Championship Predictions

Weekly Championship Betting Tips

Below you’ll find our weekly Championship tips across the most important football betting markets, including Correct Score, BTTS, Over/Under 1.5 Goals, Total Shots on Target, and Match Result.

Championship Betting Tips

Match	Betting tips
MiddlesbroughIpswich17/10/2025, 20:00	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win
SouthamptonSwansea18/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 2-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Home Win
QPRMillwall18/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
Oxford UnitedDerby18/10/2025, 12:30	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
West BromwichPreston18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
Stoke CityWrexham18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 7.5 Match Result: Home Win
Sheffield UnitedWatford18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
NorwichBristol City18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win
CoventryBlackburn Rovers18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-1 BTTS: Yes Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Draw
CharltonSheffield Wednesday18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 2-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: Yes Total SoT: Over 4.5 Match Result: Home Win
Birmingham CityHull City18/10/2025, 15:00	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win
LeicesterPortsmouth18/10/2025, 19:45	Correct Score: 1-0 BTTS: No Over 1.5 Goals: No Total SoT: Over 2.5 Match Result: Home Win

Championship Outrights Tips for 2025/2026 season

Outright betting in the Championship involves predicting season-long outcomes such as which team will win the league, earn promotion, qualify for the play-offs, or face relegation, rather than the result of a single match. These bets use fixed odds and are often placed before the season begins, though markets remain open to reflect developments like managerial changes or key injuries. Because stakes are tied up for months, outright betting requires careful research, timing, and bankroll management, with the most common markets including To Win the League, To Be Relegated, and To Win the Golden Boot.

Below are our expert predictions for the 2025/2026 Championship season.

Who is most likely to win the Championship this season?

Ipswich Town currently hold the shortest odds to win the 2025/26 Championship, priced at 9/2 (18.2%), with Southampton close behind at 13/2 (13.3%). Both clubs are well regarded by bookmakers after strong recent campaigns and solid recruitment. Yet in our view, Leicester City at 11/1 (8.3%) are the most convincing candidate to win the EFL Championship this season. Their retained core, home strength, and smart additions under Martí Cifuentes give them a stronger title-winning profile than the odds suggest.

More information about the 3 most likely candidates to win the Championship this season is given below.

1. Leicester City (11/1, 8.3%). Leicester City are our top choice to win the Championship this season. Despite last year’s relegation from the Premier League, the club kept hold of several important players and avoided the kind of fire sale that usually undermines relegated sides. Leicester’s home record remains a major strength, as the King Power Stadium has consistently been a fortress at this level. The arrival of Asmir Begović, an experienced goalkeeper with years of Premier League experience, provides a steadying presence in goal. With Martí Cifuentes instilling a pragmatic structure, Leicester look well set to balance defensive resilience with attacking options, giving them a stronger chance to win the Championship than their odds suggest.
2. Ipswich Town (9/2, 18.2%). Ipswich Town are the second-strongest candidates to win the Championship in 2025/26. Under Kieran McKenna, they stormed to automatic promotion in 2023/24 with 96 points and return to the league with much of that squad intact. Reinforcements such as Azor Matusiwa in midfield and Cédric Kipré in defence strengthen an already disciplined system. Their continuity in management and squad chemistry make them a consistent threat as victors across a long Championship season.
3. Southampton (13/2, 13.3%). Southampton are the third most likely winners of the Championship this season. Will Still’s appointment as coach has brought energy and a clear tactical identity centred on fast attacking transitions. Signings like Damion Downs from Köln and Joshua Quarshie from Hoffenheim fit that philosophy, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis remains an anchor at the back. After their struggles in the Premier League, a reset in style and squad profile makes them a serious automatic promotion candidate.

Other likely candidates to win the EFL Championship in 2025/26 include Coventry City at 6/1 (14.3%). They narrowly missed out on promotion last season and continue to build under Mark Robins with a settled squad and a proven attacking style. Birmingham City are priced at 15/2 (11.8%). The club has invested heavily in youth and depth since their return from League One, making them an intriguing dark horse contender for the Championship title.

Who is most likely to finish Top 4 in the Championship?

