Latest Championship Odds: Half Fighting for Play-Offs

We are almost at the halfway point of the Championship season, and several teams can still change their fate. In fact, this weekend, several teams showed as much, with another interesting set of fixtures. 

Battle Between Two?

After two disappointing results, Coventry City returned to normality this weekend, with a nice win against Bristol City. However, it certainly was not the most entertaining game of their season so far. A sole goal split the two teams apart, but Frank Lampard will not complain.

His side are five points clear at the top of the division, and this weekend’s result gets them back on track after a difficult few games. Especially with them getting another clean sheet, which can only be seen as impressive. 

Putting other teams in the equation is slightly difficult, all things considered. Given the gap and the fact that the Sky Blues have around 20 goals more than most teams in the division, I struggle to see them losing their position. However, they do not have the title in hand just yet.

As it stands, Middlesbrough are the only other team worth considering for a title shot, given they have a gap to third. 

Since Kim Hellberg arrived on Teeside, he has won every game and scored at least two in each of them. Rob Edwards may have laid the foundations for the season, but Hellberg has already started building his own towers.

At the weekend, they beat a play-off chasing QPR side 3-1, which only reinforces their credentials as potential title winners. Yes, there is a gap to overcome, but they are really not out of it. They are 13/8 for a top two spot with BetVictor, and it is certainly a tempting price. 

How Far Is Seven Points?

Considering the gap to the top of the division, it makes the race for the play-offs that much more interesting. From second to third, there is a seven-point gap, whilst that same gap from third takes you down to 16th. Almost half of the teams in the division are in the play-off race; it is a ridiculous position to be in. The beauty of the Championship, indeed.

It starts with Preston North End, whose win against Oxford United this weekend was their fifth game unbeaten in the league. The Lilywhites have been an interesting case this season, given that many did not see them challenging for promotion. They are well in the fight, though. 

Level on points with them are Millwall, who had a poor result against Hull City this weekend. The Lions have been fairly solid this year, but a 3-1 defeat at home this weekend suggested that they may not be as strong as they appear. 

Ipswich Town were also on the end of a defeat this weekend, against Leicester City, who have been an interesting one this season. The Foxes deserved their win completely, and they were good value for it. Perhaps they can make a push for promotion, too. 

Stoke also remain in the play-off conversation, despite their recent form dropping off slightly. The Potters grabbed a 2-1 win against Swansea, and after three losses on the bounce, it was a much-needed result. Not pretty, but necessary. 

Outside of the top six, there are a few teams that could be of note at their prices. QPR, despite their loss this weekend, proved that they can compete against title-contenders in some respects, and they won’t face many better teams. At 7/1, it is a price that certainly could be worth looking at.

Preston and Hull, who are both in the play-offs currently, are both above 3/1 for a top-six place. So there is certainly value available.

Where From Here?

It makes little sense to look at Sheffield Wednesday too much. The Owls are down already, and with results this weekend, they are now 29 points behind. 

Sitting in 23rd, Norwich City got a win of their own this weekend, making it two from their last five. The Canaries beat Southampton 2-1, and they may finally be getting into grips with the season, despite being so poor so far.

They are a long way from safety, but they could quickly turn their season around if they manage to continue at this rate. 

Taking the final spot in the bottom three is Oxford United, whose loss this weekend has seen them fall into the dropzone. Unfortunately, it has been coming. Failing to get results against Blackburn and Swansea, who have both struggled this season, is telling, and this weekend’s loss against Preston has put them in a difficult position. 

Again, though, they are not out of the fight; things are very close, and if they can pick up the odd point here and there, they will survive. Unfortunately for them, it is a case of doing it and not thinking about doing it. 

A win this weekend saw Portsmouth escape for the time being, and they sit on the edge of the danger zone. However, bookmakers still think they are one of the likelier candidates for relegation this season at 6/4 with BetMGM and its sisters.

Sitting above them, I have concerns about Blackburn, Swansea and even Charlton. The trio have a gap to the bottom three at the moment, but that can quickly disappear with them not really picking up points regularly.