CHAMPIONSHIP ACCA TIPS WITH BETMGM 

The Championship returns this weekend, with all 24 teams looking to make a good start to the 2026/27 campaign.

There are plenty of interesting fixtures across the opening weekend, with particular attention on title favourites West Ham as they begin their push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Here are our five selections for the first Championship accumulator of the new season. Selections are taken from BetMGM, who offer a wide range of Championship odds.

PORTSMOUTH VS QPR – PORTSMOUTH TO WIN (13/10)

Portsmouth get their Championship season underway at Fratton Park against QPR, and I’m backing Pompey to start the new campaign with all three points.

Last season proved difficult at times for both clubs, with Portsmouth eventually finishing 18th and QPR only three places higher in 15th. However, those struggles are now behind them and the opening weekend offers both sides a chance to make a good start.

Fratton Park could be a major factor here. Portsmouth have a good home record, winning eight league matches last season. A key stat which stood out to me was that John Mousinho’s side averaged nearly double the amount of shots taken per 90 compared to when they were playing away.

QPR will provide a test, but this looks like a good opportunity for Portsmouth to begin the season positively. With home advantage on their side, I fancy a Pompey win.

WOLVES VS BLACKBURN – WOLVES TO WIN BOTH HALVES (6/5) 

The Friday night fixture sees Wolverhampton host Blackburn. After a recent relegation from the Premier League, Wanderers will aim to secure a positive start as they aim for automatic promotion.

I’m quite positive about Cesar Peixoto taking charge of Wolves. Last season was one to forget for the club, but this feels like an opportunity for a reset. Peixoto arrives after an impressive campaign in Portugal, and I think his approach could get Wolves heading in the right direction. I thought Wolves ended last season with a bit of momentum; they lost just one of their last four games.

Cesar Peixoto’s side looked brilliant during pre-season, winning four of their five matches, keeping a clean sheet in every win. Key players like Mateus Mané, Kieran Trippier, and Adam Armstrong will give them a huge boost.

MIDDLESBROUGH VS LINCOLN – LINCOLN WIN/DRAW (15/8)

I can see Lincoln getting something away at Boro despite a disappointing pre-season. The Imps surprised many last season by winning League One and securing over 100 points. Lincoln goes into the season with Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw as joint head coaches due to Michael Skubala joining Bristol City.

Both were at the club last season, so this move could work positively due to them knowing the squad and not having to make major changes to tactics. The Imps will look to build on their recent 2-1 away win against Derby in the EFL Cup; Ben House and Dom Jefferies were the goal scorers.

Last season, Lincoln was excellent at the back. They conceded just 0.89 goals per 90. I know the Championship is a huge step up, but they’re going into the season with a very similar back line, which is positive.

CHARLTON VS DERBY – DRAW (23/10)

Charlton ended last season on a poor run, losing five of their final eight league matches and winning just once. Derby had similar problems away from home, with six losses across their final eight away outings. However, they did finish their campaign with a 3-2 win at QPR, prior to their home loss against Sheffield United.

Both sides struggled to find the back of the net consistently last season, so I can see this fixture being low scoring. Despite Derby having plenty of attacking quality, including Carlton Morris and Sammie Szmodics, I think Charlton will defend well and do enough to get a draw at The Valley.

CARDIFF VS WREXHAM – BTTS (8/15)

Cardiff return to the Championship after earning promotion from League One last season. Despite missing out on the title to Lincoln City, they comfortably secured second place and will now look to make a strong start at the higher level. Their preparations have taken a hit defensively, with Will Fish expected to be unavailable for several months.

Wrexham also came close to making the step-up last season but narrowly missed the play-offs after finishing seventh. They have since added to their squad, including the arrival of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson from Sunderland, as they look to push on this time around.

I think this could be an open game. Cardiff should create plenty on home soil, while Wrexham have enough going forward to trouble the Bluebirds. I’m backing both teams to find the net.