Based on current betting odds and team strength, the top contenders to finish in the Top 4 of the 2025/26 Championship are Ipswich Town (9/2, 25%), Southampton (13/2, 13.3%), Birmingham City (15/2, 11.8%), and Leicester City (11/1, 8.3%). These teams are the top contenders to secure a Top 4 finish on the basis of recent form, recruitment strategy, squad continuity, and managerial influence.

More detail on the four teams most likely to finish Top 4 in the Championship this season each follows below.

• Ipswich Town (9/2, 25%). Ipswich Town stand out as the favourites for a Top 4 finish this season. Despite their recent relegation, they kept their promotion-winning squad largely intact and retained Kieran McKenna as manager, a figure who oversaw consecutive promotions and was awarded EFL Championship Manager of the Season. Their cohesion, league-winning mentality, and squad depth give them the consistency needed to navigate the long Championship campaign effectively.
• Southampton (13/2, 13.3%). Southampton re-enter the Championship with a clear identity, having recruited smartly under new head coach Will Still. Additions like Damion Downs and Joshua Quarshie complement Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the back. Their tactical style of fast attacking transitions aligns with the physical and hectic nature of the second tier, while St Mary’s has the potential to become a daunting fortress, positioning the Saints squarely within the race for Top 4 placement.
• Birmingham City (15/2, 11.8%). Fresh from a dominant League One title campaign, Birmingham City bring momentum and ambition to the Championship. Their approach to recruitment shows clear ambition, highlighted by the signing of former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi and defensive reinforcements aimed at raising their level. The club’s profile has grown further with backing from a high-profile ownership group that includes former NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Combined with the winning culture established last season and the vibrant home atmosphere at St Andrew’s, Birmingham enter the campaign as dark-horse contenders for a Top 4 finish in the Championship.
• Leicester City (11/1, 8.3%). Leicester City are strong contenders to secure a Top 4 Championship finish, built on stability and experience. They maintained a core of key players after relegation and bolstered their already formidable home advantage at the King Power Stadium with the addition of veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begović. Under new manager Martí Cifuentes, the team has adopted a pragmatic, defensively solid structure that balances resilience with attacking intent, making Leicester a balanced and consistent candidate for one of the automatic Championship promotion spots.

Other possible contenders to a Top 4 finish in the EFL Championship include Coventry City (6/1, 14.3%), who were play-off finalists in 2023 and continue to progress under Frank Lampard with a stable core of players; Wrexham (6/1, 14.3%), who have achieved successive promotions under Phil Parkinson and benefit from strong investment off the pitch; and Sheffield United (8/1, 11.1%), recently relegated from the Premier League and still carrying several top-flight calibre players despite budget constraints.

Who is most likely to relegate in the Championship this season?

Sheffield Wednesday are the team widely considered most likely to be relegated from the Championship in 2025/26, priced by most major bookmakers at 1/5 (83%). Their squad has been weakened by financial turmoil, poor recruitment, and the loss of several key players, leaving them badly exposed in a competitive division. The clubs deemed second and third most at risk of relegation are Oxford United at 11/8 (42%) and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) at 5/2 (29%).

An overview of the 3 most likely Championship teams at risk of relegation in 2025/26 follows below.

• Sheffield Wednesday (1/5, 83%). Sheffield Wednesday are projected as the Championship club most at risk of relegation in 2025/26, with bookmakers strongly favouring them for the drop. The club’s financial crisis has dominated the summer, with unpaid wages, ownership turmoil, and failed takeover talks leaving manager recruitment and squad planning in chaos. Dozens of first-team regulars have left, including attackers Josh Windass and Michael Smith, winger Djeidi Gassama, forward Anthony Musaba, and centre-back Michael Ihiekwe, leaving a paper-thin squad short of quality. Combined with instability off the pitch and fan unrest at Hillsborough, Wednesday appear ill-equipped to survive another Championship campaign.
• Oxford United (11/8, 42%). Oxford United are ranked the second most vulnerable side to relegation in the Championship. Their odds reflect growing concern that a lack of meaningful squad strengthening has left them exposed. Only two new permanent signings arrived (Brian De Keersmaecker and Brodie Spencer) while departures of Josh McEachran, Idris El Mizouni, and Ruben Rodrigues stripped away valuable depth. Oxford’s away form was already fragile last season, and without a proven attacking outlet, they risk being dragged into the relegation battle again. The sense is that survival hinges on over-performance from a squad that looks stretched for the demands of a 46-game campaign.
• Queens Park Rangers (5/2, 29%). QPR are the third most likely Championship club to face relegation this season. The Hoops have struggled in front of goal and now head into 2025/26 without several key names, including Charlie Kelman, Kenneth Paal, and Morgan Fox. Manager Julien Stéphan has yet to find a settled system that delivers consistency, and their away record remains a major liability in tight matches. With defensive frailties and attacking deficiencies both unresolved, bookmakers see QPR as a strong candidate for relegation from the Championship.

