Portsmouth 0–2 Derby

🏟️ Fratton Park

Portsmouth’s search for home comfort continued as Derby left Fratton Park with a 2-0 win. Sammie Szmodics struck inside 16 minutes to quieten the home support, and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen added a second just after the hour to wrap up the points. The result leaves Pompey with back-to-back defeats and three losses from four, while Derby celebrate a first win of the campaign at the fourth attempt. Portsmouth were toothless after falling behind. For the Rams, it was a welcome lift after a 3-0 home defeat to Swansea and a performance that can settle a turbulent start.

⚽ Goals: Sammie Szmodics (16′), Lars-Jørgen Salvesen (62′)

Key Moment: Szmodics’ early opener for Derby set the tone and Portsmouth never recovered.

What It Means: Portsmouth slip to a second consecutive defeat; Derby claim a first win of the season to move to four points.

Swansea 2–0 Watford

🏟️ Swansea.com Stadium

Swansea made it three wins from four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Watford. Ji-sung Eom opened the scoring after eight minutes, and Adam Idah doubled the lead before the half-hour to effectively settle the contest. The Swans have now conceded just once in four league games, a defensive solidity that underpins their status as early high achievers. Watford, by contrast, are winless in three after back-to-back draws and now a defeat, struggling to turn possession into clear chances. Vitor Matos’s side controlled the tempo, and while Watford improved after the break, there was no way back. Ten points from four games is a fine return for a team that lost key personnel in the summer.

⚽ Goals: Ji-sung Eom (8′), Adam Idah (29′)

Key Moment: Eom’s early goal put Swansea in control before Idah’s second killed the game off.

What It Means: Swansea extend their unbeaten start to four matches and move to 10 points; Watford’s winless run stretches to three.

Sheffield Utd 3–2 Bolton

🏟️ Bramall Lane

Romelle Donovan’s 90th-minute strike gave Sheffield United their first win of the season in a 3-2 thriller against Bolton. The visitors led through Xavier Simons inside the first minute, but Japhet Tanganga levelled almost immediately. Sam Dalby restored Bolton’s advantage after the hour, only for Patrick Bamford to equalise a minute later. Donovan then converted Kalvin Phillips’ pass for the winner at the death. The result ends a run of three draws for Chris Wilder’s side and lifts them to six points. Bolton, who had 18 shots, were left to rue another high-effort, no-points evening.

⚽ Goals: Xavier Simons (1′), Japhet Tanganga (4′), Sam Dalby (67′), Patrick Bamford (68′), Romelle Donovan (90′)

Key Moment: Romelle Donovan’s 90th-minute winner capped a chaotic comeback in front of a relieved Bramall Lane.

What It Means: Sheffield United secure a first win of the season; Bolton suffer a second straight defeat despite out-shooting the hosts.

Lincoln 0–0 Blackburn

🏟️ Sincil Bank

Lincoln and Blackburn shared the points in a drab goalless draw at Sincil Bank. The hosts, buoyed by a first win at Bolton last time, were compact but rarely threatened, while Blackburn played the final 25 minutes with 10 men after a sending-off. Blackburn’s run of one defeat and one draw leaves them searching for consistency, while Lincoln remain unconvincing at home. Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, and the match will not feature in many end-of-season highlight reels. For Blackburn, the defensive resilience at least ensured they did not lose ground.

⚽ Goals: No scorers recorded

Key Moment: A goalless draw with few clear openings, settled by a backs-to-the-wall finish from Blackburn.

What It Means: Lincoln make it four points from four after last week’s win; Blackburn’s winless run extends to two.

Preston 1–3 Bristol City

🏟️ Deepdale

Preston’s miserable start continued with a 1-3 home defeat to Bristol City. Scott Twine put the visitors ahead after four minutes, but Caleb Wiley levelled for North End early in the second half. However, Lisav Eissat restored City’s lead on 79 minutes and Dominic Ballard added a third late on to make the points safe. The hosts have now lost four from four and are yet to pick up a point, leaving the club without a win or draw all season. Bristol City, by contrast, have won two in a row and look far more settled than in their opening-day defeat to Millwall. The late collapse at Deepdale will sting for Preston, who have now conceded nine goals in four games.

⚽ Goals: Scott Twine (4′), Caleb Wiley (51′), Lisav Eissat (79′), Dominic Ballard (86′)

Key Moment: Bristol City’s two late goals after Preston had equalised killed the game off.

What It Means: Preston suffer a fourth straight defeat and remain without a point; Bristol City make it two wins in a row.

