The Skybet Championship season is underway with some big names involved in the fight for Premier League promotion. Live scores | Compare odds |
There are nine Championship games on Saturday, with Birmingham City opening their campaign with a clash against Cardiff City. Gary Rowett’s team did well last season and they are 13/10 (BetVictor) to open with a win, although the Bluebirds are looking for a top six finish this term and they are priced at 11/5 (Stan James).
Norwich are one of the relegated teams hoping to bounce back and the Canaries are 6/4 (Paddy Power) to win at Ewood Park, with Blackburn now managed by Owen Coyle and they are 2/1 (Ladbrokes) to open with three points. Bristol City prospered under Lee Johnson and William Hill have 29/20 that the Robins beat newly-promoted Wigan. The Latics are 23/10 (bet365) to win at Ashton Gate.
Meanwhile, there’s big match at the iPro Stadium where Derby County entertain Brighton and Hove Albion. Both teams lost in the play-off semi-finals last season, with the Rams 21/20 (Stan James) to make home advantage count under Nigel Pearson.
The Seagulls are 11/4 (Ladbrokes) and they should have a good crack under Chris Hughton. The same applies to Brentford who head to the John Smith’s Stadium and the Bees are 2/1 (BetVictor) to beat Huddersfield. The Terriers could be anything under David Wagner this term and can be backed at 7/5 (Stan James).
Mick McCarthy comes up against a former club on Saturday and Ipswich are 6/5 (Stan James) to beat a Barnsley side who are freshly-promoted. The Tykes finished last season like a train and Paddy Power go 13/5 they win.
There’s an east Midlands derby at the City Ground, with Nottingham Forest 11/10 (bet365) to beat a Burton side who have enjoyed a double promotion. The Brewers are 11/4 (BetVictor) to claim a victory for Nigel Clough on his return.
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