We pick out the three best bets from tomorrow's 3pm kick offs and combine them to make a 9/1 accumulator.
The Championship returns this weekend and it's arguably the most intriguing second-tier campaign in years. West Ham and Burnley renew their rivalry at Turf Moor, while an all-Welsh derby sees Cardiff host Wrexham to close out the round. With parachute payments fuelling three of the favourites and the play-offs expanding to six teams for the first time, the opening set of fixtures sets the tone for a Championship season packed with quality and unpredictability.
Championship Game Week 1 Accumulator Tip
- Portsmouth vs QPR - DRAW
- Middlesbrough vs Lincoln - Middlesbrough -1 Asian Handicap
- Norwich vs West Brom - Norwich Win
Best price 9/1 with Unibet.
Portsmouth vs QPR - DRAW
I’m leaning towards the draw here. There was very little between these sides last season, with QPR finishing only three points above Portsmouth, and both arrive after disappointing EFL Cup exits. Fratton Park has also been a difficult venue for the visitors, who have not won there since 2000, while four of the last five meetings between these clubs on the south coast have ended level. Portsmouth tend to be competitive at home and QPR are still integrating several new signings, so this has the look of a tight opening-weekend contest where neither side does enough to pull clear.
Middlesbrough vs Lincoln - Middlesbrough -1 Asian Handicap
I like Middlesbrough -1 Asian Handicap here. Boro have been a consistent top-half Championship side for years and were genuine automatic-promotion contenders for much of last season before their late collapse and a play-off final loss. They have started the new campaign with a confidence-boosting 1-0 win over fellow Championship side Wrexham, while new striker Will Lankshear made an immediate impact with the winning goal. Lincoln arrive after an outstanding League One season, but this is their first Championship match in 65 years and it comes after a disruptive summer that saw promotion-winning manager Michael Skubala depart along with key player Jack Moylan. The gap in squad quality, experience and resources is significant, and with Middlesbrough expected to dominate at the Riverside, a win by two or more goals looks very achievable.
Norwich vs West Brom - Norwich Win
I’m leaning towards a Norwich home win here. Philippe Clement transformed the Canaries after arriving last season, with their points return jumping from 0.91 per game in the first half of the campaign to 1.91 in the second, which is promotion-level form. They have carried that momentum into the new season with a 4-1 EFL Cup win over MK Dons, while key attacker Mohamed Toure is back after contributing nine goals and three assists in just 11 Championship appearances last term. Norwich have also had the better of recent meetings with West Brom, winning 5-0 and 3-1 in their two clashes during 2026, and with Albion taking only 19 away points last season, Carrow Road looks a tough opening assignment for the visitors.