Other notable forecasts on which clubs will finish in the bottom three of the Championship include odds for Sunderland to avoid automatic demotion to League One for the following season. Other likely candidates for relegation beyond Sheffield Wednesday, Oxford, and QPR include Hull City at 4/1 (20%), Blackburn at 5/1 (17%), and Charlton at 5/1 (17%). Derby at 7/1 (12%) and Portsmouth at 8/1 (11%) are rated as outsiders, while Preston are given a slimmer chance at 6/1 (14%).

Who is most likely to finish as Topscorer in the Championship this season?

Bookmakers rank Josh Sargent as the favourite to finish as Topscorer in the Championship and win the Golden Boot in 2025/26, pricing him at 4/1 (20%). His sharp start to the season and his proven track record at Norwich City, where he has consistently delivered goals, make him the clear statistical frontrunner. Yet in our view, Jay Stansfield at 14/1 (7.1%) is even more viable as Topscorer, stepping into Birmingham City’s number nine role with strong home form behind him and a point to prove after an outstanding promotion campaign.

More information on the top 2 candidates for Topscorer in the Championship this season follows below.

• Jay Stansfield (14/1, 7.1%). Stansfield is our personal top choice for most likely to finish Top Scorer in the Championship 2025/26 season because he has become the undisputed focal point in a Birmingham City side widely tipped for promotion. Last year he led the line in League One, finishing as the division’s top scorer with 19 goals, and his progress has continued seamlessly into the new season. Birmingham are scoring freely at St Andrew’s, and Stansfield’s role as the primary target man ensures he receives a constant supply of chances. His movement and instinct in the box are complemented by the creative midfield behind him, giving him the platform to replicate his League One success at a higher level. Having proven his worth during preseason and in early league fixtures, Stansfield is ready to establish himself as the Championship Topscorer this season.
• Josh Sargent (4/1, 20%). Sargent remains the bookmakers’ favourite for Topscorer at 4/1 (20%) and stands as a formidable challenger for the Championship Golden Boot in 2025/26. The American striker has already shown excellent form, scoring five goals in his first four league games, and comes off a 15-goal campaign last year that underlined his growing influence at Norwich City. Since arriving in England, Sargent has adapted his game to thrive as both a hard-working forward and a reliable finisher, making him integral to Norwich’s attacking play. His sharpness in front of goal has attracted attention from the U.S. national team setup, which only adds to his motivation. Norwich have built their system around his pressing and finishing, and with the team pushing for promotion, Sargent is expected to continue generating high-quality scoring opportunities. This combination of current form, confidence, and tactical importance justifies his position as favourite to finish as Topscorer in the Championship, even if we see Stansfield as the more compelling pick.

In the Championship, the Topscorer is the player who records the highest number of goals over the course of the league season. Other likely contenders to finish as Championship top scorer in 2025/26 include Haji Wright at 8/1 (11.1%), who leads the line for Coventry City and provides a consistent aerial threat, George Hirst at 16/1 (5.9%), Ipswich’s poacher with a reputation for scoring in big games, and Cameron Archer at 20/1 (4.8%).

Who is most likely to deliver the most Assists in the EFL Championship?

Portsmouth winger Josh Murphy is the leading candidate to top the Championship assist charts this season. He finished the 2024/25 campaign joint-first in the league with 14 assists, a tally that highlighted his consistent end product across 42 matches. His creative role at Pompey is secure under John Mousinho, and with Manor Solomon (one of his closest rivals in this metric) no longer playing in the Championship, Murphy faces less competition for the assist crown. His combination of pace, vision, and crossing ability makes him the focal point of Portsmouth’s chance creation, particularly in matches at Fratton Park where the Blues tend to dominate possession.

