Latest Championship Odds: Middlesbrough Go Top as Race Changes

The latest games of the 2026/27 Championship season has now been and gone. So, that means we can look back at the table and odds as they are, and see what the market is saying about Matchday 12.

Let's dive in!

Middlesbrough Stride to Victory

In Friday night's game, Middlesbrough found themselves up against a Bolton side that have overperformed so far this season. With some big results against those in the mix for the title, too, Boro could have struggled.

Yet, they didn't. Instead, the Red Army demolished what was in front of them, winning by a scoreline of 1-5. A superb result and a clear message to the rest of the division, which I said was needed last week.

Another pair of goals from Will Lankshear also keeps him moving up the ranks, and he looks unstoppable in the second division currently. He's the clear favourite to win the Golden Boot and if he keeps scoring, Boro will only get more favoured for the title.

As it stands, they've got a two point advantage at the top of the table, but they're not yet the favourites. At 2/1, the price for them E/W has probably gone now. Yet, they could still be a nice price to win the league. After a performance like that, it's difficult to say that they're not a serious contender, if you didn't think they were already.

West Ham Fall to the Saints

The big game of the weekend saw West Ham host Southampton in another game of interest at the top of the table. Despite their four-point deduction, the Saints are very much in the title conversation, and a win at the weekend would only establish that further. Which they did.

A chaotic first half saw the Saints take a 3-1 lead going into half-time and a reaction was expected from the Irons. However, they could only muster a goal, with the visitors taking all three points back to the coast.

It puts the Hammers three points away from the leaders, Middlesbrough, but more importantly, it's a result that's moved Southampton into sixth. They sit only five points off Boro and, without that deduction, they'd be second.

For that reason, the 17/2 for them to win the league looks HUGE, especially with three places available Each-Way with the best football betting sites. If you're still confident in West Ham, though, they remain the favourites to win the division at 13/8.

Back to Winning Ways for Wolves

After a draw last weekend, Wolves needed to get back to winning ways if they were to continue to be in the title race. Now, they may be sat in the top eight discussion here, but they could well graduate soon. In other words, they're certainly in the mix for promotion.

A 1-0 victory against Watford wasn't the most convincing; that much is undeniable. However, it's still a big win against a manager who is in danger of losing his job. So, there can be some kindness given here.

In terms of their place in the top eight, despite sitting fourth, they're only a point into the mix currently. So, they're far from a guarantee of being in the play-offs at the end of the season. What I will say, too, is that they've grabbed seven points from their last nine available and not beaten anyone of any quality.

As a result of that, I'd not be rushing to take any of the 1/8 for them to be in the top eight at the end of the season.

Swansea Lose Back-to-Back Games

The Swans have been flying this season, leading the division for most of the game weeks so far. However, they've lost a bit of momentum since the international break, having lost both of their last two games.

A 1-0 defeat to West Ham wasn't a bad result at all. A 5-0 battering from QPR, though, that's not great at all. They remain three points clear in the top eight, but there are plenty of chasers, and for the first time this season, you'd be worried about them.

It takes a lot to come back from a loss of that magnitude, especially being four down in the first half. Saying that, they're now 4/6 for a top eight spot, which doesn't feel like an awful price if they can call this a blip...

General Picture

We can't avoid speaking about West Brom here, who have been a revelation so far this season. Their failure to beat Preston is a bit disappointing, admittedly, especially as we tipped them for a win.

However, they have a bit of leeway in the top eight, sitting fifth. If they bounce back with a win, the 5/6 for a play-off place - offered by Ladbrokes and its sister sites - will disappear.

Staying in the Midlands, Birmingham's defeat hasn't put me off their chances, either. Away to Cardiff, you'd have expected them to do more than a 1-0 defeat. Nevertheless, they remain a strong player in the race for the top eight at 8/15. But, that feels like a poor price.

Whilst Stoke have dropped out of the top eight, they're still a very strong candidate, I feel. They've only lost one of their last nine games and are being massively overlooked, in my opinion. 9/4 feels like a huge price for them to be in the play-offs.

Preston Grab a Point

Last week, I said Preston were doomed and I still largely feel that way. They're six points behind safety and have lost three of their last five. However, there were some signs of change this weekend, with them grabbing a draw.

A pretty even game, with them creating two big chances and over 2.1 xG, they weren't massively outclassed by a play-off-chasing West Brom side. Yet, they didn't convert that into three points, which is where they'll continue to struggle.

They're still the heavy favourites to go down this season at 4/11, but they may not be doomed if they can turn the occasional draw into a win. It could be a starting block.

Derby Let Down

It seemed Derby were on the way to a huge three points this weekend, taking a lead into half-time and sitting comfortably at Bramall Lane. Then, Dion Sanderson gets sent off and you're worried that three points might become none.

Patrick Bamford eventually got the Blades level, and the Rams held on for a point. It's a pretty bad result considering where they were at one point. Yet, it's a point on the board and a point closer to escaping the bottom three. As a result, they're now Evens to go down this season, and you'd struggle to disagree with the price.

Burnley Forced to Make Decision

This weekend, after a heavy defeat to pre-season relegation favourites Lincoln, Burnley were left with no choice but to sack Nicky Hayen, and it's good timing. They now have a three-point gap to safety and it's only getting bigger.

A team heading in one direction currently, their odds have been cut to 7/1 from 8/1 last week, and a decision was needed. Maybe they'll start picking up points now, but the price still seems a little big...

General Picture

Watford are in danger for me, too; the Hornets have been in dire form this season, having only avoided defeat in five games. It'd be no surprise if they joined Burnley in sacking their manager, sitting three points away from the relegation spots...

For now, though, Alessio Dionisi remains in charge and Watford are 3/1 to go down. It doesn't feel like a great price, but I don't think their problems are solely with the manager.

Also, I'm concerned about Charlton. Priced at 2/1 for the drop, they're not as much of a 'value' pick, but for a team that haven't won since August, you'd think the odds would be lower. Six points away from the bottom three, they're relatively safe currently, but again, they're not not in danger.