Predicting all 12 EFL Championship opening weekend results | OneFootball

The new Championship season starts on August 14 when Wolves welcome Blackburn to Molineux.

The 2026/27 Championship season is nearly upon us, and it’s set to be arguably one of the most memorable years in a long time.

With West Ham and Wolves having suffered relegation, there are two clubs who haven’t played at this level for a long time, whilst Lincoln have returned to the second tier for the first time since the 60s.

When you add in the number of local derbies that we have to look forward to, there is a lot for the neutral to enjoy.

Plus, for the first time ever, the play-offs will be stretched to the top eight, which should increase the jeopardy going into the final part of the campaign.

Of course, we get a rough idea of the clubs that will be expected to be in the mix for promotion, and those who could struggle, based on the resources available, but you always get a better idea after watching a team play.

Therefore, the opening day promises to be intriguing, and here we predict the results from the first round of fixtures…

Wolves 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

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The first game of the EFL is at Molineux, with promotion favourites Wolves taking on Blackburn, who many are tipping for relegation.

The appointment of Cesar Peixoto brings some uncertainty over how Wanderers will do, but the quality he has at his disposal means it’s hard to see anything other than a home win for this one.

Tony Mowbray has returned to Blackburn, but a slow start to the window has left fans frustrated, and it’s hard to see that changing by August 14. So, they may be glad to get this one out of the way, and Rovers know a trip to Wolves is not going to define their season.

Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Preston North End

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Bolton’s return to the Championship is certain to bring a positive atmosphere as Preston make the short trip to take on the Trotters.

So, it will be a tough test for North End, and Paul Heckingbottom’s side haven’t had the best build-up to the opener in terms of the window, although he will be hoping that a few new faces arrive before this game.

Either way, it will be a close game, and it would be no surprise if this ended in a score draw.

Bristol City 2-1 Millwall

This may be a controversial call as Millwall were outstanding last season, and they will rightly expect to be in the hunt for promotion again.

But, this could be the wrong game at the wrong time, as there is a positive atmosphere surrounding Bristol City following the appointment of Michael Skubala, and they have made some shrewd signings in Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard.

With home advantage, that could give the Robins an edge in what will be a tight clash.

Charlton Athletic 0-1 Derby County

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Charlton and Derby will both be hoping to do a lot more business ahead of the deadline, so the teams could look different for the return fixture at Pride Park.

Like most of the games on the opening weekend, this should be an even contest, and it could easily be decided by a single goal, and defences may well be on top.

Derby have that extra bit of quality in the final third, which could see them leave with three points at The Valley.

Middlesbrough 3-0 Lincoln City

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Along with Wolves vs Blackburn, this is the biggest mismatch on paper on the opening weekend of fixtures, as Lincoln prepare for their first game in the second tier since the 1960s.

Middlesbrough’s business in the transfer market has drawn widespread praise, so the Riverside Stadium will be rocking for the opener.

Lincoln are not going to be pushovers this season, but there is a big gulf in class between the Imps and Boro, and it could be highlighted on the opening day.

Norwich City 2-1 West Brom

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Norwich are another club that will fancy their chances of winning promotion, as the job Philippe Clement has done since his appointment has been tremendous.

West Brom are another club heading into the 2026/27 campaign with optimism, as James Morrison has also excelled since taking charge.

Both have had productive windows, so it should be an entertaining game, but home advantage should help the Canaries to a narrow win.

Portsmouth 1-3 QPR

This will also be hard to call, and Fratton Park is a difficult place for teams to go, but QPR should arrive full of confidence after an impressive pre-season.

Obviously, you can’t read too much into that, but they’ve scored goals for fun, and they do have a lot of attacking threat.

With Pompey still feeling a few players short, the R’s may head back to the capital with three points on the opening day.

Stoke City 1-1 Swansea City

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Stoke and Swansea were part of the mid-table pack last season, and both will hope to be beneficiaries of the new extended play-off format.

They have both been active in the market, with Ethan Galbraith, the Potters’ big signing, having joined from the Swans, so it will be interesting to see the reception he gets from the away end.

Again, this is a tough one to call, and a draw would be decent for both clubs to get off the mark.

Sheffield United 1-2 Birmingham City

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Sheffield United has had a frustrating window so far, and Chris Wilder will be hoping for a lot more additions ahead of the deadline.

Right now, the Blades look undercooked, whereas Blues will arrive at Bramall Lane in high spirits, even if they could also do with a few more players.

But, even though it will be a tough game, Birmingham should have enough to get off to the perfect start in Yorkshire.

Watford 1-3 Southampton

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Watford are a difficult side to predict, as they have a lot of attacking individuals that can decide a game on any given day.

However, Southampton under Tonda Eckert were a force at this level last season, and they will be determined to get off to a great start as they are starting on -4.

So, the focus will be there from the first whistle, and Saints know the importance of a fast start if they are to get into the automatic promotion picture this season.