Murphy’s broader profile strengthens his case for finishing as the Championship’s top assist provider in 2025/26. He has proven remarkably durable over the last two seasons, missing very few games and only dealing with minor muscle issues that kept him out briefly. That reliability means he is almost always available to contribute across a demanding 46-game schedule, something many creative midfielders and wingers struggle to maintain. Statistically, Murphy not only delivered 14 assists but ranked among the top players for key passes and expected assists (xA) in the division as well, showing that his numbers were backed by consistent creativity rather than short-term form. With Portsmouth continuing to build on their stability in the Championship, Murphy stands out as the player most likely to once again lead the league in assists.

EFL Championship Betting Stats and Data

To support your Championship tips and betting decisions, FootballPredictions.com tracks five years of historical Championship statistics. These long-term trends provide the foundation for our weekly predictions across the Championship’s key markets.

Championship Regular Season

Championship Results

Championship Fixtures

What are Championship Predictions?

Championship predictions are expert assessments of likely outcomes in England’s second tier, the EFL Championship. These predictions cover a broad set of betting markets, from single-match outcomes such as winners, both teams to score, and total goals, to longer-term wagers like who will secure promotion, who will drop into League One, and which players will lead the competition in goals or assists. Instead of speculation, these forecasts draw on data-driven models, tactical evaluations, and the latest squad updates.

Supporters, bettors, and analysts use Championship predictions to navigate one of the most unpredictable leagues in world football. With 24 clubs competing across a 46-game season, the division produces high turnover in form, demanding analysis that takes into account team momentum, managerial approaches, player fitness, and historic head-to-head trends.

How are Championship Predictions determined?

At FootballPredictions.com, our experts deliver the UK’s most accurate Championship predictions through a structured process that blends statistical modelling, tactical scouting, and market evaluation, tailored to the unique volatility of England’s second tier.

The six key steps required to reach Championship predictions and tips are:

• Framing the fixture
• Measuring form and underlying numbers
• Translating availability into tactical impact
• Factoring in home/away performance and rivalries
• Validating data with match footage
• Aligning analysis with markets

1. Framing the fixture. The first step when it comes to coming up with accurate Championship predictions is to frame the match in context. We log essential details such as teams, competition, kick-off time, stadium, travel load, and weather, but go further by quantifying what is at stake. The Championship runs 46 games over nine months, which means fixture congestion is constant and context is decisive. For example, Swansea City has among the highest total away-mileage this season, so a long away trip followed by another midweek match is likely to carry a greater fatigue cost than a short local derby such as the Steel City Derby between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. Without this grounding, predictions risk drifting away from the competitive reality of the Championship.
2. Measuring form and underlying numbers. The second step of crafting highest quality football predictions is assessing performance momentum via form analysis and looking at key data. Raw results alone are not a reliable indicator in the Championship, where more than 40% of matches are decided by a single goal and outcomes often hinge on fine margins. To achieve accuracy, we compare recent results with deeper indicators such as expected goals (xG), shot quality, and defensive chance prevention. A team that wins four consecutive matches while recording a negative xG balance is identified as overperforming, while a side on a losing streak but creating more chances than it concedes is often expected to improve. This distinction between underlying performance and surface results is essential when producing reliable predictions for the Championship.
3. Translating availability into tactical impact. Once form and key numbers have been reviewed, the next priority is to integrate team news into tactical consequences. When squads often thinner than in the Premier League, the absence of one starter has outsized impact. A missing centre-forward reduces aerial threat from set pieces, while the return of a first-choice goalkeeper often swings goals-prevented figures by several points over a season. Instead of just logging who is in and who is out, we model how these changes affect pressing success, transition efficiency, and defensive solidity. By doing this, predictions better reflect the realities of team strength in the Championship.
4. Factoring in home/away performance and rivalries. Analysing venue factors and historic rivalries adds another essential layer to Championship predictions. Championship teams frequently show stark home/away splits. For example, in the 2022/23 season Millwall collected 46 points at home but only 26 away, a gap of nearly 20 points that demonstrates how results at The Den were far stronger than on the road. We measure a home side’s record against the visitor’s away record, then layer in head-to-head history at that venue. Long-running rivalries, such as Ipswich Town vs Norwich City, where the East Anglian derby has historically produced low-scoring encounters, provide predictive value even when current form is less decisive. Accounting for these effects makes predictions more accurate for the Championship.
5. Validating data with match footage. Next, we test raw numbers against what actually happens on the pitch. Reviewing recent matches highlights pressing triggers, defensive rest shapes, and set-piece execution that raw numbers may mask. For example, a spike in xG conceded might stem from two set-piece lapses rather than systemic defending issues. Conversely, tape reveals when a striker’s finishing streak is backed by movement and positioning, not luck. This process ensures our football predictions are grounded in what actually happens on the pitch in the Championship.
6. Aligning analysis with markets. After statistical and tactical work, predictions are tested against bookmaker odds. We convert odds to implied probabilities and check them against our calculated win/draw/loss percentages. Where discrepancies appear, we highlight value, whether in match outcomes, goal ranges, or BTTS lines. Given the volatility of the Championship, markets often overreact to short-term streaks; our process identifies where data suggests longer-term stability. By comparing market perception with analytical reality, we deliver predictions with a proven edge in the Championship.

