Championship score predictions for gameweek 5 as Leicester City cruise and Ryan Mason marches on

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You did it! You survived the international break, and the best league in the world is back in action. And that means we’re back with more Championship score predictions.

While plenty of Championship players were on international duty, it’s just not the same watching them play for their country, is it?

We missed the unpredictability and chaos of the second tier for the past week and a bit, and we cannot wait for the carnage to resume on Friday night when strugglers Ipswich Town and Sheffield United go head-to-head at Portman Road.

There’s also a first South Coast derby in six years to sink our teeth into on Sunday afternoon. It’s sure to be another thrilling weekend in the Championship, and we’ve tried our best to look into the future once more.

Here are our Championship score predictions for gameweek five, as Jakob Barnes, Callum Boyle, and Adam Elliott share their expert opinions.

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Championship score predictions: Gameweek 5

Ipswich Town vs Sheffield United

These two teams are still searching for their first wins of the season despite being early-season favourites for promotion. Interestingly, Sheffield United haven’t lost to Ipswich in 14 years, but I’ve a feeling that run is about to end.

The Blades have looked completely blunt, and while the international break will have done them some good, I suspect home advantage will serve Ipswich well. The Tractor Boys have looked far more cohesive so far, and Kieran McKenna will get what he needs from his men on Friday night.

Jakob’s score prediction: Ipswich Town 2-1 Sheffield United

Oxford United vs Leicester City

I think this is where we will see Leicester come into life. They’ve had the chance to get used to Marti Cifuentes and now have new faces at the club, which gives everyone a boost. Oxford have had a rough start to the season and Gary Rowett was probably hoping for easier games to come back to. There is only one outcome here and that’s a comfortable Leicester win.

Callum’s score prediction: Oxford United 0-3 Leicester City

Charlton Athletic vs Millwall

The highest-attended meeting between Charlton and Millwall in more than 50 years? Well, that’s primed for a classic, surely? The Addicks are normally a low-margin side but I’m expecting them to take the shackles off for this South London derby. Will there be a winner? Millwall’s away form under Alex Neil has been excellent even going back to last season, but it won’t be enough to split the difference here.

Adam’s score prediction: Charlton Athletic 2-2 Millwall

Preston North End vs Middlesbrough

Two of the early pace-setters this season, with Preston North End seeing off Leicester City and Ipswich Town already at Deepdale. They welcome a Middlesbrough team with four wins out of four, though. Rob Edwards and co. would love to press home their advantage but it’s a tricky test.

Adam’s score prediction: Preston North End 1-1 Middlesbrough

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Watford vs Blackburn Rovers

This one has got me scratching my head. I can’t work out if Watford are still getting up to speed or are just a bit meh. As for Blackburn, it’s been a poor start to the season. I don’t think there is much between the two and Valerien Ismael will set up to earn a draw against his former employers.

Callum’s score prediction: Watford 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

Stoke City vs Birmingham City

Two teams that have made a good start to the season here, but they both suffered defeat before the international break to tarnish that. I feel that hit to Stoke City’s momentum will be more harmful than it would be to Birmingham City, and the Blues will be just that little bit more hungry to get out there and show they are still promotion candidates.

Jakob’s score prediction: Stoke City 0-1 Birmingham City

Sheffield Wednesday vs Bristol City

They’ve fought bravely over the last few weeks, but the Owls have still not been able to get a win and I fear they may have to wait a little longer. Sheffield Wednesday have a great record against Bristol City at Hillsborough though, and I do think they’ll have enough spirit to get a point here. If any team is going to win, it’ll be the away side, but put me down for a hard-earned Wednesday draw.

Jakob’s score prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Bristol City

West Brom vs Derby County

A rematch from the Carabao Cup tie earlier in the season, but this time, it’ll be different. West Brom have been fantastic this season and Ryan Mason’s youthfulness is having a great effect on the squad. Even after losing Tom Fellows, there is a positive feeling around the club and I think they’ll have too much for Derby, who are still getting up to speed.

Callum’s score prediction: West Brom 2-0 Derby County

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Wrexham vs QPR

Wrexham’s win at Millwall was most impressive, with the international break perhaps coming at the wrong time for a team with momentum in the cup and form growing in the league. It’s 11 goals in their last five games but keeping them out has been the problem. QPR haven’t been sturdy on the clean sheets front, either, so I’m expecting a goal glut here.

Adam’s score prediction: Wrexham 3-2 QPR

Swansea City vs Hull City

Swansea City’s midfield balance is excellent, their underlying defensive data is strong, and they’ve now added another goalscorer in Adam Idah; something is happening here for Alan Sheehan. They face a Hull City side out of sorts in so many ways, with keeping goals out a real problem. This is a home win all day.

Adam’s score prediction: Swansea City 2-0 Hull City

Coventry City vs Norwich City

What a mad few weeks it’s been for the visitors, but let’s focus on the hosts first. There are doubts about Coventry City’s squad depth but they have kept Jack Rudoni and Haji Wright. For the away side, keeping Josh Sargent is like a new signing in itself and any Championship defence who keeps him out will go a long way towards earning three points. Liam Manning’s side have been better on the road but this one feels like a Desmond in the making.

Callum’s score prediction: Coventry City 2-2 Norwich City

Southampton vs Portsmouth

We conclude our Championship score predictions with one of the most tantalising fixtures of the season. It’s the first South Coast derby in the league since 2012, and Southampton and Portsmouth fans are arguing already as to who will reign supreme. If this were at Fratton Park, I’d be more inclined to give Pompey a chance, but I just can’t look past the immense quality Will Still has at his disposal.

Jakob’s score prediction: Southampton 2-0 Portsmouth