Sky Bet Championship Matchday 20 Odds & Predictions

• We are about to hit the 20 game mark in the EFL Championship this weekend as Norwich City sit three points above Bournemouth in first place
• This weekend there are a few eye-catching fixtures on the schedule as sixth place Brentford host fifth-place Reading and Barnsley look to build on their three-game win streak against top-four side, Swansea
• League leaders, Norwich City, will be challenged by Cardiff City and are slim favorites with a moneyline of +102

As we approach the second half of the EFL Championship season, the table is still impeccably close. Fourth to ninth place is only separated by three points, and the top three are still within two games of each other. This is the aspect of the EFL Championship that is so amazing, but also hard to predict; a mid-table side could go on a winning streak and suddenly be a favorite for the Promotion Playoff come spring.

The talent levels are fairly similar, but ironically enough we do see the three relegated sides from the Premier League holding the first three spots in the Championship. Aside from these three clubs on most weeks, any team can lose in the Championship, so do not be afraid to have confidence in an underdog pick. Especially in the holiday season when fixtures are tight and fast, there is no reason why Swansea City could not stumble on a team like Barnsley. Overall, I think this weekend will have many interesting contests and some surprising results.

Sky Bet Championship Matchday 20 Odds

All odds taken Dec 17 at DraftKings

EFL Championship Pick 1: Norwich City vs Cardiff City

The first featured game of the weekend is between Norwich and Cardiff at Carrow Road. For Cardiff’s position in the table, they are actually quite a bit better than what the picture states. They have won five out of their last six Championship matches and only gave up five goals in those games. However, in unfortunate news, their top man Kieffer Moore is out indefinitely with a torn hamstring. Moore had eight goals already this season after joining from Wigan in the last transfer window and will be a massive blow to Cardiff.

A blow for the Bluebirds.

Cardiff City's top scorer Kieffer Moore will be out until at least the New Year with a torn hamstring.

More 👉 https://t.co/m4fNOQO6wS pic.twitter.com/nEr13x7bVC

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) December 15, 2020

Norwich on the other hand are also flying, winning their last four matches all by a score of 2-1. Teemu Pukki’s Championship form picked back up from where he left off two years ago with ten goals already in just 15 starts for the Canaries. I favor Norwich to win this one on a moneyline that has some pretty good value.

My Pick: Norwich moneyline (+102)

EFL Championship Pick 2: Huddersfield vs Watford

Next, we have Huddersfield taking on Watford, in a vital match for the Hornets. Both teams had draws in their match and will be looking to bounce back into positive form before the halfway mark. Watford have the best goals conceded mark in the EFL Championship this year and also get it done on the other end of the pitch. Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr are two of the best young attackers in the league and will be a challenge for Huddersfield at the back.

🥇 With 43.9% of the vote, you chose Ismaïla Sarr as your @Sportsbetio Man of the Match last night! pic.twitter.com/pCHBBYFDfA

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) December 16, 2020

On the other hand, Huddersfield got thrashed two games ago at Dean Court where Bournemouth beat them 5-0. They have been able to get results against mid-table sides, but they struggle in big games. Additionally, Watford have won their last two games against Huddersfield so I favor the Hornets here.

My Pick: Watford moneyline (-105)

EFL Championship Pick 3: Brentford vs Reading

Our last featured match of the 20th EFL Championship matchweek is between Brentford and Reading. The last time these two sides met in June, Brentford won easily by a score of 3-0. However, Reading currently find themselves one point above their opponent in the Championship table. Reading has a dynamite offensive thanks to Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite who have 22 goal involvements, but their defense is a shambles.

Brentford are a much steadier side but have not been on the best form as of late. This one is almost too close to call so I think a draw is a suitable prediction.

My Pick: Draw (+245)