Football Prediction Today: Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City

Sheffield Wednesday will host Norwich City at the Hillsborough Stadium on Wednesday in another round of the 2025-26 EFL Championship campaign. Read on for our full preview and Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City prediction! This midweek clash features two sides desperate to change their fortunes near the bottom of the EFL Championship table. Both teams have struggled for form this season, and this matchup could prove crucial in shaping the early relegation battle. MatchPlug brings you expert insight, analysis, and betting predictions for all EFL Championship fixtures. Betting Preview for Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City Venue: Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield Date: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2025 Time: 7:45 PM BST Teams: Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City Odds via 1XBet Betting on Sheffield Wednesday It has been a turbulent campaign for Sheffield Wednesday, both on and off the pitch. The Owls find themselves bottom of the Championship table with -5 points, having been deducted 12 points by the EFL due to financial irregularities earlier in the season. Despite the off-field chaos, Danny Röhl’s side showed resilience in their goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. While the result offered a glimmer of hope, Wednesday’s overall form remains worrying. They are winless in their last seven league matches, losing four of those, and have managed only one home victory all year — a 4-2 triumph over Derby County back on New Year’s Day. Scoring has been a major issue, with the Owls finding the net just eight times in 13 games, while conceding nearly double that. If they are to stand any chance of survival, they will need their experienced players  to rediscover their form and inspire the side at Hillsborough. Betting on Norwich City Norwich City have endured a dreadful start to their own Championship campaign, and pressure is mounting on head coach Liam Manning, who has struggled to steady the ship at Carrow Road. The Canaries fell 2–0 at home to Hull City on Saturday, conceding twice in the second half and extending their winless streak to six matches. The defeat also marked their first home loss to Hull since 2010, adding to the growing frustration among the Norwich faithful. Currently sitting 23rd in the table with only eight points from 13 matches, Norwich are in danger of being dragged into a full-blown relegation scrap if their form doesn’t improve soon. The team’s recent attacking woes have been glaring. Manning will hope for a response from forwards Josh Sargent and Jonathan Rowe, while midfield creativity from Gabriel Sara remains key to unlocking a shaky Sheffield Wednesday defense. However, confidence is low, with no wins on the road since mid-August. MatchPlug Prediction for Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City This game has all the makings of a gritty, low-scoring relegation battle. Both sides are struggling for goals and see this fixture as a must-win opportunity to spark a turnaround. Sheffield Wednesday will have the backing of their home crowd, but their inability to convert chances and shaky defense remain huge concerns. Norwich City, meanwhile, have the better squad on paper but are in equally poor shape, with their six-match losing streak hanging over them. Given both sides’ lack of cutting edge in front of goal, we anticipate a cagey contest with few clear chances and plenty of tension. Final Prediction: Draw

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Football Prediction Today: QPR vs Southampton

Queens Park Rangers host Southampton on Wednesday. Read on for the full preview and Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton prediction. Both clubs aim to bounce back from difficult spells of form. QPR are looking to steady their season and climb back into the top half of the table, while Southampton enter a new era after parting ways with Will Still. MatchPlug delivers expert analysis and correct predictions for all EFL Championship fixtures. Let’s dive into our full breakdown and betting insight for Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton! Betting Preview for Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton Venue: Loftus Road Stadium, London Date: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2025 Time: 7:45 PM BST Teams: QPR vs Southampton Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Queens Park Rangers Queens Park Rangers are desperate to get back on track after another disappointing result at home, where they fell 4–1 to Ipswich Town last weekend. It marked their third defeat in four games, a stretch in which they’ve conceded seven goals while scoring just three. This sudden downturn has been frustrating for manager Julien Stéphan, especially considering the solid run that preceded it. Currently sitting 14th in the Championship with 18 points from 13 matches, QPR remain within striking distance of the playoff positions. Betting on Southampton For Southampton, it’s been a miserable few weeks. The Saints suffered their third consecutive defeat after losing 2–0 to Preston North End at St. Mary’s Stadium last Saturday. It has been a steep decline for a side that began the season with promise. Since their opening-day win over Wrexham, Southampton have gone winless in 11 of their last 12 league matches (6 draws, 5 defeats), sliding down to 21st place, just above the relegation zone. The Saints’ biggest issue has been in front of goal, they’ve failed to score in three of their last five matches and have looked short of confidence in the final third. Defensively, they’ve also been vulnerable, particularly late in games, where concentration has often faded. MatchPlug Prediction for Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton This matchup pits two struggling sides against each other, both desperate to turn their fortunes around. QPR have shown glimpses of potential but have failed to sustain momentum, while Southampton enter this clash amid managerial upheaval and a crisis of confidence. Historically, meetings between these two clubs have been tight, and with both struggling defensively, we can expect an open contest but one that may ultimately end without a clear winner. QPR will benefit from home advantage, but Southampton could rally under new interim management, making a share of the spoils the most likely outcome. Final Prediction: Draw

