Week 3 Championship Predictions: Featuring BenHD

Gameweek three is here, and the Championship is now finding its stride, which will make our Championship Predictions better with more information behind us.

A thrilling, long-awaited opener on Wrexham’s home turf led to one of our writers correctly predicting the drama that would unfold; however, a surprise defeat for Leicester wasn’t on anyone’s cards. Make sure to check out how it panned out by reading to the end for our writers vs guests league table.

If you want to look at the Championship table itself, you can take a look here.

How It Works

Each week of the season, Attacking Football writers Alex and Christian will be joined by a special guest in predicting the twelve games to come. Each score matters, as there is a league table reflecting each correct outcome.

In this table, the points are rewarded accordingly:

2 points for guessing the exact scoreline

1 point for guessing the correct outcome

See the end of every article for the league table.

This Week’s Guest

We’re excited to welcome this week’s guest: Mr. Championship himself, BenHD! The go-to voice on all things EFL Championship. Check him out on YouTube and X.

Gameweek Three Predictions

Derby County v Bristol City

A slow start for John Eustace’s Derby has left them desperate for a point, compared to Bristol City, who sit on four points seeking to maintain that momentum.

Alex’s Prediction: I think this will be an interesting game between two teams who’ll fancy themselves. Derby need to break their duck and a lively Pride Park on a Friday night is the perfect time. 1-0 to Derby.

Christian’s Prediction: Derby will look to play more conservatively, up against an in-form Bristol City side, and will look to grind out their first result, 1-1.

Ben’s Prediction: I’m torn on this one because part of me thinks that John Eustace will try to shut up shop after consecutive defeats. However, I’m backing Bristol City’s forward line to have a bit of joy on Friday night. 2-1 Bristol City.

Hull City vs Blackburn

Hull have begun the season in a surprising fashion, racking up four points, whilst Blackburn are yet to get points on the board. Both sides will have a point to prove.

Alex’s Prediction: A tricky one on the road for Blackburn who need to find their first win of the season against a Hull side that have started the season better than I expected them to. It will be a tough 0-0.

Christian’s Prediction: The Tigers head into the fixture with the momentum, but aren’t known for a dominating home record; a surprise win could be on the cards, 3-0 Blackburn.

Ben’s Prediction: Don’t think Blackburn have been as bad as their results would suggest, but I think Hull have a bit more about them in the final third. Hull 2-1.

Swansea vs Watford

Both sides secured crucial home victories last weekend — Swansea swept aside a lacklustre Sheffield United, while Watford edged past QPR in a well-earned three points.

Alex’s Prediction: The clash of mid table, both sides will see this as a should win game, but Swansea have the home advantage. Watford look exciting but their new team needs time to gel. 2-1 to Swansea.

Christian’s Prediction: Swansea should look to take control of the fixture. While Watford won’t be an easy task, Alan Sheehan’s men will capitalise on home soil. 2-0 Swansea.

Ben’s Prediction: With Imran Louza suspended for Watford, I think Swansea will just edge this one. Defensively, Swansea have looked quite tight so far. 1-0 Swansea.

Charlton vs Leicester City

Newly-promoted Charlton have settled back nicely into the Championship, with upcoming opponents Leicester still trying to find their stride, after difficult games against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston.

Alex’s Prediction: A tricky test for both sides, but Charlton will fear a Leicester team who need to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat. Nathan Jones will set his side up well, but Leicester’s quality should come through. 1-0 to Leicester.

Christian’s Prediction: The Foxes have looked anything but convincing thus far, and Nathan Jones’ men are a well-drilled side who will punish Leicester if they’re not on their game, 0-0.

Ben’s Prediction: This feels like a good time to be playing Leicester, who were poor at Deepdale last week. I’d fancy Charlton to snatch a point and keep things tight. 1-1.

Preston vs Ipswich

After a great win over Leicester, Preston has started the season off strong. The Tractor Boys may only sit on two points, but have got past two very difficult games without a loss to start the season.

Alex’s Prediction: Preston will hope to kill another giant after beating Leicester last weekend, but their opponents are in need of a first win. Ipswich will have new signing Jens Cajuste and Chuba Akpom in, so they should win this. 2-1 to Ipswich.

Christian’s Prediction: Gaining two points in the process, Kieran McKenna won’t be upset after the previous two games and will look to pick up the pace with new additions Chuba Akpom and Jens Cajuste this weekend. Preston won’t go down easily, but lack the quality of their opposition, 2-1 Ipswich.

Ben’s Prediction: North End have only lost three of their 23 home matches under Paul Heckingbottom and are coming off the back of a good win against Leicester. Ipswich will click into gear eventually, but I’ll back them for another 1-1 draw.

Wrexham vs Sheffield Wednesday

Both sides are on zero points, but have very different situations on the inside. Wrexham’s dream-like owners are completely juxtaposing chairman Chansiri’s slow destruction of the Owls.

Alex’s Prediction: Wrexham have struggled early-on in the Championship, and I think the pressure on them to win this game could be too much. Sheffield Wednesday are depleted under Chansiri’s ownership, but they’ll get a good result here. 1-0 to Wednesday.

