Championship Predictions Today – Sunday 4th January 2026

THE totally congested festive programme for our EFL Championship clubs continues on Sunday.

There were mixed New Year’s Day outcomes affecting the leading teams. Accordingly, Championship betting is attracting bumper interest.

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

Birmingham City v Coventry City

• Kick-off: 12pm
• Rankings: 17th versus 1st

Birmingham City preview – Sliding down the table because of seven matches lacking wins including four defeats. Indeed, a solitary maximum pointer amid nine games.

Coventry City preview – Boasting an eight point cushion despite just two victories across seven attempts. Yet significantly nine points clear of third place. In addition, the Sky Blues are divisional foremost scorers racking up 55 goals. Merely two away EFL defeats in 2025/26 so far.

Score prediction: Honours even 1-1.

Portsmouth v Ipswich Town

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 21st versus 2nd

Portsmouth preview – A point above the dreaded dotted relegation line following one win inside four outings. Hammered 5-0 at Bristol City on Thursday where Pompey’s switch to three defenders failed miserably. Home form reflects five victories, three draws and five defeats this season.

Ipswich Town preview – The Tractor Boys forcing themselves into the automatic promotion rungs due to five wins spanning seven engagements and one loss in that time. Eight points shy of pole position but a point ahead of the Play-Off pack.

Score prediction: Ipswich inspirational 4-0.

Middlesbrough v Southampton

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 3rd versus 14th

Middlesbrough preview – A point beneath automatic promotion contention after three defeats during four winless matches without scoring. This overturned head coach Kim Hellberg winning his opening four games in charge.

Southampton preview – Nursing a five match streak bereft of victories. Saints boss Tonda Eckert said: “It is four fixtures in 10 days so if we can bring a good result back against Middlesbrough then there will be positives to take.” Southampton striker Adam Armstrong is the Championship’s highest scorer amassing 11 goals.

Score prediction: Tame 0-0.

Hull City v Watford

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 5th versus 4th

Hull City preview – A massive Play-Off zone clash featuring two sides holding 41 points each – both three points off second place. Hull’s five match unconquered spree was shattered by Thursday’s 1-0 home setback against Stoke City.

Watford preview – Seven games unbeaten culminating in four straight victories where one goal was conceded. Hornets boss Javi Gracia said: “We’ve been producing good performances while getting good results. We will keep believing in everything we are doing and the power of my squad.” Garcia must improve on three away EFL wins in 2025/26 though.

Score prediction: Riveting 3-3.

Bristol City v Preston North End

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 8th versus 6th

Bristol City preview – Sitting a point behind their imminent opponents. Bristol City have won three of their past four games. The aforementioned 5-0 rout of New Year’s Day visitors Portsmouth was particularly impressive.

Preston North End preview – Four points below second place. Thursday’s 3-0 victory at home to beleaguered Sheffield Wednesday signalled a first triumph in four affairs for Preston. And looking forward to the Ashton Gate confrontation, they’ve only lost three away EFL games all campaign.

Score prediction: Preston peaking 1-0.

Millwall v Swansea City

• Kick-off: 3pm
• Rankings: 7th versus 16th

Millwall preview – A disappointing run of one win among six games has seen the Lions drop out of Play-Off discussions. Strangely, they possess a minus five goal difference in seventh spot!

Swansea City preview – Seven ongoing encounters accruing five victories. Therefore scorelines definitely prospering since Vítor Matos was appointed as head coach on 24th November.

Score prediction: Swans tame Lions 2-1.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*