When are Championship Predictions released?

Championship predictions are released twice a week, every Monday at 13:30 PM London Time and again on midweek matchdays at 13:30 PM London Time, the day after the previous round of fixtures has been completed. This release schedule ensures that Championship forecasts are always anchored in the most recent results, player availability updates, and tactical shifts across the league.

The objective of Championship predictions is to provide tips that are both timely and trustworthy. Each forecast is published only after every game has been reviewed in detail and cross-checked by our experts, which guarantees that readers receive predictions supported by evidence rather than speculation. For those looking for forecasts on matches played the same day, the Football Predictions page carries the most up-to-date Championship predictions, reflecting any late changes.

What are the most appealing Betting Markets to bet on for the Championship?

The most appealing betting markets for the Championship are Match Result, Both Teams to Score (BTTS), and Over/Under 2.5 Goals. These markets combine long-term statistical stability with the unpredictability that makes Championship football such a unique betting environment. Bettors are drawn to them not only for their popularity but also because five-year league data provides consistent reference points that highlight where value may be found.

More detail on the 3 most appealing betting markets for the Championship based on five-year league data is given below.

• Match Result (Home Win, Draw, Away Win). The Match Result market, or 1X2 market, is the foundation of betting on Championship matches. It basically requires predicting whether a game will end in a home win, draw, or away win. Over the past five seasons, Championship fixtures have seen home wins in 41–46% of games, draws in 23–28%, and away wins in 26–34%. The numbers show a clear home-field edge compared to the Premier League, with stadiums such as The Den often providing decisive support. This balance of outcomes makes Match Result wagers central to Championship predictions, offering bettors a straightforward but data-backed way to engage with the league.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS). Another exciting market for Championship bets is Both Teams to Score. BTTS is settled on whether each side finds the net during a match, and Championship games frequently deliver on this front. Across the last five years, BTTS has landed between 45% and 52% of Championship matches, including 50% in the last season. The high frequency of narrow scorelines and open attacking play across mid-table clashes keeps this market active. Another reason Championship bettors are drawn to BTTS is that data shows streaks of BTTS hits often cluster, especially in teams that combine strong attacks with leaky defences. This blend of reliability and variance makes BTTS a natural favourite for Championship predictions.
• Over 2.5 Goals. Another exciting market for Championship bets is the Over/Under goals market, with the most common benchmark being Over 2.5. This requires at least three goals scored in a match. Over the last five campaigns, Championship games have averaged 2.31 to 2.68 goals per match, with Over 2.5 landing in 41–52% of fixtures. The 2023/24 season was particularly high scoring, hitting 52%, while 2024/25 settled back at 44%. This long-term variance illustrates why Over 2.5 Goals remains an appealing option for Championship punters — it is influenced both by tactical approaches (such as sides pressing high or favouring transition play) and by fixture congestion leading to defensive lapses. Its consistent presence across multiple seasons makes it one of the most trusted staples of the betting markets.

The table below summarises the key Championship outcomes from the past five seasons across the three main betting markets.

Championship 2025/2026 Season Guide

The Championship 2025/26 season is the 34th campaign under the current EFL divisional structure and features 24 clubs playing 46 matches each, for a total of 552 fixtures. The league began on 8 August 2025 and runs through 2 May 2026, with a packed calendar that blends weekend, midweek, and bank-holiday rounds. Broadcast coverage is extensive under the new EFL deal, with every club shown live 20+ times across Sky Sports+, giving supporters consistent visibility from August through spring.

