Current Odds for Winning the English Championship (EFL)
| Bookmakers’ Rank | Team | Odds to Win the League | Probability (%) | Current League Position |
| 1 | Stoke | 26.00 | 3.85% | 1 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 17.00 | 5.88% | 2 |
| 3 | West Brom | 15.00 | 6.66% | 3 |
| 4 | Bristol City | 26.00 | 3.84% | 4 |
| 5 | Coventry | 13.00 | 7.69% | 5 |
| 6 | Birmingham | 6.50 | 15.38% | 6 |
| 7 | Hull | 51.00 | 1.96% | 7 |
| 8 | Preston | 67.00 | 1.49% | 8 |
| 9 | Southampton | 5.50 | 18.18% | 9 |
| 10 | Charlton | 67.00 | 1.49% | 10 |
| 11 | Leicester | 17.00 | 5.88% | 11 |
| 12 | Norwich | 17.00 | 5.88% | 12 |
| 13 | Portsmouth | 67.00 | 1.49% | 13 |
| 14 | Watford | 51.00 | 1.96% | 14 |
| 15 | Swansea | 34.00 | 2.94% | 15 |
| 16 | Millwall | 34.00 | 2.94% | 16 |
| 17 | Ipswich | 4.00 | 25% | 17 |
| 18 | QPR | 101.00 | 0.99% | 18 |
| 19 | Wrexham | 41.00 | 2.44% | 19 |
| 20 | Oxford Utd | 251.00 | 0.398% | 20 |
| 21 | Blackburn | 81.00 | 1.24% | 21 |
| 22 | Derby | 81.00 | 1.24% | 22 |
| 23 | Sheffield Utd | 17.00 | 5.88% | 23 |
| 24 | Sheffield Wed | 501.00 | 0.199% | 24 |
Format and participants of the English Championship 2025/26
The English Football League (EFL) Championship is located in England, as it is the second-highest division in the English football league system, featuring clubs primarily from England. Its play-off finals have historically been held at Wembley Stadium in London, though they have also been contested at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
The English Championship, known for its unpredictability and competitive nature, is a 46-game marathon featuring 24 teams vying for promotion to the Premier League or fighting to avoid relegation to League One. Below, I provide data-driven predictions and betting tips for the 2025/26 season, drawing on team form, historical trends, and market dynamics, inspired by the structure of the EFL analysis.
| Parameter | Information |
| Season | 2025/26 |
| Dates | August 8, 2025 – May 2, 2026 (playoff final May 23, 2026) |
| Teams | 24 |
| Format | 46 matches per team (home & away) |
| Promotion | 1st & 2nd directly promoted, 3rd–6th playoffs |
| Relegation | Bottom 3 relegated to League One |
| Notable participants | Ipswich, Southampton, Leicester, Birmingham, Wrexham, Charlton |
Features of Betting English Championship (EFL) 2025/26
The Championship’s unpredictability makes it a challenging but rewarding betting market. Drawing parallels with the EFL’s betting trends, here are key characteristics and strategies:
- High Upset Potential: The Championship is notorious for unexpected results, with underdogs often beating favorites. For example, last season’s relegated teams like Leeds and Burnley were favorites but faced stiff competition from unexpected sides like Ipswich;
- Low-Scoring Games: Historically, many Championship matches are tight, with around 50% of games ending with Under 2.5 goals due to defensive tactics and physical play;
- Home Advantage: Teams perform better at home due to passionate crowds and travel fatigue for away sides, especially in midweek fixtures;
- Derby Intensity: Matches like Sheffield United vs. Sheffield Wednesday or Birmingham City vs. West Brom often see high card counts and fouls due to rivalry intensity;
- Relegation Battles: Bottom-table teams, such as Oxford United, often produce surprise results late in the season as they fight for survival.
Favorites of the English Championship 2025/26
Several clubs stand out as main contenders for promotion. Ipswich look strong, Southampton have Premier League experience, and Birmingham are pushing forward.
