Latest Championship Odds: Four Points Split Ten

The latest Championship action took place over the weekend, and as always, there were a few talking points as a result. From the top to the bottom, there has been movement, so let’s look at the table after Matchday 19.

Not Invincible

It starts at the top, where long-standing favourites Coventry City were given their first proper beating of the season, and it is no surprise who it came against, really. Ipswich Town, even whilst the Sky Blues impressed, were the favourites to win the title, with the tide only turning recently. 

However, they have begun to make steps towards the promotion conversation recently, and their 3-0 battering of Frank Lampard’s team suggests that they may not be out of the fight just yet. 

Of course, Cov fans will not be too upset; they remain top with a lengthy gap. Nevertheless, it shows they are stoppable, and to lose by that margin is never nice, regardless of how the season may be going so far.

For the Tractor Boys, they are still a long way away from the top of the league, but they are just five points away from Middlesbrough in second. In other words, they cannot suggest that there is no fight there. 

Speaking of Boro, they passed their most recent test with flying colours, dismantling Hull away from home on Friday night, in front of the TV cameras. The Tigers have been hit and miss recently, but even still, they were well beaten. 

Scoring four goals away from home is fantastic, and it is even better when considering the fact that it was only Kim Hellberg’s second game in charge. 

Since the game, the Red Army have been given a lot of praise, and it is difficult to go against it. Whilst the title may be slightly out of reach, 10/3 for them to get promoted looks a lovely price. 

Closer Than Ever

It is, perhaps, a little harsh to put Millwall into the play-off contender mix, given they are only a few points away from Boro in third. Nevertheless, with a nine-point gap to the top, it may be better to keep them in this section for now. 

However, there can be no denying that they are in fantastic form currently. A third win in a row came this weekend, as they claimed a narrow 1-0 win away to Bristol City. The definition of a smash and grab, the Lions are in an excellent position currently.

For what it is worth, that 9/4 price for them to get a top six finish looks lovely value in my eyes. 

Preston’s draw with Wrexham has kept them in a bit of a precarious position after the weekend’s results, but they have been massively helped by those below them. Stoke, Bristol City, Birmingham and Hull were all defeated this weekend, and this means that the Lilywhites have not been overtaken in sixth as a result of their draw.

Nevertheless, it means an already exciting situation is only widening. With wins against West Brom and Birmingham at the weekend, QPR and Southampton now both sit on 28 points and will hope to pose a threat to the top six places.

Even when you look at Derby - who are 16/1 for a top six place - they are only four points away from a play-off spot and sit in 16th. Whilst they may not be a proper contender, they are not completely out of the promotion race.

One Confirmed, Now Who Else?

Things are still close at the bottom, but there is not as much competition, it must be said, and that is largely thanks to the fact that Sheffield Wednesday have had another six points deducted.

As a result, they are now 28 points away from safety. In other words, they need to be nearly perfect for a few months to get out of their situation. Most of the best football bookmakers have now taken their odds off the market. 

Norwich then follow in 23rd and they do not look very comfortable, it must be said. Despite taking the lead twice against Watford, they could not pick up any points, which will be very frustrating. 

Even with a new manager, I am not too confident of their chances, and 5/4 does not look like a bad price for them to go down. 

Portsmouth then take the final spot in the relegation zone. However, their game against Charlton was abandoned due to a medical emergency, so they will replay the fixture at a later date. 

Oxford are teetering above them, sitting on 18 points, and they are the bookies next preference for the drop. Right now, the U’s are 1/1 for the drop with the Flutter brands, and it would be difficult to look past that price at this stage. 

Swansea and Blackburn could be two teams to watch in the next few weeks. However, I am not really considering looking at the odds for them just yet.