EFL Championship Matchday 12 Preview
The EFL Championship returned for the 2026-27 season on Friday, 14 August. After a summer of managerial changes, recruitment and squad rebuilding, all 24 clubs began the campaign with the same objective: making the strongest possible start.
With promotion ambitions, survival battles and new-look squads having took shape, you can keep up to date with the latest fixtures and results in the Championship here.
What Are The EFL Championship Matchday 12 Fixtures?
The 2026-27 Championship season began on Friday, 14 August and runs through until May 1st. The EFL confirmed that the league campaign would begin on the weekend of 14-16 August, with the opening round subsequently scheduled across four days.
Below are the latest confirmed fixtures and kick-off times. All times are BST.
Friday, 23 October
Bolton vs Middlesbrough – 8pm
Saturday, 24 October
Sheffield United vs Derby – 12:30pm
Charlton vs Norwich – 12:30pm
Portsmouth vs Millwall – 12:30pm
Wolves vs Watford – 3pm
West Ham vs Southampton – 3pm
QPR vs Swansea – 3pm
Cardiff vs Birmingham – 3pm
Preston vs West Brom – 3pm
Lincoln vs Burnley – 3pm
Stoke vs Bristol City – 3pm
Blackburn vs Wrexham – 3pm
The schedule reflects the new make-up of the division. Wolves, Burnley and West Ham have dropped down from the Premier League, while Lincoln and Cardiff have moved up from League One. Wrexham, meanwhile, will begin their first Championship campaign after finishing seventh in the previous season and winning the play-offs.
EFL Championship Matchday 12: Game of the Week Preview
West Ham vs Southampton is the standout fixture of the weekend, with both sides arriving in the game on the back of positive results. West Ham will be looking to build on their recent performances, while Southampton will aim to extend their winning run and maintain their momentum in the Championship.
West Ham head into the fixture after a commanding 6-0 victory over Lincoln City, followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Swansea City. Those results offer plenty of encouragement, with the emphatic victory highlighting their attacking potential and the subsequent clean sheet demonstrating their ability to grind out a result in a tighter contest. They will now look to carry that confidence into their meeting with Southampton.
Southampton, meanwhile, have recorded back-to-back 1-0 victories over Portsmouth and Norwich City. Although the scorelines have been narrow, consecutive clean sheets underline their defensive resilience and ability to manage difficult games. The Saints will hope that their recent success provides a platform to challenge West Ham and secure another important three points.
The contrast between West Ham’s attacking firepower and Southampton’s recent defensive solidity adds an intriguing dimension to the contest. West Ham will look to dictate the pace, create chances and put the visitors under pressure, while Southampton will aim to remain compact, frustrate their opponents and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
With both teams enjoying positive spells of form, West Ham vs Southampton promises to be a compelling encounter. West Ham will be keen to build on their recent victories, while Southampton will be determined to make it three consecutive wins. The outcome could depend on whether West Ham can break down a confident Southampton defence or whether the visitors can maintain their defensive discipline and extend their winning streak.
What Were The EFL Championship Matchday 11 Results?
The 2026-27 Championship campaign began on Friday, 14 August. The latest results can be found below:
Friday, 16 October
Burnley 1-2 Wolves
Saturday, 17 October
Watford 2-0 Charlton
Middlesbrough 2-2 Cardiff
Millwall 2-2 Lincoln
Birmingham 3-0 QPR
Wrexham 4-1 Preston
Bristol City 0-1 Sheffield United
Southampton 0-0 Bolton
Derby 0-1 Stoke
Norwich 0-1 Portsmouth
West Brom 3-2 Blackburn
Swansea 0-1 West Ham
Bet on the EFL Championship at Bet442
Championship betting markets can include match-result selections, goal markets, player-related markets and longer-term competitions such as promotion and relegation.
The availability of individual markets and odds can change, so customers should check the applicable terms before placing a wager.
Bet442 is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring a safe and secure betting experience.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.