The new domestic season in England is upon us as Reading and Derby County get the EFL Championship campaign up and running at the Madejski Stadium on Friday. On Saturday, Swansea City begin life back in the second tier with a game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The first piece of silverware in England is on offer when Chelsea and Manchester City meet in the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. The same day, Leeds United and Stoke City go head-to-head in the standout game of the weekend in the Championship.
Championship
| Date | Time | Match | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/08/18 | 20.00 | Reading v Derby County | Derby to win 2-0 |
| 04/08/18 | 17.30 | Sheff Utd v Swansea | Draw & BTTS |
| 05/08/18 | 16.30 | Leeds United v Stoke City | Leeds to win 2-1 |
| 06/08/18 | 19.45 | Hull City v Aston Villa | Aston Villa to win |
Stoke, who were relegated from the Premier League, head into the new season as favourites to win the Championship title. Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest and Leeds are also among the favourites. A little further back are Swansea, who are currently available at 12/1. After what was a fascinating season in the Championship last term – which saw Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Fulham promoted – who will challenge for promotion in the 2018/19 season?
Reading v Derby County
Friday 3rd August 2018, 20.00, Sky Sports
The new Championship season gets underway at the Madejski Stadium as Paul Clement’s Reading go up against Frank Lampard’s Derby. The Rams will back themselves to pick up an away win here, with the bookies pricing County at 5/4 to start their reign under Lampard with three points.
The Royals had a poor season under Jaap Stam last term, with Clement coming in for the last few months to keep them in the second tier. This could be another long season for Reading, who are one of the relegation favourites. As for Derby, they will be eager to build on last season’s sixth-place finish.
Lampard will want to hit the ground running at Derby, and three points on the road this Friday will signal the perfect start. The Rams’ talented and experienced squad are good enough to leave Berkshire with maximum points, so put some money on County to win 2-0 at 21/2 with BetVictor.
Derby County to Win 2-0 – 21/2 at BetVictor
Sheffield United v Swansea City
Saturday 4th August 2018, 17.30, Sly Sports
Chris Wilder’s Sheff Utd and Graham Potter’s Swansea do battle at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening. The Blades will be looking to build on last season’s play-off push, while the Swans would love an instant return to the Premier League. Which way will this fascinating fixture go this Saturday?
Wilder’s men finished their first year back in the second tier in a very respectable 10th place, challenging the top six virtually all season long. Swansea, meanwhile, fell out of the Premier League after a fruitful seven-year spell. Gaining promotion back to the top flight could be harder than ever this year.
The Blades will fancy their chances of starting their campaign with a win, but Swansea would no doubt settle for a point. With that in mind, take a punt on Bet365’s 15/4 for the draw and both teams to score.
Draw & Both Teams to Score – 15/4 at Bet365
Leeds United v Stoke City
Sunday 5th August 2018, 16.30, Sky Sports
The standout game of the Championship weekend takes place at Elland Road as Leeds and Stoke lock horns. The experienced Marcelo Bielsa is the new man in charge of the Whites, while Gary Rowett has made the move to the Potteries after failing to gain promotion with Derby last term. This should be a cracker in Yorkshire.
Bielsa has been a busy man since arriving at Elland Road, bringing in the likes of Jamal Blackman, Jack Harrison and Barry Douglas. Stoke have also made several high-profile signings, with Benik Afobe, Tom Ince and James McClean joining the club.
This is a huge game at Elland Road, which could go either way. However, we fancy Leeds to kick off with a home win. Coral are offering 9/1 for the Whites to prevail 2-1 on Sunday.
Leeds United to Win 2-1 – 9/1 at Coral
Hull City v Aston Villa
Monday 6th August 2018, 19.45, Sky Sports
Nigel Adkins’ Hull City and Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa meet at the KCOM Stadium on Monday night. The bookmakers are having a tough time splitting these two, with the Tigers being the slight favourites for the win.
Hull had a poor season last time around, winning just 11 of 46 games to finish in a lowly 18th place. With a number of players leaving the KCOM, the Tigers have been tipped to struggle again. Meanwhile, how will Aston Villa react after missing out in the play-off final last year?
Despite being away from home, we fancy Villa to take the spoils in East Yorkshire. The away victory is available at 9/5 with Betfred.
Aston Villa Win – 9/5 at Betfred
FA Community Shield
| Date | Time | Match | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/08/18 | 15.00 | Chelsea v Man City | Man City to Win -1 |
The Community Shield is always a fixture to look forward as the current Premier League and Emirates FA Cup holders meet in the national stadium for the first trophy on offer. The champions Man City head into this final as strong favourites to claim the prize. However, we should be in for an interesting afternoon, especially as this will be Maurizio Sarri’s first competitive game in charge of Chelsea. Will the shield be heading to Manchester or west London?
Chelsea v Manchester City
Sunday 5th August 2018, 15.00, BT Sport 1
Chelsea and Man City contest this year’s Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon. After such a faultless campaign last year, Pep Guardiola’s Citizens head into this final as favourites. Will City be too strong, or can Sarri’s side pick up a surprise win?
Chelsea are set for an interesting season after the arrival of Sarri, who has been a manager since 1990. The Blues are currently third favourites behind Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United for the Premier League title. As for City, can they top what was a remarkable season last year?
The Community Shield final is often a tight match, but we fancy Man City to ease to a win on Sunday. Take a punt on Betfair’s 3/1 for Man City to win -1.
Manchester City to Win -1 – 3/1 at Betfair