Championship Predictions And Betting Tips for Saturday 18th January 2025

OUR vibrant EFL Championship returns following adjournment for FA Cup Third Round ties.

A posse of attractive fixtures affecting Championship odds loom for the leading clubs. And rapid fire managerial merry-go-round changes inject plenty of fascinating spice.

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

Sheffield United v Norwich City

Similar to Burnley’s situation, third ranked Sheffield United are one point under pole position. This follows a solitary victory among five engagements in all competitions. But they’ve only lost once at home during 2024/25.

The Blades could boost attacking options by recruiting Ben Brereton-Diaz from Southampton.

Meanwhile, Play-Off chasing Norwich City boast three wins amidst four undefeated EFL outings.

Significantly, the Canaries might lose Championship 15 goal leading scorer Borja Sainz who is reportedly interesting Spanish side Girona whereby a £20 million bid is imminent.

Score prediction: Blades back on form 3-1.

West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City

West Brom’s contention for the Play-Offs embraces two draws within three unbeaten League games. They’ve merely lost one home match to date. After the departure of boss Carlos Corberan to La Liga strugglers Valencia over Christmas, Albion are still managerless.

Sean Dyche is the latest name in the frame beside Tony Mowbray and Steven Schumacher. Talks involving ex-Switzerland international Raphael Wicky broke down unsuccessfully earlier this week.

As for Stoke City hovering above the dreaded relegation zone, it is four fixtures avoiding loss in all competitions. Indeed, new manager Mark Robins hasn’t tasted defeat since his appointment on New Year’s Day.

Nevertheless, Robins is worried about relinquishing loan striker Tom Cannon before the weekend if parent club Leicester City recall him and subsequently send him to another Championship team.

Score prediction: Thunderous 3-3.

Luton Town v Preston North End

Luton fans didn’t expect to be battling relegation fears again after dropping out of the Premier League in 2023/24. Yet they’ve lost six of their past seven League and Cup encounters.

Rob Edwards vacated his manager role by mutual agreement last week in light of the 2-1 reverse at Queens Park Rangers. I watched that game from Loftus Road’s press box and I felt the Hatters gave a very disappointing performance.

However on Tuesday lunchtime, Matt Bloomfield arrived to fill the vacancy via League One highfliers Wycombe Wanderers penning a three and a half-year contract.

The inaugural opponents for Bloomfield are Preston North End who haven’t won in two Championship matches.

Score prediction: Cancelling each other 1-1.

Millwall v Hull City

Millwall possess four winless Championship games occupying the mid-table regions.

Therefore new head coach Alex Neil targets his first EFL victory beyond being installed on 30th December. Even so, the Lions eclipsed Non-League visitors Dagenham & Redbridge 3-0 in Monday night’s FA Cup Third Round contest.

Neil is looking to sign Aaron Connolly from Sunderland although Romain Esse seems certain to join Crystal Palace attracting a big money fee.

Next up, bottom three dwellers Hull City travel to South-East London. Those toothless Tigers have mustered only two triumphs across 19 attempts in all competitions and are eyeing a loan swoop for Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt.

Score prediction: Thumbs-up for Neil 2-0.