Championship

Championship Predictions – Saturday 31st January 2026

2 hours ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

A MAJOR managerial change firmly impacts the build up to another exciting weekend of EFL Championship combat.

There are vital matches directly affecting promotion, Play-Offs and relegation matters. Accordingly, Championship betting is attracting bumper interest.

Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to guide your football betting…

Leicester City v Charlton Athletic

Kick-off: 12.30pm
Rankings: 14th versus 19th

Leicester City preview – The vastly underachieving Foxes sacked manager Martí Cifuentes on Sunday following his six month tenure and first team coach Andy King assumes interim duties.

They lie six points off Play-Off discussions recording a solitary win in five League matches. There could also be points deducted soon relating to previous financial transactions. Reported names for the replacement manager include Russell Martin, Gary Rowett, Gary O’Neil and Lee Carsley as well as King.

Charlton Athletic preview – Three points above the dreaded dotted relegation line nursing five defeats across eight League and Cup outings. Indeed, a single Championship victory in that time compounding just two away EFL wins all season.

Score prediction: Charlton champing at the bit 1-0.

Sheffield Wednesday v Wrexham

Kick-off: 12.30pm
Rankings: 24th versus 6th

Sheffield Wednesday preview – Star midfielder Barry Bannan completed his transfer to Millwall on Wednesday afternoon.

A total of 18 points deducted by the EFL for financial issues means rock bottom Wednesday slumber rock bottom on minus 7 points. Hence an insurmountable 37 points to make up in retaining Championship status.

Only one 2025/26 League triumph – namely 2-0 away to Portsmouth on Saturday 20th September. But Owls fans remain fiercely loyal by turning up en masse for every fixture which I find impressive.

Wrexham preview – I watched last Saturday’s implausible 3-2 result against Queens Park Rangers from the Matrade Loftus Road press box.

Wrexham trailed 2-1 going into four minutes of added time at the end yet incredibly scored on 92 and 94 minutes to spark wild celebrations. I was thoroughly captivated by how the Welsh side kept going and going and going to claim three cherished points.

The outcome took them into Play-Off considerations capping six wins within eight League and Cup encounters.

Score prediction: Wrexham wreck ’em 4-0.

Queens Park Rangers v Coventry City

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 12th versus 1st

Queens Park Rangers preview – R’s defender Amadou Mbengue faces suspension after being sent-off in the aforementioned Wrexham defeat.

Rangers reflect on a sole victory from eight embracing all competitions. Four points below Play-Off contention though. New signings Ronnie Edwards and Justin Obikwu stand by for debuts.

Coventry City preview – Three points clear despite four losses amid seven League and Cup assignments. Championship leading scorers on 62 goals.

Even so, their last away victory was 4-2 versus Middlesbrough back on Tuesday 25th November. Therefore seven road trips without success culminating in Monday’s 2-1 reverse at Norwich City.

Score prediction: Measured 1-1.

Middlesbrough v Norwich City

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 2nd versus 18th

Middlesbrough preview – Closing the gap on first place to three points courtesy of four straight EFL wins.

Enjoying a five point cushion on the chasing Play-Off pack too. Wide attacking man Jeremy Sarmiento signed a loan move from Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday.

Norwich City preview – Three consecutive EFL wins elevate Norwich four points clear of relegation danger. They actually boast five victories among six League and Cup contests.

Fortunes definitely picking up then beyond the appointment of Philippe Clement as head coach in November.

Score prediction: Boro shade a thriller 4-3.

Ipswich Town v Preston North End

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 3rd versus 9th

Ipswich Town preview – Last Saturday’s 3-1 setback away to Sheffield United terminated Ipswich’s seven match unbeaten League and Cup run where six victories were amassed. It leaves them five points beneath those automatic promotion slots holding a game in hand.

However, they’ve won seven on the spin at Portman Road. The lone 2025/26 home defeat came on Tuesday 21st October, 3-0 against Charlton Athletic. Midfielder man Dan Neil joins on loan from Sunderland.

Preston North End preview – Failing to score throughout four successive League and Cup losses. The run has seen North End slither to a point behind the Play-Off picture. Meanwhile, boardroom business talks continue with potential investors.

Score prediction: Foot down for Tractor Boys 3-0.

Blackburn Rovers v Hull City

Kick-off: 3pm
Rankings: 22nd versus 4th

Blackburn Rovers preview – One point shy of safety due to eight winless League and Cup affairs. Furthermore, one victory during 14 attempts and merely two home 2025/26 EFL maximum pointers.

Hull City preview – Five points short of second position. Eight wins inside 10 engagements spanning all competitions. The Tigers haven’t lost away since November mustering five ongoing victories out of six on the road.

Score prediction: Tasty Tigers 5-1.