Home
Soccer

English Championship Predictions - 22 August 2026, Round 2

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 1 hour ago

Simon Lewis 1 hour ago

Share this article

Wolves to pound struggling Preston.
Wrexham to suffer frustration again with a draw to Watford.
Swansea to pick up second win of the season.
Goals to flow as QPR host Bolton.

Rumen Burrell scores for QPR, who have netted 17 goals in five matches (Getty Images).

English Championship Predictions - Round 2

English Championship Predictions - Round 2
Preston vs Wolves
Wrexham vs Watford
Swansea vs Sheffield Utd
QPR vs Bolton

Preston vs Wolves

Preston needed penalties to defeat League 1 side Huddersfield in the League Cup Round of 64, and it was their only win in their last four matches. They also lost their opener in the Championship 2-1 away to Bolton, so they don’t look a major threat at this stage of the season.

Wolves were a disaster in the Premier League last season but have a good build-up to their return to the Championship. They won their last two pre-season friendlies by an aggregate score of 5-0, beat Port Vale 3-0 in the League Cup and drew 2-2 with Blackburn in their opening match of the Championship season, so they are looking competitive.

Wrexham vs Watford

The bookies are backing Wrexham at home against Watford, and while that makes sense considering the visitors won just 14 of the 48 league matches last season while Wrexham finished seventh on the table, recent form suggests a mild upset.

Wrexham had lost each of their last three games by a 1-0 scoreline before drawing 1-1 with Cardiff in their Championship opener. It was frustrating for Wrexham as Cardiff snatched the equaliser in the 8th minute of added time.

Watford might have high odds for the win, but they won their opener 2-1 against Southampton after winning two of their previous three matches with clean sheets. Home ground advantage will benefit Wrexham, but as they are stuttering I’m going to back this for a draw, which has nice odds attached to it.

Swansea vs Sheffield Utd

Swansea finished just above Sheffield United in the table last season but they have been far from convincing in their last five matches, losing two without scoring and claiming narrow wins in two of their three wins. They lost 1-0 to Swansea in the League Cup but bounced back by beating Stoke in their league opener, so they have some momentum going forward.

Sheffield are unbeaten in their last five, with three wins and clean sheets in their last four matches, three of which were away from home. They played out a goalless draw in the opener against Birmingham which was a decent result, but I don’t see them having the strength to hold out against Swansea at home.

QPR vs Bolton

QPR are full of goals at the start of the season, slamming in 17 in their first five matches, including pre-season. They have won four of their five matches, losing only away to the gritty Millwall on penalties in the League Cup. They beat Portsmouth 3-1 away in their Championship opener so they are worth backing for the win.

Bolton have only scored four goals in their last five matches but they have conceded just three times. They lost 1-0 away to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup but scored a strong 2-1 win over Preston in their Championship opener. Perhaps the safest bet is to go for a game with goals.

Verdict

England Championship

Wins loading for Wolves and Swanseam with Wrexham and Watford slated for a draw with Sheffield Utd. I'm backing plenty of goals between QPR and Bolton.

QPR Goals

Total Match Goals Over 2.5

@1,85 - 2 Units

Get 150% up to R15,000

use promo code BETS

18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Jabula Bets

Wolves Win

Result

@1,85 - 1 Unit

Get up to R1500 (for 1st 6 bets)

use promo code BETS

18+. T&Cs apply. The Pantherbet promo code is BETS.

Bet at Pantherbet

Swansea Win

Result

@2,40 - 1 Unit

Get 100% up to R5 000

for your first deposit

Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet

Wrexham Draw

Result

@3,60 - 1 Unit

Get up to R15,000 + 50 spins

100% First Deposit Bonus

Earn up to R15,000 in bonus funds PLUS 50 Free Spins when you first deposit. To get started, register and make your First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R15,000 paid out as cash in 10 equal parts as you meet the wagering requirements. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sportingbet