Championship Weekend Preview: Storylines, Stakes & the Matches You Can’t Miss
By Fidelis News Staff | 13 August 2025
The second weekend of the EFL Championship brings an early litmus test for several contenders and newcomers. With three televised 12:30 kick-offs and a busy 3pm slate, momentum is up for grabs and a couple of sides can make real statements before the table settles.
Televised 12:30 Kick-offs (Sat 16 Aug)
- Wrexham vs West Brom — Racecourse Ground, 12:30 (live on Sky; selected free-to-air coverage confirmed by ITV). A massive occasion in North Wales as Wrexham face an experienced Albion side. Expect a cauldron atmosphere and a stern test of Wrexham’s Championship credentials. Catch up on Wrexham’s midweek heroics here: Wrexham fight back to beat Hull on pens.
- Derby County vs Coventry City — Pride Park, 12:30. Two sides with top-six ambitions meet early; both will want control in midfield and set-piece sharpness to tell.
- Portsmouth vs Norwich City — Fratton Park, 12:30. Pompey’s intensity vs Norwich’s creativity should make for a tempo-heavy opener to the day.
The 3pm Slate
- Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City — Rovers look to impose width and tempo; Blues chase an away platform to build on.
- Bristol City vs Charlton Athletic — City’s home energy vs Charlton’s transition threat.
- Millwall vs Middlesbrough — Expect aerial duels and a premium on set-pieces at The Den.
- Watford vs QPR — Vicarage Road hosts an early gauge of London‑area rivals’ ambitions.
Spotlight: Wrexham’s Big Step
Wrexham’s rise continues under Phil Parkinson, and the club have recruited to compete: Kieffer Moore up front, Lewis O’Brien in midfield, plus leadership from Conor Coady and craft from Josh Windass. West Brom bring structure and know-how, this is a true benchmark fixture for the newcomers.
What To Watch For
- Early press & intensity: August matches often hinge on fitness and pressing cohesion, teams that win second balls tend to control the game state.
- Set pieces: New defending blocks and assignments take time, corners and wide free-kicks could decide tight games.
- Debutants bedding in: This weekend is where summer signings start to move from “names on paper” to actual impact.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on last weekend’s headline moments across the divisions: Weekend Football Round‑Up: Championship drama & Community Shield shock.
Fidelis News is free to read — but not free to make.
Support independent journalism via Buy Me a Coffee
