Championship 2019-20: match-bet predictions, odds, tips & betting guide

Millwall had a close shave last season, finishing only four points above the drop zone, but they have revamped their squad this summer and should improve – making them a viable proposition in season match bets.

The Lions look a solid bet to finish above Reading, who have fought relegation battles in each of the last two seasons.

Reading finished fifth-bottom last season, three points superior to Millwall, but have not done enough to bolster their squad.

• Championship team rankings

The Royals did better in the second half of last season after securing some strong loan players in January.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez came in from Arsenal, defender Matt Miazga and midfielder Lewis Baker arrived from Chelsea, and striker Nelson Oliveira joined from Norwich.

Miazga has returned on a season long loan from Chelsea but the departures of the other three leave some big holes to fill.

Reading snapped up former Birmingham captain Michael Morrison and veteran midfielder Charlie Adam on permanent contracts but look weaker overall and are at risk of a bottom-three finish.

Millwall have acted more decisively, acquiring a new goalkeeper (Frank Fielding) two centre-backs (Alex Pearce and Harry Ransom), two centre-forwards (Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Matt Smith) and a winger (Connor Mahoney).

• Championship relegation candidates

They lost Lee Gregory – their top scorer for the last five seasons – to Stoke, but have a better balanced squad and should have a more comfortable campaign.

Another team set to improve are Blackburn, who are looking to build on last season's 15th place.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray was rightly proud of his young squad but recognises the need for greater experience and has made a couple of astute signings – bringing in 35-year-old winger Stewart Downing and 32-year-old midfielder Bradley Johnson from Middlesbrough and Derby.

Mowbray has also added striker Sam Gallagher from Southampton, signalling his intent to strive for a playoff spot.

Blackburn's positive summer is in contrast to Birmingham, who are weaker following the departure of manager Garry Monk and key players Jota, Morrison and Che Adams.

A relegation battle looms for the Blues, who are look worth opposing in their match bet with Blackburn.

Jonathan Woodgate's Middlesbrough team may struggle to finish above Nottingham ForestCredit: Stu Forster (Getty Images)

Middlesbrough are set for a transitional season under rookie manager Jonathan Woodgate and are shaky favourites to finish above Nottingham Forest.

The Teessiders will struggle to match the seventh place achieved last season but an improvement is on the cards for Forest, who have brought in some good players with the intention of pushing for promotion.

• Championship title contenders

Leeds are determined to make amends after falling just short in last season's promotion race and they should have a stronger campaign than Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield.

A top-two finish looks achievable for Leeds, who have added Wolves loanee Helder Costa and Rafa Mujica to a strong attack.

The playoffs are a more realistic target for Huddersfield, who may take a little time to shrug off their relegation hangover.

Recommendations
Millwall to finish above Reading
5pts 5-6 Sky Bet
Blackburn to finish above Birmingham
6pts 4-5 Betfred
N Forest to finish above Middlesbrough
4pts 6-5Sky Bet
Leeds to finish above Huddersfield
6pts 8-15bet365

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