Championship Preview: Wolves to Stumble on Opening Night?

EFL Season Kicks Off: A Weekend of Live Action

The 2026/27 Sky Bet EFL season is finally here, and fans across England are gearing up for a bumper opening weekend. According to reports, every Championship, League One, and League Two game will be shown live on Sky Sports, with more than 1,000 live matches from the EFL, Carabao Cup, and EFL Trophy scheduled throughout the campaign. Supporters can also catch free highlights on the Sky Sports app after each round, alongside analysis from the Essential EFL podcast and the new EFL Show on Sky Sports News.

With the season kicking off on Friday 14 August 2026, anticipation is high. But for those looking to place a bet, the opening fixtures present a fascinating puzzle—especially in the Championship, where relegated Premier League sides often find life tougher than expected.

Wolves: Second Favourites but a History of Early Struggles

Wolves enter the new season as second favourites for the Championship title at 5/1 with Sky Bet, according to betting expert Jones Knows. Yet Knows, writing for Sky Sports, urges caution. "I'm always wary of backing teams that have made losing football matches a habit, especially in the early stages of a season when playing a level down," he warns.

His caution is backed by data. Looking at the last 10 teams that have entered the Championship after taking 25 points or fewer in the Premier League, their record across the first five games is poor. Of those 50 matches, the relegated side won just 15—a strike rate of only 30 per cent. That suggests that adjusting to the demands of the Championship takes time, even for sides with Premier League pedigree.

The market has Wolves priced at 1/2 for their opening fixture, implying a 66 per cent probability of victory. Knows believes that is "a shade too high" given the unknowns surrounding the squad and the mental toll of a relegation campaign. "That looks a shade too high for me, based on the unknowns still regarding this team," he adds.

Why Relegated Teams Often Falter Early

The trend is not new. Relegated clubs frequently struggle to hit the ground running, as players adjust to a new level of physicality and intensity. The Championship is relentless, with a gruelling 46-game season that punishes inconsistency. For many players, the psychological blow of relegation lingers, and the pressure to bounce back immediately can weigh heavily.

Wolves, who spent several seasons in the Premier League, will be expected to challenge for an immediate return. But history suggests that patience may be required. The 30% win rate in the first five games for such sides is a stark reminder that the Championship is no place for complacency.

For punters, this could present value in opposing Wolves in the early weeks, even if they are the obvious favourites on paper. Knows' analysis highlights the importance of looking beyond the odds and considering the broader context of a team's recent struggles.

How to Follow the Action

With every EFL match live on Sky Sports this weekend, fans will have no shortage of football to enjoy. Whether you're following Wolves' quest for redemption or keeping an eye on the other 23 Championship clubs, the opening round promises drama and surprises.

For those interested in betting, the key is to approach each game with a critical eye. The data on relegated teams is a useful starting point, but every season brings its own story. As Jones Knows suggests, sometimes the smart money is on the underdog.

Before placing any wagers, remember to check the latest team news and line-ups. The Championship is notoriously unpredictable, and the opening weekend often throws up shocks. For more insights, you can explore our today's AI betting tips and stay updated with the latest football news.

As the EFL season gets underway, all eyes will be on Wolves and their rivals. Will they defy the trend and start strongly, or will they fall into the familiar trap of a slow start? The answers will begin to unfold this weekend.