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Football Prediction Today: Watford vs Swansea

Fans at Deepdale are set for an exciting Championship clash this Saturday as Preston North End host Swansea City. Read on for the full preview and Preston North End vs Swansea City prediction. The fixture kicks off on Wednesday.Preston (6th) are targeting a third straight victory to strengthen their playoff position, while Swansea (16th) are aiming to distance themselves from the relegation scrap. MatchPlug brings you the most accurate football predictions across Europe, let’s dive into our Preston North End vs Swansea City preview and prediction! Betting Preview for Preston North End vs Swansea City Venue: Deepdale Stadium, Preston, England Date: Wednesday 5th, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM BST Teams: Preston North End vs Swansea City Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Preston North End Despite being plagued by injuries, Preston North End have rediscovered their winning rhythm and look determined to stay in the playoff mix. The Lilywhites come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 2–0 win away at Southampton, their second consecutive victory and third in five outings. Manager Ryan Lowe’s side have scored eight goals in their last five matches, showing improved attacking cohesion. However, they’ll be eager to translate that form to home turf, where they’ve only won two of their last six matches at Deepdale. Preston’s home resilience remains noteworthy, though — only Birmingham City have managed to beat them on home soil this season. They’ve collected 14 of their 22 total points at home, a testament to their stability and determination in front of their supporters. Betting on Swansea City Swansea City, on the other hand, find themselves in the bottom half of the Championship table, sitting 16th, eight points clear of the relegation zone. Their campaign has been inconsistent, and they enter this contest with just one win in their last six matches. Last time out, the Swans battled to a 1–1 draw against promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic, thanks to Adam Idah’s 64th-minute equalizer. While the result showed grit, their inability to turn draws into wins continues to stall their progress. Historically, Swansea have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the last five meetings, but crucially, all those victories came at home. Away from Wales, their record against Preston is poor, going winless in the last four trips to Deepdale. MatchPlug Prediction for Preston North End vs Swansea City Preston are beginning to show the consistency required for a genuine playoff challenge, and home form has been key to that resurgence. They’ve won three of their last five league games, and their record against Swansea at Deepdale is dominant. Swansea’s struggles away from home, coupled with their fragile defense, make this a difficult assignment. Preston’s momentum, organization, and ability to capitalize on home advantage should be enough to extend their winning streak. Final Prediction: Preston North End Moneyline

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will still

Southampton sack Will Still after poor start to Championship season

Southampton have parted ways with manager Will Still after just five months in charge, with the club sitting 21st in the Championship after 13 games. The 33-year-old was appointed in the summer to lead the Saints back to the Premier League. However, they managed only two league wins during his short spell at St Mary’s. Technical director Johannes Spors said in a statement: “Will is a great person who gave everything to improve performances and results. Ultimately, that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked.” Still, who made history as the youngest manager in Championship history, previously impressed in France with Reims and Lens before moving to England. His coaching team have also left the club. Under-21 manager Tonda Eckert will take temporary charge as Southampton search for a new boss. Former Saints managers Ralph Hasenhüttl and Russell Martin are among those linked with the vacancy.

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Lampard salutes his Coventry players as Championship leaders sink Watford

Frank Lampard hailed Coventry’s clinical finishing as the Championship leaders beat 10-man Watford 3-1 on Saturday. Brandon Thomas-Asante and Jamie Allen set the Sky Blues on their way inside. The first seven minutes before Tatsuhiro Sakamoto effectively wrapped up their sixth successive league win before the interval. Watford‘s James Abankwah was sent off for a professional foul before half-time, while Imran Louza‘s second-half penalty was little consolation for the outclassed visitors. “At the minute we’re clinical and we’re dangerous, and we’ve been more dangerous than today,” Lampard said. “It was a tricky game for us, and I thought we did the job and we did it well.”

