - Anytime Goalscorer

Morgan Whittaker's Middlesbrough career didn't get off to the start he would have wanted when joining in January last season from Plymouth - failing to score in 16 appearances. With a new manager at the helm he can start fresh and show some of the form he did in his 19 goal season in 2023/24.

 

He has an implied probability of 17% to score but our AI tool suggests there is value to be had here, giving it a 34% probability. This equates to an EV (Expected Value) of 105%.

Jannik Vestergaard - To Be Shown A Card

Jannis Vestergaard played just 1296 minutes in 16 appearances last season in the Premier League and picked up five yellow cards (0.32 cards per 90). The increased physicality of the Championship might see this number increase.

He has an implied probability of 13% to shown a card but our AI tool suggests there is value to be had here, giving it a 26% probability. This equates to an EV (Expected Value) of 97%.

Matt Crooks - To Be Shown A Card

Matt Crooks joined Hull from Salt Lake City last season, where he had already picked up 8 yellows in 31 games. He picked up a further three yellows and one red for Hull in 18 appearances

He has an implied probability of 18% to shown a card but our AI tool suggests there is value to be had here, giving it a 35% probability. This equates to an EV (Expected Value) of 91%.