Christian’s Prediction: Phil Parkinson has endured a tough start to life in the Championship with his promoted side, but will see the upcoming game as an opportunity to begin establishing themselves in this division, with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Ben’s Prediction: Wrexham have had a couple of tough fixtures to start the season, but this feels like a great chance to get some points on the board. With Pierce Charles injured for Wednesday, it’s tough to see them getting anything from this one. 3-1 Wrexham.

Southampton vs Stoke

While the Saints may look like clear favourites on paper, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Stoke have picked up two wins from two and won’t be holding back on Saturday.

Alex’s Prediction: The Saints have looked an exciting proposition, especially with new academy product Jay Robinson on the wing. Stoke have started well but I think St Mary’s will be too tough of an away day. 2-0 to Southampton.

Christian’s Prediction: Will Still has given Southampton the pragmatism they’ve been longing for, and with the home crowd behind them, they should find a way against the in-form Potters, who will pose an attacking threat, 2-1 Southampton.

Ben’s Prediction: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Stoke so far, but this is definitely their biggest test yet. With home advantage, I’m just edging it to Southampton 2-1.

Norwich vs Middlesbrough

Norwich earned a crucial away win over Portsmouth last weekend, with striker Josh Sargent leading the Canaries. Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough are yet to concede in their opening two games, though.

Alex’s Prediction: It will be a tough test at Carrow Road for Rob Edwards’ so-far unbeaten Boro. I can see it being a good game. 2-2.

Christian’s Prediction: Middlesbrough really hit their stride in the second half against Millwall, scoring three to suppress them at home. While Norwich picked up a result, they have yet to look as convincing in a game. 2-1 Middlesbrough.

Ben’s Prediction: While Boro have kept back-to-back clean sheets, I’d still fancy Norwich to cause them some problems. I’ll go for a Desmond between these two. 2-2.

West Brom vs Portsmouth

West Brom, while winning both their games, haven’t blown away any of their opposition thus far, and John Mousinho’s Portsmouth will not be an easy team to break down.

Alex’s Prediction: Portsmouth are very hit and miss on the road, and I can see them struggling at the Hawthorns. West Brom will be strong going forwards. West Brom win 2-0 here.

Christian’s Prediction: West Brom settled later on against Wrexham last week and eventually took control. I could see that seeping through into this game, but with difficult opposition against Portsmouth. 0-0.

Ben’s Prediction: Isaac Price is on fire, and I wouldn’t bet against him making the difference again this weekend. I do like Pompey, but think the Baggies will just get over the line in this one 2-1.

Sheffield United vs Millwall

Two hopeful sides face each other. Both need a win, but do the Blades have an advantage, reportedly looking to take key player Japhet Tanganga away from Alex Neil’s side?

Alex’s Prediction: Ruben Selles will be under pressure at Bramall Lane, especially if the Blades start slowly here. Millwall will provide a test, but I can see Sheffield United getting a much-needed victory here. 1-0 to the Blades.

Christian’s Prediction: It’s a matter of time before the Blades spark into life this season. Will it be under Ruben Selles, though? Millwall’s stability and Neil’s know-how could see them sneak the three points. 2-1 Millwall.

Ben’s Prediction: This is a tricky one. Surely Sheff Utd have to come good eventually? With that being said, Millwall are no mugs under Alex Neil, especially in away games. The first goal in this one will be crucial. 1-0 Millwall.

Coventry vs QPR

Frank Lampard’s Coventry looks a prominent force this season. With Rudoni’s desire to stay, and a dominating five goals last weekend, QPR will need a serious defensive performance for any hope of points.

Alex’s Prediction: Coventry have been significantly boosted by Jack Rudoni reportedly expressing his willingness to stay, which will be huge for the Sky Blues. QPR will be hoping to find their first win, but I can’t see it happening here. 1-0 to Coventry.

Christian’s Prediction: QPR have strengthened their attack this season, with Ligue 1 standouts Richard Kone and Kwame Poku. But they haven’t gone to that level defensively — Coventry should look to capitalise, 2-0.

Ben’s Prediction: After putting five past Derby last week, this is a chance for Coventry to build some momentum. QPR have lots of talented individuals, but they still look like a work in progress under Julien Stephan. 3-1 Coventry.

Birmingham v Oxford

Two sides that are aiming for very different things this season. Birmingham have their eyes set on promotion, with Oxford looking to scrape survival.

Alex’s Prediction: The Blues should be looking for their first home league win at St. Andrew’s this weekend. Chris Davies’ side have looked very exciting at the start of the season and will have too much firepower for Oxford. 2-0 to Birmingham.

Christian’s Prediction: While there have been bumps (conceding to Blackburn and late to Ipswich), they haven’t looked like a recently-promoted side. Oxford will sit back, aiming to pick up a point on the road. 4-0 Birmingham.

Benn’s Prediction: Think Birmingham’s quality will be the difference between both sides, but if Oxford score first, they could make things interesting.

Make sure to check back each week for the latest predictions and guests, and see how the table develops!

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