Latest Championship Odds: Coventry and Boro Defeated

There were a few shock losses in the Championship this weekend, and it certainly could have changed the shape of the league. This and more in the latest odds recap.

Shock at the Top

Coventry City’s result was probably the shock of the weekend, certainly in the Championship but maybe beyond, as they were well beaten by Wrexham. Despite taking a lead early on, a Kieffer Moore hat-trick spoiled the fun. 

It is Frank Lampard’s first loss of the season, and their first actual league defeat since April. Given the nature of that record, there will be little to be frustrated by in the grand scheme of things. Ultimately, they are in a fantastic place. In fact, the loss has moved the odds a little and at 5/4 for the title, they may be more backable.

However, conceding three goals as easily as they did will not be viewed as a positive. Nevertheless, there have not really been any repercussions for that defeat, given what happened elsewhere in the division.

So we head to Middlesbrough, who had a chance to go level on points with Cov, but that chance was not taken. Heading to a struggling Watford side, most will have thought that Boro would be able to work themselves a good result.

Unfortunately for Rob Edwards’ side, though, this was not the case. In fact, a good result was far away, as they were beaten three goals to nil by the Hornets. A dire performance from Edwards’ side, and with goal difference likely to play a massive part this season, it has taken a big hit.

Title Contenders and Play-Off Teams

Given that there is a four-point gap from Coventry to third, it is probably better to put Stoke City and Millwall in this category. However, arguments can certainly be made for both that they are in the title conversation.

We start in Stafford, where the Potters ran riot against Bristol City this weekend. Most probably expected it to be a semi-close game. However, Stoke scored a first, then a second and three, four and five followed very shortly after.

The Robins did eventually get a goal, but they were out of it by that point. A tremendous win for Mark Robins’ side, and they now move back into third. Bristol sit back in fifth, with their goal difference taking a bit of a beating.

Sitting between them is Millwall and the Lions missed an opportunity this weekend, too. Had they won, they’d have moved into second spot and it seemed like they would at one point. However, a 96th-minute equaliser prevented that from happening. 

Nevertheless, they are still in a fantastic position, and they are well poised to keep moving up the table. After all, visiting the Kassam Stadium is proving to be a difficult thing for teams right now. In other words, a point is a pretty good result. 

I don't understand why they are almost 2/1 for a play-off spot, and I'd be considering a bet at 7/4 with a few other markets.

A win this weekend has moved Preston into the top six, too. Going away to Southampton has been a bit of a blessing, as they grabbed an easy three points. Goals in both halves were enough to see off the Saints, and with it, Will Still has left his job. So, perhaps, they have been the last team to profit from their torrid start to the season.

Hull’s win against Norwich, too, has kept them in a strong place just outside of the play-offs. The Tigers have been a bit of a surprise package this year, but they are unbeaten since September 27, so there is no suggestion that this run will end soon.

Miracles and Miffed

Looking further down the table, Sheffield Wednesday are as good as gone now, so very little can really be said about them at this point. A 12-point deduction has them 17 points away from safety. In other words, it would require a miracle for them to stay up. 

Norwich City then follow in 23rd, and they are very fortunate for the Owls’ situation, because they have a bit of a gap from the bottom. The Canaries have been dreadful and another loss, this time against Hull City, is a real issue. 

Taking the final spot in the bottom three is Sheffield United, and it will remain the case for at least another week. Another loss at the weekend, this time against a dominant Derby side, was a bit of a shock. Nevertheless, the Blades look really vulnerable. 

None of the bottom two are showing any sign that they will escape the relegation zone right now, and with Southampton changing their manager this weekend, perhaps they will be stuck for a bit longer, especially if they can turn their fortunes around slightly. 

Portsmouth’s recent form could be worth looking at, and at 11/4, they could become a decent bet in the near future. Whilst I am not too sure why Oxford remain at 13/8, their home form is offering a bit of hope, in my eyes.