Birmingham 1–1 Southampton

🏟️ St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park

August Priske’s second-half header earned Birmingham a 1-1 draw against Southampton, extending their unbeaten start to four games. Keven Schlotterbeck had put the visitors ahead just before half-time, but Priske converted Patrick Roberts’ cross after the break. Priske levelled after the break. Southampton, who started the season with a four-point deduction, have now taken seven points from four on the pitch but sit on three after the penalty. The draw extends Birmingham’s unbeaten start to four, while Saints remain a side to watch once their deduction is absorbed.

⚽ Goals: Keven Schlotterbeck (45′), August Priske (55′)

Key Moment: August Priske’s header cancelled out Keven Schlotterbeck’s opener for Southampton.

What It Means: Birmingham extend their unbeaten start to four; Southampton remain on three points due to their deduction despite earning seven on the pitch.

Stoke City 1–0 Norwich

🏟️ bet365 Stadium

Stoke City claimed their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Norwich, Ethan Galbraith scoring the only goal after 13 minutes. The midfielder arrived from Swansea in the summer. Norwich, who had scored four against Burnley last time, found no way through a Stoke defence that had previously conceded nine goals in three games. The result moves Stoke level with Norwich on three points, though the Canaries’ away form remains a concern. For Stoke, it was a needed response after three straight defeats, and the clean sheet was as valuable as the goal.

⚽ Goals: Ethan Galbraith (13′)

Key Moment: Ethan Galbraith’s early strike proved enough as Stoke defended resolutely.

What It Means: Stoke end a three-match losing run with a first win of the season; Norwich slip to a second defeat in three.

Millwall 0–3 Wrexham

🏟️ The Den

Wrexham secured their first Championship win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory at The Den, but the scoreline ran well ahead of the underlying numbers. The visitors finished with an xG of 0.88 to Millwall’s 0.23, yet took their chances with clinical precision. Zak Sturge’s own goal put Wrexham ahead, and Kieffer Moore doubled the lead before Jacques Ekomié added a third. Millwall, who lost 5-1 at Southampton last time, have now conceded eight goals in two games and the home support will be restless. Wrexham, by contrast, had drawn their first two and lost at home to Birmingham, so this was a welcome lift.

⚽ Goals: Zak Sturge (28′ og), Kieffer Moore (52′), Jacques Ekomié (69′)

Key Moment: Wrexham’s opening own goal set them on course for a clinical away win.

What It Means: Millwall suffer a second straight heavy defeat; Wrexham claim a first win of the season.

QPR 2–1 Cardiff

🏟️ Loftus Road Stadium

QPR continued their fine start with a 2-1 victory over Cardiff, Rumarn Burrell scoring both goals. The hosts were deserved winners on the balance of play, finishing with an xG of 2.09 to Cardiff’s 0.6, and Burrell’s double proved the difference. Perry Ng pulled one back for Cardiff with a thumping strike, but Julien Stephan’s side held on. QPR have now won three of their four matches and sit on 10 points, while Cardiff are still without a win after four games, drawing three then losing this one. The Bluebirds’ inability to convert draws into wins is becoming a theme, and they will need to find a cutting edge soon.

⚽ Goals: Rumarn Burrell (36′), Rumarn Burrell (53′), Perry Ng (75′)

Key Moment: Rumarn Burrell’s second goal gave QPR breathing space in a game they controlled.

What It Means: QPR make it back-to-back wins and stay unbeaten; Cardiff remain winless after four.

West Brom 1–1 Charlton

🏟️ The Hawthorns

West Brom were held to a 1-1 draw by Charlton in a game they controlled without threatening. Callum Styles’ rocket on the hour looked like being the difference, but Tyreece Campbell equalised with Charlton’s only shot on target 10 minutes later. The hosts finished with an xG of 0.57 to Charlton’s 0.39, underscoring how few clear chances they created despite long spells of possession. Charlton’s unbeaten start continues, though their 100 per cent winning record is gone. West Brom must improve around the box.

⚽ Goals: Callum Styles (59′), Tyreece Campbell (69′)

Key Moment: Tyreece Campbell’s equaliser for Charlton cancelled out Callum Styles’ opener.

What It Means: West Brom’s winless run extends to two; Charlton drop first points of the season but remain unbeaten.

Burnley 1–1 Middlesbrough

🏟️ Turf Moor

Burnley’s winless start continued with a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough, but Ugo Raghouber’s second-half equaliser at least stopped the rot. Aidan Morris had given Boro the lead with his first goal for the club, and the visitors looked the more likely winners, finishing with an xG of 1.22 to Burnley’s 0.64. Tommy Conway came off the bench for Middlesbrough, while Burnley struggled to create sustained pressure. The point leaves Burnley on two points from four games and without a win. Middlesbrough have now taken four points from their last two and remain within touching distance of the early pacesetters.

