Unveiling the Season Opener: Will Southampton Triumph in the Sky Bet Championship?

Sheffield Wednesday vs Southampton, Friday 8pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

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James Ward-Prowse is set to feature for Southampton

The Championship is back on Friday night! My last visit to Hillsborough was filled with the most thrilling football I have ever witnessed. If we even experience half the excitement of that game, the opener will be a real treat.

Unfortunately, Sheffield Wednesday decided to part ways with Darren Moore during the summer, despite their promotion. It was truly disappointing to see considering the great job he had done in bringing them back up. Now, Xisco Munoz is leading the team. He has proven himself at this level by guiding Watford to promotion, but he certainly has some big expectations to meet.

Southampton, on the other hand, have managed to retain the key players in their squad... at least for now. If they can hold on to their current roster until the transfer window closes, they will have a formidable team at this level and should be considered among the top contenders. Russell Martin has been praised for his managerial style during his time at Swansea, but now he must prove that he can deliver consistent results as well.

Just a couple of months ago, these two teams were in different leagues, but the Championship has a way of evening the playing field. Though I may be wearing my optimistic hat for an exciting opening night, my prediction is a thrilling draw.

Prediction: 2-2 (Sky Bet odds)

Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton

Friday 4th August 7:00pm

Kick off 8:00pm

Regarding disappointment, Millwall missed out on the play-offs in a way that really hindered their progress. However, they have managed to retain their key players for the time being and have made some successful transactions thus far. Gary Rowett is eager to surpass their previous performance and secure a spot in the top six this time. Nevertheless, I believe they will begin their campaign with a defeat at the Riverside.

Score prediction: 2-0 (as per Sky Bet odds)

Middlesbrough vs Millwall, Sat 3pm

Plymouth's achievements last season should not be overlooked. They finished at the top of what is considered one of the most competitive League One tables in history, accumulating over 100 points in the process. The atmosphere at Home Park will be electric as they make their long-awaited return to Championship football after 13 years.

It's been a welcome sight to see Neil Warnock remain at Huddersfield. Having him in the Championship enhances the league's quality. Keeping the team in the division last season was an impressive feat, but it will be an entirely different challenge for him to maintain that level of performance throughout an entire campaign. I predict a victory for the home team.

Prediction: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds)

Plymouth vs Huddersfield, Sat 3pm

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Jamie Vardy will aim to guide Leicester City back to the Premier League after a tumultuous summer. Despite being crowned champions in 2016 and winning the FA Cup in 2021, the team finds themselves in the Championship earlier than anticipated.

James Maddison has left, along with Harvey Barnes, Youri Tielemans, and others. Enzo Maresca, who has played a crucial role in working closely with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, now faces the daunting task of leading a team that should be considered favorites for promotion.

As for Coventry, they must navigate the heartbreak of losing in the play-off final with the satisfaction of reaching that stage. Mark Robins, known for his strong sense of perspective, remains hopeful despite the departure of key player Viktor Gyokeres.

Aston Villa and Brentford have both experienced losing in the play-off final only to bounce back the following year and secure victory at Wembley. Is it possible for Coventry to follow suit? While it is a possibility, I believe Leicester will prove to be too formidable at the King Power stadium.

Projected outcome: 2-0 (According to Sky Bet odds)

Leicester City

Coventry City

Sunday 6th August 11:30am

Kick off 12:00pm

Leicester vs Coventry, Sun 12pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

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Leeds were relegated at the end of last season

Leeds United experienced a triumphant promotion a few seasons ago, igniting a vibrant atmosphere in the city under the leadership of Marcelo Bielsa. Though it appeared they were poised for continued success, failing to progress in football results in falling behind, which is precisely what occurred. The passionate supporters fervently hope they won't endure another 16-year wait before tasting top-flight glory again.

However, this time around, Leeds United finds themselves in a more promising position compared to their previous relegation. Through swift action, they have secured the services of Daniel Farke, who boasts a remarkable track record in winning the league twice while managing Norwich in 2019 and 2021.

Currently, their squad includes players like Jack Harrison, Wilfried Gnonto, and Tyler Adams. It is uncertain whether they will still be on the team at the end of the window.

Erol Bulut has been appointed as Cardiff's manager this summer, marking his first job outside Turkey. Having previously sat in the Fenerbahce hotseat, he is well-equipped to handle the challenges of the Championship. Additionally, the return of Aaron Ramsey to his childhood club is highly anticipated and adds to the excitement of the upcoming season.

It really could go any which way for the Bluebirds, but I think their season starts with a defeat.

Prediction: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds)

Leeds United

Cardiff City

Sunday 6th August 2:15pm

Kick off 2:30pm

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Sunderland were beaten in last season's play-offs

Sunderland fell short in the play-offs last season, yet their return to the Championship was remarkable considering their status as a newly-promoted and young team.

The outcome of this season may heavily rely on the departures before the transfer window closes. Ross Stewart and Jack Clarke are notable players who come to mind. If they remain fit and play together, the Black Cats would pose a significant challenge to any opponent. Additionally, the absence of loanee Amad Diallo, who showcased exceptional skills while representing Manchester United, will be felt.

Sunderland

Ipswich Town

Sunday 6th August 4:45pm

Kick off 5:00pm

Ipswich aims to emulate Sunderland's success by contending for the play-offs right after their promotion. They have the advantage of having Kieran McKenna as one of the most promising young managers in the EFL, and their squad possesses significant quality. Additionally, they anticipate the arrival of a few more players, enhancing their team further.

Sunday's match is definitely a challenging one to predict, but in my opinion, a draw seems likely.

Prediction: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds)

Leeds vs Cardiff, Sun 2.30pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

Bristol City vs Preston: 2-1

Norwich vs Hull: 1-1

Watford vs QPR: 0-1

Stoke vs Rotherham: 1-0

Swansea vs Birmingham: 1-1