The opening weekend of the Championship never fails to set the tone for the season ahead, and this year’s kick-off was no exception.
Fans across the country were treated to a thrilling showcase of football, brimming with drama, skill, and the kind of nail-biting tension that only the Championship can deliver.
From late goals to absolute thrashings, the first round of fixtures provided a glimpse of what’s to come over the next nine months.
As we look back at the best games from the opening weekend, it’s clear the Championship betting markets are going to be as unpredictable as ever.
Leeds United 3-3 Portsmouth
While Leeds United fans would have left Elland Road frustrated that their side couldn’t kick-start the season with a win over newly-promoted Portsmouth, neutrals were treated to an absolute thriller as the early kick-off ended 3-3.
The two sides traded blow-for-blow right to the final whistle in the action-packed encounter. Pascal Struijk opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, but strikes from Elias Sorensen and Callum Lang put Pompey ahead at the break.
Whatever Daniel Farke said to his players at half-time appeared to work, as Wilfried Gnonto scored after just 60 seconds. A 93rd-minute Lang penalty looked like it had sealed the three points for the visitors, but Brenden Aaronson equalised two minutes later.
Millwall 2-3 Watford
There was even more late drama at The Den, where hosts Millwall looked like they had salvaged an unlikely point against Watford, only for the Hornets to still have a sting in their tail and nab the three points at the death.
Tom Cleverley’s men were two goals up and coasting to an opening-day victory over Millwall thanks to goals from Edo Kayembe and Giorgi Chakvetadze. However, two goals from Duncan Watmore in the 74th and 88th minutes got the London side back on level terms.
The celebrations amongst the home fans didn’t last long, though, as Mileta Rajovic fired the visitors back into the lead in the 90th minute.
Related: Ndidi’s Leicester Edge Walsall On Penalties As Chelsea, Man City Progress
Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 Plymouth Argyle
There was a lot of attention surrounding this game between Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle at Hillsborough Stadium, as Wayne Rooney was in the dugout for the first time as the Pilgrims’ manager.
Argyle fans had been split over the appointment of the former Manchester United and England forward earlier this summer given his lacklustre record as a manager to this point with Derby County, D.C. United and Birmingham City.
However, many would have liked to give Rooney the benefit of the doubt and the chance to prove himself. But a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Wednesday and an overall dreadful performance was certainly not an ideal start to the campaign.
Luton Town 1-4 Burnley
It was a rough start to the season for Luton Town fans as well, as the Hatters were humiliated 4-1 at home by fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley, who are now one of the favourites to win the Championship in the football bets markets after a fantastic start.
The Clarets lost Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich after being relegated back to the Championship last season, but promotion specialist Scott Parker has been drafted in, and Burnley appear to be going in the right direction under the former Fulham and Bournemouth boss.
Josh Brownhill and Wilson Odobert gave the visitors a two-goal lead in the first half, and while Tahith Chong’s goal looked like it might give Luton a lifeline, strikes from Dara O’Shea and Vitinho soon made it a night to forget for Rob Edwards.
