Championship Round Seven: Score predictions, kick-off times and TV coverage

After a break for the Challenge Cup, all 14 clubs in the Betfred Championship return to do battle for that all-important place in Super League.

With every single club now having dropped at least a point, the tension will only increase tenfold from here in what is surely to be one of the best seasons yet.

But which teams will pick up wins this weekend? We’re answering that question with our latest predictions for the Betfred Championship.

Leigh Centurions vs Dewsbury Rams

Leigh Centurions host Dewsbury Rams to kick things this week. Leigh may have bowed out the cup last weekend but gave Hull KR an almighty scare late on, which could fill them with more confidence heading into this one. Caleb Aekins really has come to the fore this season and is proving to be a headache for opposition defences. Meanwhile, the Rams have shown glimpses of form this season but, on the road and against one of the favourites, this will be a bridge too far for them here.

Prediction: Leigh Centurions 46-12 Dewsbury Rams
Kick-off time: Friday 20:00

Workington Town vs York City Knights

Workington Town will be hoping to bounce back after defeat to Halifax last week but have their work cut-out against in-form York City Knights. Town are another club who have shown some good form but seem to be struggling for consistency since coming back into the Championship. The Knights have plenty of former Super League experience in their squad and, despite a long trip to Cumbria, should have enough for another win.

Prediction: Workington Town 16-30 York City Knights
Kick-off time: Sunday 14:00

Barrow Raiders vs Batley Bulldogs

An extremely difficult match to call as Barrow and Batley have produced some impressive rugby league this season. Barrow are still unbeaten in the league, having gone down to a gallant defeat against Super League outfit Huddersfield Giants in the cup last Sunday. Jarrod Sammut and Hakim Miloudi have led by example for the Raiders and having home advantage again could really see them edge this one. However, the Bulldogs are the only Championship side to avoid defeat to Featherstone and after a week’s rest, could be fresh and raring to go.

Prediction: Barrow Raiders 18-14 Batley Bulldogs
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Featherstone Rovers vs Sheffield Eagles

Eager to bounce back after their cup exits Featherstone and Sheffield meet. ‘Fev gave last season’s Super League league leaders Catalans Dragons a run for their money in France and should they carry such form over into this game, will surely start as red hot favourites. Sheffield perhaps received a reality check from Hull FC a week after their big win at Whitehaven and could well be in for a long afternoon, unless some of the former Featherstone players they boast have anything to say on the matter.

Prediction: Featherstone Rovers 40-18 Sheffield Eagles
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Halifax Panthers vs Whitehaven RLFC

In a repeat of last year’s play-off match, Halifax Panthers host Whitehaven. ‘Fax made short work of Workington last week and will be expected to double their Cumbrian victims with back-to-back wins. Joe Keyes particularly caught the eye last week and should he get their attack going again here the Panthers may have the beating of Haven. ‘Haven should show some resistance from time-to-time but will inevitably crumble as ‘Fax remain keen on being the dark horses for promotion this season.

Prediction: Halifax Panthers 28-12 Whitehaven RLFC
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

London Broncos vs Bradford Bulls

Two former Super League clubs clash as Bradford Bulls travel to London Broncos. The Broncos finally got off the mark, albeit with a draw, at Barrow last time out but come up against John Kear’s Bradford side full of talent and hoping for some consistency. The Bulls are in a better place than the Broncos, with more experienced players across the field and though it may be a battle from time-to-time, Bradford should have enough to add yet another win.

Prediction: London Broncos 16-34 Bradford Bulls
Kick-off time: Sunday 15:00

Newcastle Thunder vs Widnes Vikings

Right back up north as Newcastle Thunder host Widnes Vikings in front of the Premier Sports cameras. Thunder have plenty of Super League experience in their ranks and with home advantage, could be favoured slightly. Meanwhile, the Vikings started the season superbly but a recent dip in form may have dampened their confidence ever so slightly, but only time will tell.

Prediction: Newcastle Thunder 24-18 Widnes Vikings
Kick-off time and TV channel: Monday 19:45 TV coverage starts at 19:15 on Premier Sports