Championship Predictions And Betting Tips for New Year’s Day 2025

Happy New Year to everyone as we contemplate a full selection of EFL Championship action on 1st January.

Merely three points separate the top three sides after our Christmas games. And there are interesting managerial developments to digest too.

Here are the pairings I am anticipating most alongside considered score predictions to assist your football betting.

Wednesday 1st January 2025

Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers

Rankings: 1st versus 5th

Leeds United are two points clear following five wins across six unbeaten outings culminating in Sunday’s 1-0 conquest at Derby County. Brenden Aaronson netted the decisive breakthrough on 79 minutes capping an exquisite six man passing sequence. Approaching this New Year contest, they protect nine consecutive Elland Road victories beyond mid-September conceding just twice. Furthermore, Leeds are the division’s leading scorers on 44 goals. As for Blackburn, a surprising 1-0 home reverse against lowly Hull City made it three winless games. Yet it is only two defeats amidst nine fixtures for Rovers.

Score prediction: Leeds in command 2-0.

Sunderland v Sheffield United

Rankings: 4th versus 2nd

Sunderland nurse two games bereft of victory in light of Sunday’s 1-0 setback away to Stoke City. Nevertheless, that was the Black Cats’ first defeat in six matches. Another 40,000-plus crowd will hope to see their 2024/25 unbeaten home record continue. On a similar note, Sheffield United also failed to win in two ongoing fixtures – most recently being held 1-1 by visitors West Bromwich Albion. Chris Wilder’s men have only lost twice on the road all campaign hovering two points under pole position.

Score prediction: Cancelling each other out 0-0.

Burnley v Stoke City

Rankings: 3rd versus 18th

Burnley elongated an 11 game unbeaten spree courtesy of their scoreless stalemate at Middlesbrough. The Clarets also enforced this division’s meanest rearguard of nine goals leaked in 24 matches. They lie one point beneath automatic promotion discussions. Next up is a Stoke City visit. The Potters sacked head coach Narcis Pelach last Friday. It firmly reflected just three wins out of 19 League and Cup encounters since Pelach was appointed head coach on 18th September. Ryan Shawcross assumed caretaker duties for Sunday’s home clash with Sunderland overseeing the 1-0 success. Tom Cannon delivered his 10th strike of 2024/25 coming two minutes into stoppage time at the very end via a thunderous 20 yard left footer. Cannon thereby sealed Stoke’s first maximum pointer in 10 attempts.

Score prediction: Clarets cruise control 4-1.

Hull City v Middlesbrough

Rankings: 21st versus 6th

Hull City’s 1-0 triumph at Blackburn Rovers signified a second win in three games for the Tigers overturning 13 previous matches without victory. Ryan Longman converted in the 77th minute finishing off a sweeping patch-quilt team move. They sit one point above the dreaded dotted relegation line. So things certainly starting to pick up since ex-Reading boss Ruben Selles was installed on 6th December. Contrastingly, Middlesbrough have drawn three on the spin incorporating Sunday’s 0-0 scoreline against Burnley on Teesside which compounded a run of one win from six.

Score prediction: Thrills and spills 3-3.

Queens Park Rangers v Watford

Rankings: 17th versus 7th

Local derby bragging rights between two rivals based 14 miles apart. Queens Park Rangers mustered a 1-1 points share away to Norwich City to cement their return of one loss in nine matches ascending relegation entanglement. Strangely, they didn’t register a shot on target at Carrow Road but benefitted through an Ante Crnac deflected own goal in first half added time. Now the R’s need to improve on home fortunes yielding only three victories. Imminent opponents Watford lost two of the last three engagements including Sunday’s 2-1 unexpected slump at the hands of struggling visitors Cardiff City – the Hornets’ initial home defeat during 2024/25. Just two away wins have been earned though.

Score prediction: Spectacle of the season 5-5.

Millwall v Oxford United

Rankings: 13th versus 20th

Monday morning saw Millwall unveil former Norwich City, Preston North End, Sunderland and Stoke City boss Alex Neil as head coach penning a long-term contract. Neil was in the stands watching Sunday’s 0-0 gritty draw at Coventry City and must enhance the Lions’ current run embracing one victory in nine Championship affairs. Meanwhile, Oxford United travel to South-East London on the back of two straight wins featuring new boss Gary Rowett in the hot seat. Ciaron Brown’s diving header and a Przemyslaw Placheta solo effort filled the weekend scoresheet enriching their comfortable 2-0 home canter past Plymouth Argyle.

Score prediction: Lions roaring in Neil’s inaugural game 3-2.