Championship Preview 7th/8th February 2025

It’s a quieter weekend than usual in the Championship with many of the league in FA Cup action. Ten teams are playing Championship fixtures, four of which are on Saturday before Bristol City and Swansea City face-off at midday on Sunday.

Being knocked out of the cup could prove beneficial for some of these teams. Sticking to a quieter schedule provides more time for rest and recovery in the second half of a gruelling Championship campaign.

Sunderland vs Watford  

Coming off a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough on Monday night, the Championship betting markets price Sunderland as odds-on favourites for Saturday’s clash with Watford.

The Hornets, owners of the sixth-worst expected goal difference in the division, have lost three consecutive matches. It’s nine defeats in their 15 away matches this term.

Sunderland, in contrast, are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light. They have only kept one clean sheet in their last six home league matches, though, while Watford’s 1-0 defeat to Norwich last time out was the only time they have failed to score since November 30th.

Pick: Sunderland to win and BTTS at 12/5

West Brom vs Sheffield Wednesday

Taking only five of the last 15 available points has seen West Brom drop to sixth. Like their hosts, Sheffield Wednesday have a lone win in their last five league matches. Wednesday are only two points off sixth, however, and can move into the playoff places with a win.

Both teams have scored in eight of West Brom’s last nine. BTTS has cashed in 53% of Wednesday’s league matches and five of their last seven away days.

Pick: BTTS at 4/5

Norwich vs Derby

Derby are 18/5 outsiders in football betting for their Saturday afternoon trip to Carrow Road.

Wins over Watford and Swansea have left Norwich only two points off the playoff spots. The Canaries have taken 10 points from their last four home matches, while Derby have seven points from 15 road matches all season.

2 / 2

It’s a no-brainer to back the home team in this one. Derby are facing a tough fight against relegation. Norwich are playing with confidence and have dispatched much better teams at Carrow Road this season.

Pick: Norwich -1 at 23/10

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth

Relegation-threatened Portsmouth have lost six away league matches in a row and are winless in their last 10 away from Fratton Park. Sheffield United have won four of their last five and can move into the top two with a win.

There is a chasm between these sides. The Blades are fourth in expected goal difference per 90. Pompey are fourth from bottom.

A goalless draw in September might give Portsmouth some belief, but we don’t see them getting a result here. The hosts have won five home matches by multiple goals this term, while Portsmouth have six defeats by two or more.

Pick: Sheffield United -1 at 6/4

Bristol City vs Swansea

Winless in six league matches, Swansea have tumbled down the standings yet remain seven points clear of the relegation places.

Bristol City are in the congested top half of the table, sitting just two points behind sixth-placed West Brom. They have won four in a row at home, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Pick: Bristol City to win at 10/11