Southampton's Unbeaten Run: Championship Promotion Favorites?

Southampton: The Unbeaten Force of the Championship

As the 2026/27 Sky Bet EFL season kicks off this weekend, all eyes are on a Southampton side that ended the previous campaign in remarkable fashion. According to football betting expert Jones Knows, writing for Sky Sports, the Saints took four more points than any other Championship team from January 2 onwards, and finished the season unbeaten in their final 19 league games (W14 D5). That kind of form, sustained over half a season, is the hallmark of a promotion contender.

Despite a four-point deduction hanging over them from the end-of-season turbulence at the club, Southampton have to be on any potential promotion shortlist, as Knows argues. The deduction is a blow, but the underlying numbers suggest this is a side that can overcome it.

Summer Continuity: The Key to Success

Critically, the summer has brought continuity rather than mass exodus. While many clubs in the Championship are forced to rebuild after losing key players, Southampton have managed to keep their core intact. Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin have turned successful loans into permanent moves, ensuring that the spine of the team remains strong. Meanwhile, Léo Scienza, described by Knows as "arguably the most devastating wide player in the Championship", is staying for the ride. That is a significant boost for manager Tonda Eckhart, who has built a side that clearly knows how to win.

This continuity is crucial in a league as demanding as the Championship, where momentum and team cohesion often prove decisive. Southampton's ability to retain their key performers could give them an edge over rivals who are still integrating new signings.

Opening Weekend: A Winning Start Expected

With the season now underway, Southampton will be eager to hit the ground running. Knows believes this should be a winning start, and he has backed them to win by two or more goals at 3/1 with Sky Bet. That confidence is well-founded given their late-season form and the stability of the squad.

For fans of the Championship, the opening weekend offers a tantalising glimpse of what lies ahead. Every game from the Championship, League One and League Two is live on Sky Sports, with more than 1,000 live games from the EFL, Carabao Cup and the EFL Trophy scheduled throughout the season. Fans can also watch free highlights on the Sky Sports app after every match round, and there is plenty of debate and analysis on the Essential EFL podcast and The EFL Show on Sky Sports News.

Southampton's journey will be one of the most compelling narratives of the season. If they can replicate their unbeaten run, the four-point deduction will be a distant memory by the time the promotion race heats up. For now, the focus is on the opening fixture, and the Saints look well-placed to make an early statement.

As the new season begins, football fans can check out today's AI betting tips and the latest football news to stay ahead of the action. And for those looking at the bigger picture, our Premier League predictions and Champions League predictions offer insights into the top of the game.