Championship Club by Club Betting Preview - Part 3

Sheffield United

Having led with 20 minutes to go in the Championship Playoff Final, The Blades go again following that late collapse against Sunderland. This time, they must do so without Chris Wilder, with highly regarded Spanish coach Ruben Selles stepping into the hotseat. Having helped Reading overcome a points deduction to avoid relegation from League One, Selles took a step backwards at Hull City. Overall, it’s hard to argue that he is an upgrade on Wilder.

The squad also looks a little weaker heading into the new season, with the departure of Vinicius Souza a particular blow. In a division that looks as competitive as ever, the Blades may just miss out on the Playoffs. One of the less appealing sides for a punt this season, a tentative each-way play on Tom Cannon in the top scorer market is advised.

• Recommended Bet - Tom Cannon Top Championship Goalscorer each way @ 25/1 with Ladbrokes

Sheffield Wednesday

While we predict a slight dip from Sheffield United, the situation is so much worse at the other Steel City club. On the face of it, a twelfth-place finish in 2024/25 provides a solid foundation to build on. However, the Owls find themselves in the eye of a storm including a three-window transfer embargo and unpaid players, with a potential points deduction looming. 14 players, including Josh Windass and Michael Smith, have departed, as has manager Danny Rohl. Former assistant Henrik Pedersen steps in to oversee the chaos. Bottom spot beckons for a club whose existence may be under threat.

• Recommended Bet - Sheffield Wednesday to finish bottom @ 8/11 with bet365

Southampton

In response to a disastrous Premier League campaign – Southampton picked up just two wins and twelve points – the club has opted to refresh with one of the most promising young managers in the game. Will Still arrives riding a wave of hype following impressive work in Belgium and France but lacks Championship experience.

On the playing front, Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs have arrived, but this has been offset by departures, including Jan Bednarek, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Kamaldeen Sulemana. The Saints remain one of the most talented squads in the division but face stiff competition in the race for the title. That said, we still expect them to go up.

• Recommended Bet - Southampton to be promoted @ 7/4 with Ladbrokes

Stoke City

On to their third manager of the campaign by New Year's Day last season, Stoke survived following the steadying appointment of Mark Robins. Fans will now hope Robins can replicate his excellent work at Coventry City, whom he led from the depths of League Two to the Championship playoffs.

We suspect Robins may have his work cut out at a club who managed only 45 goals last season – only Hull City scored fewer. Hopes are high for Divin Mubama, but relying on a player who has yet to score a senior league goal appears fraught with risk. Stoke have finished between 14th and 18th in their seven seasons since dropping to the Championship. A similar result is likely, but with no odds available for a bottom-half finish, we will take a chance on the Potters becoming involved in the relegation scrap.

• Recommended Bet - Stoke City to be relegated @ 13/2 with bet365

Swansea City

Wales is a hotbed for big-name owners in the Championship. Where Wrexham has Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Swansea counts the unlikely duo of Luka Modric and Snoop Dogg among their part-owners.

Having finished eleventh in 2024/25, a push towards the top six is the big aim this season. Alan Sheehan registered the third-best points total in the division as caretaker manager, earning his shot at the permanent job. However, he must attempt to repeat those efforts without key contributors Lewis O’Brien and Harry Darling. Lack of goals is an issue, and we aren’t convinced that the unproven Bobby Wales and Swedish recruit Zeidane Inoussa will solve it. That said, bringing in a proven scorer in the remainder of the transfer window could change everything. It may be worth a small bet on the Swans to finish as the top South West club.

• Recommended Bet - Swansea to finish as the top South West club @ 10/1 with BetMGM

Watford

The managerial merry-go-round continues to turn at Watford, as Gino Pozzo turns to Uruguayan coach Paolo Pezzolano. Earning promotion in previous stints with Torque, Cruzeiro, and Valladolid, could the 42-year-old be the man to lead the club back to the top flight?

Having sold Udinese, Pozzo appears fully focused on restoring the Hornets to the big time. While that hasn’t resulted in a splurge in the transfer window, Watford have made several intriguing signings. Hector Kyprianou adds much-needed stability, while 19-year-old Othmanne Maamma and Bayern Munich recruit Nestory Irankuda promise to boost the attacking output. With the mercurial Giorgi Chakveladze remaining and Kwadwo Baah retaining plenty of promise, Watford ought to be entertaining to watch. Overall, the situation looks positive at Vicarage Road. Odds against quotes for a top-half finish look generous, but we will take a chance that they can improve enough to reach the playoffs.

• Recommended Bet - Watford to finish in the top six @ 5/1 with Betfred

West Bromwich Albion

Having churned through two permanent managers and two caretakers during the 2024/25 campaign, West Brom did pretty well to finish in ninth and only four points off the playoff positions. Former Tottenham coach Ryan Mason is tasked with adding much-needed stability in his first managerial position.

That lack of experience represents a risk, but Mason has already bolstered his squad with Nat Phillips from Liverpool, promising striker Aune Heggebo, and US international defender George Campbell. Will that be enough to boost the club into the top six positions? It just might, particularly as West Brom may not be done spending.

• Recommended Bet - West Brom to finish in the top six @ 5/2 with Ladbrokes

Wrexham

Having achieved three successive promotions, the Hollywood-backed Wrexham are already well ahead of schedule. Will competing in the second tier of the game for only the second time in their history be a step too far? Not if Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have anything to do with it.

Wrexham have continued to invest heavily in the squad, with Ryan Hardie, Josh Windass, and Lewis O’Brien among a list of new arrivals, which also includes New Zealand left back Liberato Cacace. Phil Parkinson’s underwhelming Championship record is a concern, but Wrexham surprised everyone last season, and the feel-good factor can continue with a top-half finish.

• Recommended Bet - Wrexham Top Half finish @ 8/13 with bet365

Championship Club by Club Betting Preview - Part 2

Championship Club by Club Betting Preview - Part 1