Cardiff vs. Sunderland (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Both looking to take the first step towards promotion to the Premier League, Cardiff City and Sunderland will clash at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The Bluebirds are aiming to build on a midtable finish during the 2023-24 campaign, whilst the Black Cats need to change their second-tier fortunes following a stuttering calendar year to date.
We say: Cardiff City 2-1 Sunderland
In front of an energetic home crowd and with a host of new attacking faces, Cardiff will be confident of commencing their campaign with maximum points this weekend.
There are still questions marks over Sunderland's striking situation ahead of Saturday's curtain raiser, and we feel that could impact their chances of earning a result in South Wales.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Hull City vs. Bristol City (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Hull City and Bristol City get their Championship campaigns underway with a meeting at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams will be looking to make an early impact, particularly the home side who narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season.
We say: Hull City 2-1 Bristol City
The opening day of the campaign is a complete unknown, and Bristol City will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds with Hull having a new head coach at the helm. Nevertheless, we are backing the Tigers to edge this contest, potentially with a late goal.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Leeds vs. Portsmouth (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Leeds United will kick off their Championship campaign when they welcome newly-promoted Portsmouth to Elland Road on Saturday.
The hosts are competing in the Championship for a second straight season, while Pompey are set to make their first appearance in the second tier since 2012.
We say: Leeds United 2-0 Portsmouth
Pompey may have stormed to the League One title last term, but the Championship represents a significant step up, and we think they could be given a reality check in their opening game against promotion hopefuls Leeds.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Middlesbrough vs. Swansea (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Middlesbrough and Swansea City get their seasons underway with a showdown at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both clubs performed below their expected levels in the Championship during the last campaign and will be looking to produce a positive response.
We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Swansea City
With Swansea more settled under Williams, they could produce a few surprises this season. However, on this occasion, we are backing Boro to edge a competitive contest, potentially having to ride out some nervy moments in the process.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Millwall vs. Watford (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Millwall and Watford get their Championship campaigns underway with a showdown at The Den on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides are full of optimism having made managerial appointments in 2024 that they hope will lead to much-improved seasons than 2023-24.
We say: Millwall 1-1 Watford
This has all the makings of being an extremely tight encounter with both sides avoiding defeat with regularity during last season's run-in. On that note, we can only back a low-scoring draw, a result that would satisfy the visitors more so than their hosts.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Oxford Utd vs. Norwich (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Imago
Oxford United return to life in the Championship with a home encounter against Norwich City at the Kassam Stadium.
While the home side will have second-tier survival on their mind, the visitors will be hoping to mount a promotion push under their new head coach.
We say: Oxford United 1-2 Norwich City
With new-division enthusiasm running through their veins, we expect a spirited performance from Oxford. Nevertheless, they may require more than that to overcome a Norwich side who could be in the running for promotion as the campaign progresses.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
QPR vs. West Brom (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
Both aiming to start their 2024-25 schedules on a positive note, Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion will lock horns at Loftus Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The R's will be hoping to kick on after a spell of relegation dogfights in recent times, whilst the Baggies are striving for promotion to the Premier League after narrowly missing out last term.
We say: Queens Park Rangers 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
In front of a sold-out crowd at Loftus Road, Cifuentes and his QPR players will be desperate to commence their season with a convincing win on Saturday.
Last weekend's 4-1 loss at Birmingham hints to more struggles on the road for West Brom this season, and we feel that the Baggies will suffer a narrow defeat in this one.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Stoke vs. Coventry (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Reuters
The opening weekend of the Championship season will include a battle for Midlands supremacy as Stoke City and Coventry City clash at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Potters are looking to kick on following countless seasons of midtable mediocrity, whilst the Sky Blues are striving to reach the Premier League after false horizons in recent years.
We say: Stoke City 1-2 Coventry City
Stoke have enjoyed a productive pre-season and now face a challenging assignment against a Coventry side who are a well-oiled machine under the leadership of Robins.
The Sky Blues are used to the big occasions and will cherish an opening weekend trip across the Midlands, one which we believe will end in victory for the visitors.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Matt Law
