It’s the start of the Championship this weekend and Watford host Southampton for a huge early clash in the 2026/27 season.Midnite are offering new customers £30 in free bets to those who bet £10 on any of the footballing action ahead of the upcoming season, an offer which can be claimed by following this link*.How to claim £30 in free bets with MidniteThe offer: Place £10 on any of the footballing action in the build up to the new season with MidniteEligibility: This promotion is only available to new customers aged 18 or overSteps: For United Kingdom register using the code BETGET30. Deposit a minimum of £10. Deposit and place a £10 sportsbook bet at minimum odds of 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up.Important rules: This offer is valid once per user, account, IP address, computer or device, family, household address, telephone address, debit card or e-payment account, email address, and shared computer or device. 1 x £10 Single Free Bet voucher – minimum odds 1/1 (2.0). 3 x £5 Pre-match Bet Builder Free Bet voucher – minimum odds 3/1 (4.0) minimum selections of 3. 1 x £5 Pre-match Accumulator Free Bet voucher – minimum odds 4/1 (5.0) and 4+ selections. Rewards are non-withdrawable and expire 7 days after crediting. Free stake not returned with winnings. Only bets placed on eligible Sportsbook markets will qualify. Bets placed on Virtual Sports are excluded and will not count towards the qualifying criteria.Watford vs Southampton betting angleSouthampton finished fourth last season and of course were the subjects of the very controversial play-off final.They had beaten Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time to secure their place at Wembley Stadium but they were ejected from taking part as punishment for spying on their training.As such Hull City and Boro played the final instead where Hull progressed into the Premier League, a game which looked for the taking by Saints who were clear favourites.They will also be starting this season off with -4 points, so a winning start is even more paramount in this opener against Watford away from home.Watford on the other hand, finished last season abysmally with a litany of back to back losses and only a 16th place finish to show for their efforts over the course of 46 games.They will need to step things up to avoid a similar finish. Are you ready to play at the best football betting sites? How to follow Watford vs SouthamptonLocation: Vicarage Road, Watford, England.Date & Time: Sunday, 16th August 2026. 1.30pm.TV Channel: Sky Sports Football.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+. New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org