EFL Championship Matchweek 8 Predictions & Best Bets

The Championship is as tight as ever by Matchweek 8, with many teams still jockeying for consistency. Mistakes are costly and every match matters. Here’s how I see the week shaping up.

Birmingham City vs Sheffield Wednesday

Birmingham’s early momentum has stalled, though they remain tough to beat at St Andrew’s. Sheffield Wednesday have defensive frailties but also spark going forward.

Predicted score: Birmingham City 1 to 1 Sheffield Wednesday

Best bet: Both teams to score

Blackburn vs Swansea City

Blackburn have been shaky at home, while Swansea can frustrate and hit on the counter. This feels like a tight, cautious affair.

Predicted score: Blackburn 1 to 1 Swansea

Best bet: Under 1.5 goals

Bristol City vs Ipswich Town

Ipswich are growing in confidence and have attacking intent on the road. Bristol City are vulnerable at home. Expect goals.

Predicted score: Bristol City 1 to 3 Ipswich

Best bet: Over 2.5 goals + Both teams to score

Hull City vs Preston North End

Hull have been leaky defensively. Preston tend to be more restrained. A draw seems plausible.

Predicted score: Hull City 1 to 1 Preston

Best bet: Both teams to score

Leicester City vs Wrexham

Leicester may be strong at home, but Wrexham have shown they can compete. Expect an open battle.

Predicted score: Leicester City 2 to 2 Wrexham

Best bet: Both teams to score

Middlesbrough vs Stoke City

Middlesbrough have been solid at home. Stoke have begun to fade, especially on the road.

Predicted score: Middlesbrough 2 to 0 Stoke

Best bet: Middlesbrough to win + Under 4.5 goals

Sheffield United vs Southampton

Sheffield United have needed something to go their way, while Southampton’s away form is patchy.

Predicted score: Sheffield United 1 to 2 Southampton

Best bet: Southampton to win

Derby County vs Charlton Athletic

Derby have looked better at home, but Charlton defend compactly and can sneak something.

Predicted score: Derby County 2 to 1 Charlton Athletic

Best bet: Charlton draw no bet

Millwall vs Coventry City

Millwall are building some momentum, but Coventry have been consistent. This could be tight.

Predicted score: Millwall 0 to 0 Coventry City

Best bet: Draw

Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion

Norwich have struggled at Carrow Road, while West Brom can be rigid and hard to crack.

Predicted score: Norwich City 1 to 2 West Bromwich Albion

Best bet: West Brom to win

Portsmouth vs Watford

Portsmouth’s home form is patchy and Watford are capable of controlled performances away.

Predicted score: Portsmouth 0 to 2 Watford

Best bet: Under 2.5 goals

QPR vs Oxford United

QPR are improving and create chances; Oxford tend to be more open on the break.

Predicted score: QPR 3 to 1 Oxford United

Best bet: Both teams to score

Final Thoughts

Matchweek 8 in the Championship may not produce runaway blowouts, but there are still games that can be exploited by goal markets and both-teams-to-score plays. Ipswich’s attacking push and QPR’s upward trajectory stand out. On the more cautious side, Millwall vs Coventry and Portsmouth vs Watford might keep returns modest.