It is well known in the football world that despite being the second tier of English football, the Championship is one of the toughest divisions in the sport. It is competitive and lightning fast, with unmatched intensity and an extremely high level of competition where any team could lose to anyone on a given day. The schedule is relentless, as well as the action and drama, making it a spectacle for fans and neutrals alike. This high volatility also lends itself nicely to the world of betting. In this overview, we’ll run through some key information on English Championship betting, including handy tips to help you bet on the competition.
Format and Structure
As previously mentioned, the Championship is the second tier of English football, just below the promised land of the Premier League. Teams from the top flight drop to the Championship if unsuccessful at the end of a season and those in the second tier fight for promotion. Here’s how it all works:
Regular Season: The league comprises 24 teams who play 46 matches, playing every team in the division twice, once at home and once away. Typically the games span from August to May of the following year, with games being played most weekends with occasional midweek fixtures. The schedule is hugely demanding but many believe this adds to the unpredictability and excitement of the division.
Promotion: The teams finishing 1st and 2nd in the Championship are automatically promoted to the Premier League, with the first being crowned champions. Teams from 3rd to 6th then compete in the infamous Championship play-offs, which take place after the close of the regular season. Teams first play a two-legged tie against another of the four play-off teams, with the winners of the two ties facing each other in the final at Wembley Stadium. The final is widely known as ‘The Most Lucrative Game in Football’, due to the immense reward if promotion is achieved.
Relegation: The three teams that finish bottom of the league or in the ‘Relegation Zone’ drop down into League One, the third tier of the English football pyramid. Testament to the cut-throat style of the Championship, it is not uncommon for massive teams who were in the Premier League only a season or two before to be relegated.
English Championship Betting Tips
The English Championship is a league where tactics, form and consistency are of the utmost importance and should be considered by those thinking about betting on the division. Here are a few tips on what to be on the lookout for when placing your bets or looking at English Championship odds.
Team Form and Momentum: The packed schedule of the Championship means that form is a crucial factor in success. Momentum works wonders for a team's results, but equally momentum can shift incredibly quickly due to the amount of games in a short period. A series of wins or defeats can be massively significant to where a team sits in the table and form should always be kept in mind. A lot of the time, form can actually be more telling than a side's league position.
Squad Depth and Rotation: With a huge 46 league games, alongside cup demands including potential replays and extra time slogs, squad size and depth is hugely important to a good Championship campaign. Injuries, suspensions and fatigue can also impact a squad's capabilities to cope with the demands of the league. All of these can have a serious bearing on performance and consequently, results. Teams with strong and balanced squads often do better than those with a handful of key players that carry the team.
Home and Away Form: The Championship is home to some of the most passionate fans in the sport, causing home and away matches to have enhanced importance. Often the intimidating atmospheres of thousands of fans means teams perform better at home. But of course, the style of play of some teams lends itself better to away fixtures. Hence why it’s always a good idea to take a look at how teams perform in home or away games, to give you an idea on trends of results in English Championship betting.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: Like the Premier League, the Championship requires teams to carry on through winter months, where adverse or extreme weather conditions can significantly affect a match’s outcome. Teams have to be prepared to play in all seasons and adapt their game based on the conditions. Postponement of games is common and again adds to the unpredictability of the schedule. Also, if a certain team is unable to play a fast passing game on a fast pitch, or unable to be physical on a wet, heavy pitch, they will likely come undone when conditions aren’t in their favour.
FAQ
✅ What are the key teams to follow in the EFL Championship this season?
The three sides relegated from the Premier League and those promoted from League One are often the key teams to follow in any Championship season.
✅ How often are new betting markets added for EFL Championship matches at Betsson?
New EFL Championship betting markets will continue to appear for each match when the kick-off time draws nearer.
✅ Can I place accumulator bets combining EFL Championship fixtures with other leagues?
Yes, accumulator bets can be created using fixtures from the Championship and other football leagues, including the Premier League.
✅ What live-betting options are available for EFL Championship games on Betsson?
Betsson offers a range of live betting options for every single Championship match. Bet on the next scorer, the total number of goals and much more.
