The 2025/26 Championship season begins this weekend, making it an attractive proposition for soccer betting fans.
Leeds United and Burnley ran away with the league last season and both reached 100 points. Meanwhile, Sunderland managed to overcome Sheffield United in the playoffs to secure their long-awaited return to England’s top league.
They replaced Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town, who each returned to the second tier of English soccer after a year in the Premier League. Birmingham City, Wrexham, and Charlton Athletic will join them after they secured promotion from League One.
Championship 2025/26 Betting Preview
The Championship is arguably one of the hardest divisions in the English Football League. It’s tough, with all 24 teams each capable of beating each other. It’s why there is always so much interest when it comes to betting opportunities.
What are the current Championship betting odds suggesting?
Ipswich are considered to be the opening favourites for the title. Kieran McKenna remains in charge, and much of the squad remains intact (Liam Delap has since moved to Chelsea). They’ve added Azor Matusiwa to the mix, as well as experienced players in Ashley Young and David Button. Jens Cajuste could also be set to return on loan once again. With experienced players at this level and higher, the Tractor Boys are a big favourite.
Southampton are another team expected to challenge. Will Still arrives at St. Mary’s Stadium, but he has lost key players. Aaron Ramsdale has gone to Newcastle, while Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Jan Bednarek (Porto), and Kyle Walker-Peters (West Ham) have all left. Damion Downs has arrived, but Tyler Dibling could be on his way out, too.
Birmingham and Wrexham are both dark horses in the race for promotion this season. The Blues have added attacking quality in Kyogo Furuhashi and Demarai Gray. In contrast, the Welsh side has added experience in Conor Coady, Danny Ward, Lewis O'Brien, Josh Windass, and Ryan Hardie. Rumours suggest Kieffar Moore could also be on his way to the club.
Championship 2025/26 Betting Predictions
We’d expect Ipswich and Southampton to be promoted automatically, but the playoffs are more challenging. We’d expect Birmingham and Wrexham to be there, as well as Sheffield United and Leicester City. Both have new managers in charge, but have experience with the division. Again, both have lost key players, but should have enough to mount a charge.
It’s the other end of the table that looks interesting. Sheffield Wednesday’s off-the-field issues make them a relegation candidate, while Oxford United don’t appear to have the quality to stay up this time. These two appear to be sure-fire relegation teams.
Charlton don’t appear to have the strongest of squads, either. However, Hull City and Portsmouth have both struggled in recent years, and they may find it tough to avoid the drop this time around.