With the EFL Championship returning next weekend, we asked an AI model to provide us with some betting tips ahead of the opening round.
The opening fixture of the new Championship season sees relegated Ipswich take on newly-promoted Birmingham at St. Andrews next Friday.
On Saturday, another headline clash is that of Southampton Vs Wrexham.
Like the opening match, that game sees one former Premier League side up against a team promoted from League One.
The third relegated side, Leicester City, host Sheffield Wednesday on the Sunday, with all three games shown live on Sky Sports.
Ahead of the campaign, UK betting sites favour Ipswich for promotion, while Southampton are also tipped to do well.
But before any fixtures get underway, we asked AI to provide us with betting tips for each of the opening round matches.
The #SkyBetChampionship returns in 4 days! 😍#EFLisBack pic.twitter.com/UecqNgultu
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) August 4, 2025
AI EFL Championship Betting Tips
Friday 8 August
Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town @ 20:00
Odds: Birmingham 9/5, Draw 2/1, Ipswich 6/5
AI Tip: Ipswich to win at 6/5.
The AI argues that title-favourites Ipswich have been heavily backed to win the title.
It expects them to assert control and dominate against newly-promoted Birmingham City.
Saturday 9 August
Southampton vs Wrexham @ 12:30
Odds: Southampton 1/2, Draw 5/2, Wrexham 5/1
AI Tip: Under 2.5 goals at 1/2.
Wrexham are predicted to set up defensively away from home against former Premier League side Southampton.
This, plus the Saints’ lack of goal threat, means the AI doesn’t think there will be goals at St. Mary’s.
Charlton Athletic vs Watford @ 12:30
Odds: Charlton 11/4, Draw 9/4, Watford 7/4
AI Tip: Watford win at 7/4.
Watford are expected to challenge for playoffs, with the AI backing them for victory comfortably.
Coventry City vs Hull City @ 12:30
Odds: Coventry 3/4, Draw 11/4, Hull 4/1
AI Tip: Coventry to win second half at 4/6.
The AI backs Coventry to show their strong home form and edge ahead after the break.
It predicts a tight first period, but for the Sky Blues to eventually show their quality.
Saturday 9 August (15:00 kick‑offs)
Middlesbrough vs Swansea City
Odds: Middlesbrough 4/5, Draw 12/5, Swansea 13/5
AI Tip: Both Teams To Score – Yes at 8/11.
According to the AI, Boro’s attacking edge will likely earn them victory.
But it expects Swansea to react and get on the scoresheet as well.
Norwich City vs Millwall
Odds: Norwich 1/1, Draw 12/5, Millwall 9/4
AI Tip: Norwich over 1.5 team goals at 6/5.
After a tense start, the AI has Norwich down to pull away and grab at least two goals once they find their rythm.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth
Odds: Oxford 9/4, Draw 5/2, Portsmouth 11/8
AI Tip: Draw at 5/2.
This one is expected to be a tight, cagey affair between two teams at the bottom end of the table.
QPR vs Preston North End
Odds: QPR 5/4, Draw 11/5, Preston 7/4
AI Tip: QPR to win half‑time/full‑time at 2/1.
The AI says home side QPR are expected to grow into match and finish strong.
Stoke City vs Derby County
Odds: Stoke 6/5, Draw 5/2, Derby 9/4
AI Tip: Derby double chance (Draw or Away) at 5/6.
Derby have had a difficult time of it recently, but the AI is counting on their away resilience, which could frustrate Stoke City.
West Brom vs Blackburn Rovers
Odds: West Brom 11/10, Draw 12/5, Blackburn 10/3
AI Tip: Under 2.5 goals at 4/5.
The rustiness and early nerves of this season opener are likely to keep a lid on scoring.
Expect a tight, low-tempo fixture with few goals, according to the AI.
Saturday 9 August (17:30)
Sheffield United vs Bristol City
Odds: Sheffield Utd 2/5, Draw 7/2, Bristol City 6/1
AI Tip: Sheffield United to win to nil at 4/6.
Sheffield United get the AI’s backing in this play-off semi-final re-run.
It argues the Blades will prove a strong home side, and are expected to press and keep a clean sheet.
Sunday 10 August
Leicester City vs Sheffield Wednesday @ 16:30
Odds: Leicester 1/5, Draw 6/1, Sheffield Wed 14/1
AI Tip: Leicester to win Over 2.5 goals at 4/11.
The AI has Leicester winning comfortably in this one.
With a creative edge, it thinks the Foxes will score multiple goals during open second-half action.