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Foster scores in the 95th minute as Burnley beat Wolves

Burnley secured their first away league victory of the season in the 94th minute at Molineux when Lyle Foster netted a late winner which ensured Wolverhampton Wanderers’ winless league start stretched to nine games. Key stats – Wolves have failed to win in their last 13 games in the Premier League, their last joint longest winless streak was from 4th May 2024 to 2nd November 2024. – Burnley have scored in their last five games in the Premier League, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of six games from 13th April 2024 to 19th May 2024. – Quilindschy Hartman has assisted four goals in the Premier League this season (two in this game), no player has more.

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marco asensio

Aston Villa warn fans against political displays in clash with Maccabi

Aston Villa has urged supporters not to display political messages, symbols, or flags during next month’s match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The fixture, set for November 6, has been surrounded by political tension amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Last week, a local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) ruled that Maccabi fans would not be allowed to attend following a police risk assessment. Although the government said it was working to allow fans from both clubs to attend. Maccabi announced on Monday that they would decline any tickets for the Villa Park match. Villa issued a firm reminder to supporters on Tuesday: “As per UEFA guidance, the displaying of political symbols, messages or flags during the match is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate ejection and the issuing of a stadium ban.” The club also confirmed that the away section will remain closed and warned fans against reselling tickets for the fixture.

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Martínez strikes again as Inter grind out win at Cagliari

Inter Milan moved level on points with Serie A’s top four after a gritty 2-0 victory at Cagliari. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring with his 12th goal in 12 games against the Sardinian side. Inter showed their intent early. Hakan Calhanoglu’s elbow in a second-minute aerial challenge set the tone as the visitors pressed high and denied Cagliari space. Martínez struck in the ninth minute, heading in Alessandro Bastoni’s precise cross. Cagliari struggled to respond. Sebastiano Esposito wasted a decent free-kick, while midfielders Michael Folorunsho and Alessandro Deiola were sloppy in possession. Martínez and Marcus Thuram kept testing the home defence, but Cagliari clung on to reach half-time only a goal down.    

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McGinn backs Watkins to silence critics after scoring in Villa’s comeback win

Aston Villa skipper John McGinn praised Ollie Watkins after the striker netted a goal. His first goal of the season in a 3-1 comeback victory over Fulham on Sunday. Villa had been struggling in front of goal, scoring just once in their first five Premier League games. When Raul Jimenez headed Fulham in front early on, the pressure mounted. Relief came in the 37th minute as Lucas Digne slid a clever pass to Watkins. Watkins then darted between defenders and lifted the ball over Bernd Leno to level the match. “He’s had a lot of criticism in recent weeks but what he’ll get from us as teammates and staff is love and support,” McGinn said after the game. “Hopefully that shuts a few people up. What he’s given us over the years has been brilliant. He works tirelessly and when he gets the chance, you expect him to score.” McGinn rifled Villa ahead four minutes into the second half, and Emiliano Buendía sealed the win soon after – Villa’s first league victory of the season, moving them up to 16th with six points. “It’s not an easy place to play when the crowd’s on your back, but when we have momentum. Villa Park is special,” McGinn added. “What a win and a huge show of character.”  

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Sessegnon rues ‘lack of concentration’ after Fulham fall to Villa

Ryan Sessegnon said Fulham’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa came down to uncharacteristic lapses in focus. Raul Jimenez’s first-half header gave Fulham the lead, but Ollie Watkins equalised before the break. Two quick Villa goals early in the second half sealed the result and halted Fulham’s three-game winning streak. “It’s probably just a lack of concentration, which is bizarre because of how unusual it is for us. It’s very disappointing but we just have to pick ourselves up and go again,” Sessegnon told reporters. Sessegnon added: “We started the second half by conceding a goal, which can happen, and then for us to concede the next one straight away was disappointing. The game was pretty much done after that. “There’s no real explanation – it’s just poor. Poor defending from us, and quite unusual for us, but we’ve got to look at the game back this week and then see where we went wrong.” Fulham will look to respond when they face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday, October 3.  

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