Championship Kickoff: Birmingham vs Ipswich Betting Preview & Picks

Friday Night Fireworks: Birmingham vs Ipswich

If you’re not already hyped for the return of the EFL Championship, Friday night’s curtain-raiser between Birmingham City and Ipswich Town will light the fuse. Both sides are fresh to the division—Birmingham arriving in style after a dominant League One campaign, and Ipswich dropping down from the Championship. But despite the recent promotion-relegation dynamic, the betting markets are tilting slightly oddly.

Birmingham are 7/5 (+140) favourites to win at home, while Ipswich have drifted out to 19/10 (+190). That drift is a bit puzzling when you consider that Ipswich are currently the 3/1 favourites to win the league outright. And while Birmingham are tipped for a strong season too (7/1 for the title), it’s still a massive leap from League One to the Championship. Yes, they’ve splashed the cash—Tommy Doyle, Kiyoko Furuhashi, Marvin Duksch, just to name a few—but the chemistry and adaptation to a higher level remain unknowns.

For a team that was in the Premier League not long ago, Ipswich still have some pedigree. Despite a poor run-in last season, they held their own at times and have retained key players and their manager. At nearly 2/1, they’re a very tempting underdog. In a game where all outcomes feel live, taking the price on Ipswich looks like sharp business, especially when the Friday night chaos factor is fully in play.

Coventry vs Hull: Banker Bet of the Weekend

If there’s one game you can confidently throw into your weekend acca (he says.... "confidently" hahaha!), it’s Coventry at home to Hull. Coventry came close last season, only falling short in the playoffs, and they’ve kept the core of that squad together. Hull, meanwhile, barely escaped the drop and are among the early favourites to go down at 3/1.

Coventry are priced at 8/11 on the moneyline—a touch short perhaps, but still value given the gulf in quality. For a bit more juice, adding Over 1.5 goals gets you 11/10, which feels like a tidy boost. Hull’s defensive frailties and Coventry’s attacking prowess make this a solid play. If you're feeling bold, Coventry -1 on the handicap could also be worth a look.

Watford Undervalued at Charlton

Another market that seems off is Watford heading to Charlton. At 15/8 (+187), Watford are the underdog against a Charlton side just arriving in the division. It’s early days and both teams have question marks, but Watford’s summer business has been quietly impressive. They’ve brought in promising young talent, kept their key players, and even nabbed the Danish second division’s top scorer—Luca Kjerrumgaard (I had to look up the spelling!)

Charlton may be at home, but they’re not exactly fortress material. If Watford click, this could be one of those early-season lines that looks ridiculous in hindsight. There’s also a cheeky value play on Kjerrumgaard at 6/1 for first or last goal, or 21/10 anytime. Get in before the market catches up.

Derby a Live Underdog at Stoke

Looking for a plucky away dog? Derby might be your team. Priced around 6/5 on the draw-no-bet line, they’re up against a Stoke side that’s perennially mid-table and unlikely to cause much of a stir. Derby, on the other hand, have done some smart business over the summer (I don't know where they suddenly got money... Someone must know!). Bobby Clark, a former Liverpool youth and recent Bundesliga returnee, adds quality, while USA international striker Aguimang gives them bite up top.

Stoke will probably be fine this year—mid-table fodder as always—but Derby feel like a team on the rise. If they can carry momentum from last season’s strong run-in, they could spring a surprise here. Taking them with the insurance of DNB feels safe and shrewd.

Over Goals in Norwich vs Millwall

If you’re looking for a goals angle, Norwich vs Millwall is your spot. Over 2.5 goals is available at 11/10, and there’s reason to believe it’ll land. Norwich have attacking intent and are always good for a wobble at the back, while Millwall under Alex Neil have transformed into a more dynamic outfit, capable of scoring—and conceding—in bunches.

Millwall’s squad is sneaky good this season. Their midfield engine Kasper Tannara and attacking duo of Femi Aziz and Camille Ngele provide the spark, and they’ve got a top centre-back pairing in Jaffa Tanganga and Jake Cooper. Still, they’re not infallible, and with Norwich likely to push the pace at home, this one could open up quickly.

Key Takeaways

• Back Ipswich as underdogs at 19/10 against Birmingham in Friday’s opener—top squad, big price.
• Coventry at home to Hull is a banker—add Over 1.5 goals for a tidy 11/10 return.
• Watford are wrongly priced at Charlton—15/8 for the win, with dark horse energy.
• Derby look value on the draw-no-bet line away to Stoke—smart summer business and momentum.
• Norwich vs Millwall screams goals—Over 2.5 at 11/10 is worth