Football is well and truly back this weekend!
Due to the excitement of World Cup 2026, it has not really been a long summer break for those who crave a regular dose of the beautiful game.
But even so, it is always a great moment in any year when English league football makes its triumphant return.
This weekend sees the first round of games in the EFL Championship and to celebrate, we have picked out five football betting tips to try and help get your 2026-27 journey off to the best possible start.
All the best and latest EFL Championship odds are available to view on the NetBet Sport platform, and if you are looking to place a combo bet over the next few days, remember that Acca Boost can increase your potential winnings by up to 50%!
*All odds are subject to change
Millwall to beat Bristol City @ 2.62
Last season, Millwall had the best away record in the Championship, winning 11 of their 24 matches on the road and losing only four. In stark contrast, Bristol City ranked 16th in the 2025-26 home table, recording only nine wins and suffering 10 defeats. Alex O’Neil’s men should be full of confidence too, having followed up a 1-0 pre-season victory over Belgian top-flight side Royal Antwerp with a win vs QPR on penalties in the EFL Cup first round. In our opinion, backing the Lions is a shrewd move to make this summer weekend.
Norwich vs West Brom: Anytime goalscorer – Mohamed Toure @ 2.38
Toure made quite the impression at Norwich after joining from Randers FC on February 1. The Australia international scored nine goals in his first 11 Championship appearances, including a hat-trick on debut vs Oxford United. Toure also found the back of the net in Norwich’s 4-1 victory over MK Dons in the EFL Cup last weekend, striking in the very first minute of play. So we are backing him to light up Carrow Road on the Championship’s opening weekend.
Portsmouth to beat QPR @ 2.23
Portsmouth’s home record towards the end of 2025-26 helped keep them in the Championship. Pompey avoided defeat in each of their last four league games at Fratton Park, a run which included crucial wins over Ipswich (2-0) and Leicester (1-0). QPR also failed to win their last three away games of 2025-26, suffering defeats to Millwall (2-0) and Ipswich (3-0). A pretty strong home side against a team which can struggle on the road? It could therefore be a great bet!
Middlesbrough vs Lincoln City: Anytime goalscorer – Will Lankshear @ 2.32
Lankshear scored on his competitive debut for Middlesbrough, the ex-Tottenham striker netting the only goal of the game in the 1-0 victory over Wrexham in the EFL Cup first round. The 21-year-old looks nailed on to be a starter for Boro, and he will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing newly-promoted Lincoln City at the Riverside. The Red Imps are playing Championship football for the first time in 65 years, and an away match against one of the division’s strongest sides is far from the ideal start. Over to you, Will.
Watford vs Southampton: Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.58
Sunday’s Championship action kicks off with a cracker between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road. The Saints arrive as the pre-match favourites, which is understandable given the Hornets’ dreadful end to 2025-26. Watford lost their last five Championship games, including a 4-0 home defeat vs Coventry. But first matches of any campaign can throw up the odd surprise, especially one featuring a Southampton side which usually brings goals at both ends. This BTTS pick landed in six of their last seven regulation Championship contests, including the previous seven games in that regard away from home.
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