The Championship heads into Boxing Day with the table beginning to take shape, but as always, England’s second tier is keenly contested.
Coventry remain clear at the top, but Middlesbrough, Ipswich, and Hull are still within a reasonable distance and continue to apply some pressure. Ipswich travel to Millwall, while Coventry host Swansea, two fixtures that could shift the promotion picture.
Elsewhere, Birmingham face Derby in the early kick-off, West Brom host Bristol City, and Norwich welcome Charlton in another tight mid-table clash.
At the bottom, Sheffield Wednesday remain cut adrift and face another difficult afternoon against a Hull side pushing for the play-offs.
Against that backdrop, this week’s Championship betting tips focus on three fixtures.
Leicester City vs Watford
- Kick-off 3:00pm, Friday, December 26 (Live on Sky Sports)
This Boxing Day meeting brings together two sides separated by just one point in mid-table. Leicester sit 13th with 31 points, while Watford are 10th on 32, and both have scored exactly 31 goals this season.
Neither defence has convinced. Leicester have conceded in all but three league games, while Watford have managed only a handful of clean sheets and rarely shut games down away from home.
Leicester’s form has been patchy, with wins often followed by dropped points. Watford have drawn eight times already, underlining their habit of staying competitive without taking control.
With both sides carrying an attacking threat but offering little defensive security, goals at both ends look likely.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score at 7/10 (1.70)
- Tipped on Tipstrr by: PMP: BLX
Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull City
- Kick-off 3:00pm, Friday, December 26 (Live on Sky Sports)
This fixture highlights the growing gap between the top and bottom of the Championship. Hull arrive at Hillsborough sitting fourth, while Sheffield Wednesday remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Hull have won 11 of their 22 league matches and scored 37 goals. They remain firmly in the play-off race and cannot afford slips against struggling sides.
Wednesday’s problems are well documented. They have won just once all season, conceded 43 goals, and carry a -27 goal difference to match their minus points tally.
Hull do not always dominate away from home, but the difference in quality and momentum is obvious. Against a side conceding over two goals per game, the visitors should have enough to take all three points.
Suggested bet: Hull City to win at 1/1 (2.00)
- Tipped on Tipstrr by: The LOW Service
Stoke City vs Preston North End
- Kick-off 3:00pm, Friday, December 26 (Live on Sky Sports)
Stoke and Preston come into this one closely matched in both position and profile. Stoke sit eighth on 33 points, with Preston just ahead in fifth on 36.
Both sides score regularly but rarely dominate games. Stoke have found the net 28 times but have also conceded in the majority of their fixtures, while Preston have scored 30 and kept only a handful of clean sheets.
Preston’s nine draws underline how often their matches stay competitive deep into the game. Stoke, meanwhile, tend to be more open at home, creating chances but leaving space in behind.
With neither side reliable defensively and both still pushing for play-off momentum, backing goals at both ends makes more sense than choosing a winner.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score at 9/10 (1.90)
- Tipped on Tipstrr by: 0NLYBTT$
EFL treble summary
- Leicester City vs Watford – Both teams to score — 7/10 (1.70)
- Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull City – Hull City to win — 1/1 (2.00)
- Stoke City vs Preston North End – Both teams to score — 9/10 (1.90)
Combined odds: 11/2 with Bet365
**Prices correct at time of publication.