- Ipswich Town: Favorites to win the title after relegation from the Premier League. Manager Kieran McKenna’s tactical expertise and squad depth make them strong contenders, though key departures (e.g., Liam Delap) could pose challenges;
- Southampton: Under new manager Will Still, Southampton are expected to leverage their Premier League experience and recent investments to push for automatic promotion;
- Birmingham City: Newly promoted from League One, their big-spending owners (including Tom Brady) and strong League One campaign make them a surprise contender for promotion;
- Sheffield United: Despite losing manager Chris Wilder, their playoff experience last season positions them as a top-six candidate, though squad rebuilding is needed;
- Leicester City: Facing potential financial penalties, Leicester may struggle early but have the quality to compete for playoffs.
| Team | 1xBet | Betway | Bet365 |
| Leicester City | 17 | 16.80 | 17.00 |
| Sheffield United | 17 | 16.90 | 17.00 |
| Birmingham City | 6.55 | 6.45 | 6.50 |
| Southampton | 5.5 | 5.45 | 5.50 |
| Ipswich Town | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Teams on the English Championship (EFL) 2025/26
Based on early season trends, team form, and Opta supercomputer projections:
- Ipswich Town to Win the Championship: Their experience under McKenna and cohesive squad make them the team to beat. Prediction: 1st place, 90-95 points;
- Southampton for Automatic Promotion: Likely to secure 2nd place with 85-90 points, capitalizing on their Premier League-quality squad;
- Birmingham City for Playoffs: Their financial backing and momentum from League One suggest a top-six finish, potentially via playoffs;
- Wrexham to Avoid Relegation: Despite a slow start, their Hollywood-backed investment and fanbase should ensure mid-table safety (12th-15th);
- Oxford United for Relegation: Their limited budget and poor attacking stats last season make them prime relegation candidates.
How to Get More Valve from Betting on the English Championship
You can bet on the EFL without risking your own money. Bookmakers regularly offer bonuses for both new players and regular customers. Information about current promotions can be found in the special section on the TelecomAsia Sport website. Choose a free bet you like and enjoy betting absolutely free!
How to Bet on the English Championship (EFL) 2025/26
Betting on the EFL requires patience and a clear strategy. It is unwise to back favorites blindly, since upsets are common. Instead, bettors should look for markets with better value and follow specific league patterns.
Our recommendations:
- Bonuses: Check betting sites like Bet365, 1xBet, or Betway for free bet offers and promotions for new and existing customers;
- Focus on Secondary Markets: Bet on totals (e.g., Under 2.5 goals), handicaps, and card markets, where bookmakers often misprice odds. For example, derby matches like Coventry vs. Leicester may see over 4.5 cards;
- Monitor Fixture Congestion: Teams like Birmingham or Southampton playing in the FA Cup or EFL Cup may drop points in league games due to fatigue;
- Winter Conditions: Home teams in colder months (January-February) often outperform due to familiarity with local pitches and weather;
- Avoid Blindly Backing Favorites: Upsets are common, so analyze form and head-to-head stats before betting on 1X2 markets. Use sites like OddsPortal for live odds comparisons;
- Bet on Totals and Handicaps: Given the low-scoring nature, Under 2.5 goals or Asian handicaps offer better value. For example, back underdogs like Charlton with a +1 handicap in tough away games;
- Card Markets in Derbies: High-stakes matches (e.g., Bristol City vs. Derby) often see aggressive play, making over 5.5 cards a smart bet.
Author’s Opinion
Anifowose Sunday
In my own betting opinion, I have learned that the English Championship (EFL), is a bettor’s paradise due to its unpredictability and diverse markets. Patience is key to focus on data-driven bets, monitor team news (injuries, suspensions, pattern of play), and exploit bookmakers’ tendency to undervalue secondary markets like corners or cards.
With disciplined bankroll management and a focus on trends, the English Championship offers plenty of opportunities for profitable betting during the 2025/26 campaign.
