Bolton Wanderers fan Phil Fletcher (@philfletcherr) pits his wits against No Nay Never’s Chris Stanworth, predicting the scores for the opening weekend’s Football League Championship games. 

This feature is totally unique and absolutely hasn’t been stolen from anybody and most certainly not from Mark Lawrenson. A point is given for a correct result and three points for a correct score (double points for the Burnley game).

Burnley 1 – 1 Bolton

Starting, with our game, which will surely be one of the toughest of the season to kick off with. A draw would be a decent result and I do think this will be a close game. If we come from behind rather than throw away a lead, it will be much easier to swallow with Owen Coyle and co in the away dugout. Unsurprising our Bolton fan has gone for a win for Wanderers.

Phil’s Prediction: Burnley 0 – 1 Bolton

Cardiff City 3 – 2 Huddersfield

Both these sides slipped up in the Capital One Cup, but both have spent heavily over the summer, made some impressive recruitments and look to have promising seasons ahead. A perplexing choice for live TV coverage, I expect Cardiff to be too strong in this one.

Phil’s Prediction: Cardiff 1 – 0 Huddersfield

Leeds 1 – 1 Wolves

A more understandable selection for TV, Chris Kamara’s tip for the title take on a side who have a far more realistic chance of promotion, even if Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis depart. This game should be a close one though and I’ll sit on the fence again here.

Phil’s Prediction: Leeds 2 – 0 Wolves

Barnsley 1 – 1 Middlesbrough

Barnsley may struggle this season, but should be able to take a point at home to a solid looking Boro side.

Phil’s Prediction: Barnsley 0 – 1 Middlesbrough

Birmingham 2 – 1 Charlton

Birmingham are a side who look to have assembled a side filled with Championship experience and should be promotion contenders again. I don’t expect them to have too many problems against the newly promoted Addicks.

Phil’s Prediction: Birmingham 2 – 0 Charlton

Crystal Palace 1 – 0 Watford

On paper the dullest of the weekend’s games, the Italian experiment at Watford really could go either way. I’ll go for Palace to sneak this one.

Phil’s Prediction: Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Watford

Derby 1 – 2 Sheffield Wed

Mid-table beckons for both of these sides this season, but instinct tells me that Wednesday will win this, buoyed by promotion and a fantastic comeback against Oldham, with Derby reeling following their shambolic collapse in midweek.

Phil’s Prediction: Derby 1 – 0 Sheff Wed

Hull 1 – 0 Brighton

Both teams have assembled squads that look capable of a challenging for a place in the top six and judging from last season’s miserly defences there won’t be too many goals in this one.

Phil’s Prediction: Hull 1 – 1 Brighton

Ipswich 3 – 1 Blackburn

I actually think Venky’s will do well (on the pitch at least) this season having made some excellent signings, but they are a little thin at the back and might get a shock on the opening day. Here’s hoping I’m right.

Phil’s Prediction: Ipswich 1 – 2 Blackburn

Leicester 4 – 1 Peterborough

I really can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for the Foxes here.

Phil’s Prediction: Leicester 3 – 0 Peterborough

Millwall 2 – 2 Blackpool      

Blackpool will have an excellent side again this season, but Millwall are certainly no pushovers. High scoring draw for me, but if someone does win it, it’ll probably be Blackpool.

Phil’s Prediction: Millwall 0 – 1 Blackpool

Forest 2 – 0 Bristol City

Bristol City won this fixture late last season to virtually assure their Championship status with an excellent smash and grab job. I doubt whether they’ll be able to repeat the feat this time.

Phil’s Prediction: Forest 3 – 1 Bristol City

Bet of the week

As an added bonus, why not have a flutter on my sure-fire tip in the Championship this Saturday? I’m going for Leicester (-1) to win against Peterborough (Peterborough are given a one-goal head start, betting newbies) as I fancy a big win for them. It’s 17/10 with Paddy Power – odds may vary, other bookies available and so on.

Disclaimer: If you’re daft enough to put money on my dodgy tips, then you don’t deserve the money anyway – so don’t blame me if you’re tearing your betting slip up by five past three this Saturday.

Do you agree with Chris or Phil? Or can Burnley get off to a flying start with a huge three points against Bolton?