Leicester vs. Coventry (Sunday, 12.00pm)
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Leicester City mark their return to the Championship with an opening-weekend fixture against Coventry City on Sunday afternoon.
While the Foxes are back at this level of football after relegation from the Premier League, their opponents only missed out on a place in the top flight courtesy of a playoff-final defeat in May.
We say: Leicester City 3-1 Coventry City
With both clubs undergoing a significant rebuild, this is a difficult match to call. Coventry may relish the chance to play the title favourites first up, yet the Foxes have the greater quality and experience, making them most likely to prevail in our view.
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Leeds vs. Cardiff (Sunday, 2.30pm)
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Leeds United commence their bid to earn an immediate return to the Premier League with a home fixture against Cardiff City on Sunday.
While the home side are one of the favourites to win the Championship title, the Bluebirds are looking to build on narrowly avoiding relegation during 2022-23.
We say: Leeds United 2-1 Cardiff City
With Leeds still yet to conduct the majority of their business in terms of incomings, Cardiff have a realistic chance to cause the upset on Sunday. However, home advantage may prove key with the Yorkshire giants potentially edging this encounter in the closing stages.
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Sunderland vs. Ipswich (Sunday, 5.00pm)
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Sunderland will be looking to hit back from the disappointment of last season's playoffs when they start their Championship campaign against Ipswich Town on Sunday evening.
While these two sides were playing in different divisions during 2022-23, League One runners-up Ipswich are being tipped to put together a charge for a second successive promotion.
We say: Sunderland 1-1 Ipswich Town
Two teams with big expectations should make for an intriguing contest on Sunday, Ipswich somewhat of an unknown quantity back at this level. Nevertheless, they may relish being underdogs on this stage, and we are backing the Tractor Boys to earn a share of the spoils.
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Ben Knapton