The sections below outline the Championship competition format and the key dates that frame this season.

Championship Season Guide

The Championship 2025/26 season is the 34th campaign under the current EFL divisional structure and features 24 clubs playing 46 matches each, for a total of 552 fixtures. The league began on 8 August 2025 and runs through 2 May 2026, with a packed calendar that blends weekend, midweek, and bank-holiday rounds. Broadcast coverage is extensive under the new EFL deal, with every club shown live 20+ times across Sky Sports+, giving supporters consistent visibility from August through spring.

The sections below outline the Championship competition format and the key dates that frame this season.

What Is the Format of the Championship 2025/26 Season?

The Championship uses a double round-robin format – each of the 24 clubs plays every other club twice, once at home and once away, producing 46 league matches per team and 552 in total. Standard points apply – three for a win, one for a draw, none for a loss, with ties on points broken by goal difference, then goals scored (and further tie-breakers if required). The top two teams earn automatic promotion to the Premier League, while clubs finishing 3rd to 6th enter the play-offs to decide the third promoted side. The bottom three are relegated to League One.

For 2025/26, the Championship season is organised into 33 weekend rounds, 9 midweek rounds, and 4 bank-holiday rounds. This structure is designed to spread 46 games across the calendar while leaving room for domestic cup competitions and FIFA international breaks. The new campaign features Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton returning from the Premier League, while Birmingham City, Wrexham, and Charlton Athletic arrive from League One. These changes significantly reshape the promotion race and play-off picture, underlining the Championship’s reputation as one of the most competitive divisions in football.

The sections below set out the structure of the Championship, explain how fixtures are organised across the campaign, and highlight the most important dates that shape the current season.

What Are the Start & End Dates for Championship 2025/26?

The 2025/26 Championship season kicked off on Friday 8 August 2025 with Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town, followed by a full slate across the opening weekend. The regular season concludes on the weekend of 2–3 May 2026, after which the promotion play-offs begin.
The Championship Play-Off Final is scheduled for Saturday 23 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium, determining the third club promoted alongside the top two from the regular season. This timeline provides a clear arc from the August opening night through the early-May run-in and culminates with the final in May for a Premier League place.

Championship Season Guide

The Championship 2025/26 season is the 34th campaign under the current EFL divisional structure and features 24 clubs playing 46 matches each, for a total of 552 fixtures. The league began on 8 August 2025 and runs through 2 May 2026, with a packed calendar that blends weekend, midweek, and bank-holiday rounds. Broadcast coverage is extensive under the new EFL deal, with every club shown live 20+ times across Sky Sports+, giving supporters consistent visibility from August through spring.

The sections below outline the Championship competition format and the key dates that frame this season.

What Is the Format of the Championship 2025/26 Season?

The Championship uses a double round-robin format – each of the 24 clubs plays every other club twice, once at home and once away, producing 46 league matches per team and 552 in total. Standard points apply – three for a win, one for a draw, none for a loss, with ties on points broken by goal difference, then goals scored (and further tie-breakers if required). The top two teams earn automatic promotion to the Premier League, while clubs finishing 3rd to 6th enter the play-offs to decide the third promoted side. The bottom three are relegated to League One.

For 2025/26, the Championship season is organised into 33 weekend rounds, 9 midweek rounds, and 4 bank-holiday rounds. This structure is designed to spread 46 games across the calendar while leaving room for domestic cup competitions and FIFA international breaks. The new campaign features Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton returning from the Premier League, while Birmingham City, Wrexham, and Charlton Athletic arrive from League One. These changes significantly reshape the promotion race and play-off picture, underlining the Championship’s reputation as one of the most competitive divisions in football.

The sections below set out the structure of the Championship, explain how fixtures are organised across the campaign, and highlight the most important dates that shape the current season.

What Are the Start & End Dates for Championship 2025/26?

The 2025/26 Championship season kicked off on Friday 8 August 2025 with Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town, followed by a full slate across the opening weekend. The regular season concludes on the weekend of 2–3 May 2026, after which the promotion play-offs begin.
The Championship Play-Off Final is scheduled for Saturday 23 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium, determining the third club promoted alongside the top two from the regular season. This timeline provides a clear arc from the August opening night through the early-May run-in and culminates with the final in May for a Premier League place.