⚽ Goals: Aidan Morris (23′), Ugo Raghouber (54′)

Key Moment: Ugo Raghouber’s equaliser rescued a point for Burnley after Middlesbrough had led.

What It Means: Burnley remain winless after four but avoid a third straight defeat; Middlesbrough stay unbeaten in two.

⭐ Match of the Round: West Ham 4–2 Wolves

🏟️ London Stadium

West Ham earned their first win of the season in a 4-2 home victory over Wolves at London Stadium, with Divine Mukasa scoring twice. The hosts took control through Mukasa’s 33rd-minute opener and a Jarrod Bowen penalty just before the break, although Marshall Munetsi’s strike for Wolves just before half-time gave the visitors hope. Mukasa’s second, eight minutes after the restart, restored breathing space and Konstantinos Mavropanos headed a fourth, only to then deflect the ball into his own net to give Wolves a late consolation. The result was a welcome attacking display from a side that had scored four goals in their opening three matches, and it lifts them to five points. Wolves, who had won their previous two, were second best for long spells.

⚽ Goals: Divine Mukasa (33′), Jarrod Bowen (42′ pen), Marshall Munetsi (44′), Divine Mukasa (53′), Konstantinos Mavropanos (64′), Konstantinos Mavropanos (69′ og)

Key Moment: Mukasa’s second goal on 53 minutes gave West Ham a 3-1 lead and settled the contest.

What It Means: West Ham claim a first win of the season; Wolves slip to a first defeat after two consecutive wins.

📖 Read our full match report here

⭐ Player of the Week: Divine Mukasa (West Ham)

Mukasa’s brace against Wolves announced him as a player capable of carrying West Ham’s attack. His movement between the lines caused problems all evening, and the second goal, arriving shortly after half-time, ensured the hosts never lost control.

🎯 Goal of the Week

Romelle Donovan (Sheffield Utd) vs Bolton — Donovan converted Kalvin Phillips’ pass for a 90th-minute winner to complete Sheffield United’s comeback from 2-1 down.

💪 Performance of the Week

Wrexham‘s 3-0 against Millwall — A clinical away display built on an own goal and two well-taken finishes gave Wrexham their first win of the season and punctured Millwall’s early momentum.

🔥 Under Pressure

Preston North End — Having lost four from four and scored only three goals, the pressure is building on the Preston dugout to find a first point and stop the slide before a difficult winter sets in.

⚽ Championship Top Scorers

👀 Key Fixtures Next Week

• Preston vs Blackburn (Sat 05 Sep 12:30)
• Stoke City vs Charlton (Sat 05 Sep 12:30)
• Lincoln vs Southampton (Sat 05 Sep 12:30)
• Portsmouth vs Cardiff (Sat 05 Sep 15:00)
• West Ham vs Derby (Sat 05 Sep 15:00)
• Millwall vs Bolton (Sat 05 Sep 15:00)
• West Brom vs Watford (Sat 05 Sep 15:00)
• Sheffield Utd vs Norwich (Sat 05 Sep 15:00)

🔮 Predictions Review

Correct Results: 2/12

Correct Scores: 0/12

Model Record: 37/91 (40.7%) since 2026-04-14 — spans 2025/26 and 2026/27

Best Call: The model’s best call was backing Bristol City to win at Preston, a 3-1 away success.

Worst Call: The model’s most costly miss was backing Portsmouth with 64.6% confidence at home to Derby, who won 2-0.

The model’s away selections were particularly unreliable, hitting only one of eight, while its four home picks produced one correct call.

📚 Five Things We Learned

1. QPR’s 2.09 xG against Cardiff’s 0.6 illustrated that their high-flying start is built on more than just results; they are creating clear chances and limiting opponents.
2. Burnley’s 0.64 xG at home to Middlesbrough’s 1.22 explains why they remain winless: they are being out-created in matches they are expected to control.
3. Sheffield United’s 3-2 win over Bolton was settled by Romelle Donovan’s 90th-minute strike.
4. Millwall’s 0.23 xG against Wrexham’s 0.88 showed that the visitors were clinical rather than dominant, but the hosts’ lack of threat is the bigger concern after back-to-back heavy defeats.
5. Stoke City’s 1-0 win over Norwich, built on Ethan Galbraith’s early goal and a clean sheet, was a reminder that a first win of the season can be as much about defensive resolve as attacking flair.