How Are Championship Fixtures built up?

Championship fixtures are built up by giving each club 23 home and 23 away matches, arranged in a way that balances sporting fairness, broadcasting requirements, and logistical considerations. Championship fixtures are structured on a double round-robin system where 24 clubs face each other home and away for a total of 46 league matches. The English Football League works with broadcasters to distribute matches across weekends and midweeks, while local authorities ensure that nearby clubs are not both scheduled at home on the same day and that intense derbies receive appropriate kick-off times. The 2025/26 season includes a major increase in live coverage with every club guaranteed more than 20 televised matches under the new Sky Sports Plus agreement.

The 2025–26 Championship began on the weekend of 8–10 August 2025 and runs until the final round of fixtures on 2–3 May 2026. The play-off final is scheduled for 23 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium. Television selections are announced in advance in long blocks that stretch through to the new year so that clubs and supporters receive significant notice. Fixture planning respects FA Cup weekends, which are dedicated to the oldest knockout competition in English football, as well as Carabao Cup rounds, the domestic cup tournament for clubs across the EFL and Premier League. International breaks are built into the calendar too, which explains the pattern of concentrated midweek rounds and varied kick-off times. Together these elements show how Championship scheduling is designed to balance domestic priorities with the demands of broadcasting and supporter safety.

Which are the Best Bookmakers for Championship Betting?

The best bookmakers online for Championship betting are those that combine strong odds, a wide range of markets, and promotions tailored to England’s second tier, while delivering reliable in-play features and user-friendly mobile platforms. By this criteria, our picks for the best Championship bookmakers are bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill, and 888sport.

More information about the 4 best bookmakers for Championship betting is given below.

• Bet365. bet365 is widely regarded as the most complete bookmaker for Championship betting. They provide early access to outright markets, meaning users place wagers on promotion or title winners as soon as fixtures are confirmed. Their Cash Out feature lets bettors settle a wager before the match or season outcome is final. This option is especially useful in the Championship, where games often swing late and results are unpredictable. Cash Out supports both full and partial settlements, which helps protect profit or reduce loss. In addition to all these features, bet365’s Bet Builder and live streaming of matches give bettors more control and context when choosing their wagers.
• Sky Bet. Sky Bet is the official partner of the Championship and offers deep coverage of matches throughout the season. They provide frequent odds boosts and promotions tied to high-profile fixtures, which makes them attractive for those following week to week. Their Bet Builder allows bettors to combine multiple markets such as goals, scorers, and match results into one wager. This feature is particularly effective in the Championship, where many fans prefer to build bets around individual team trends. The Sky Bet Club rewards regular users with free bets each week, which adds long-term value for those betting consistently on Championship football.
• William Hill. William Hill is one of the most reliable bookmakers for accumulator betting on the Championship. Their Acca Freedom promotion gives bettors a choice – either boost the odds on accumulator wins of three or more legs or insure accumulators of five or more legs with money back as a free bet if one selection loses. This structure makes Championship betting ideal for risky across-the-season wagers based on team momentum. William Hill also supports Cash Out, which means bettors exit early when an accumulation is starting to turn and profits once a strong position is reached.
• 888sport. 888sport is well known for offering competitive odds on Championship matches and long-term markets. They provide regular free bet promotions connected to outcomes such as ‘Both Teams to Score’, offs, or top scorer. Their platform is simple to use and mobile-optimised, which helps those betting across the busy weekend and midweek Championship schedule. 888sport has developed a reputation for value pricing in football, giving Championship bettors consistent returns across standard markets such as Match Result, BTTS, and Over/Under goals.

Related Leagues We Cover

Stay on top of Europe’s biggest football competitions with our expert predictions for other leagues including the ones below.

• Premier League Predictions. Our Premier League forecasts provide in-depth analysis of England’s top clubs and the ongoing title race.
• EFL League One Predictions. EFL League One forecasts explore the promotion contenders and form trends across England’s competitive third division.
• EFL League Two Predictions. Our League Two coverage highlights key teams aiming for promotion and those battling to avoid relegation.
• Scottish Premiership Predictions. Our Premiership coverage delivers detailed insights into Scotland’s top league, from title challengers to survival fights.
• La Liga Predictions. Our Spanish football predictions include expert calls and data-led insights into Spain’s top-flight competition.