Championship: Three-Team Title Race and Exciting Relegation Scene - Odds Watch

There's been a lot of Championship football over the festive period, and we have another team fighting for the title at the end of the season, whilst the relegation contenders are not making it easy to predict.

Leeds United Go Top But Gap Doesn't Form

The bookmakers have had Leeds as favourites to head back to the Premier League all season, and over the Christmas period, they finally made the steps to do that. Of course, they had been in the title race all season, but they went top of the league last week.

Despite a frustrating draw against Hull City, they have still remained top of the pile, and they are now best priced at 8/15 with some bookmakers. However, whether there is value in that price or not is debatable.

Following them is Burnley, whose win at Ewood Park in the Lancashire derby further solidified their position in second. The Clarets have been quite under the radar this season, but they have gone about their work, and now sit second.

Their odds are quite generous, we must admit, and with a price of 5/1 available, it could be a nice bet for the end of the season.

Wrapping up the trifecta of title pushers is Sheffield United, who have not dropped off, so to speak, but have certainly experienced a slight trail. Just a few weeks ago they were leading the division by a few points, but with two losses in their last five (more than anyone else in the top six), it is easy to see why they no longer lead.

We did predict that the Christmas period could cause a slight issue in our last odds watch, and they are now priced at 5/1, rather than the 3/1 available at the time,

Promotion Race Not Closed At All

We'll start with Sunderland here, who could genuinely make the above section a four-team discussion. With 50 points - three less than the leaders - they are possibly in the position to creep into a title discussion - 7/5 is available on them to go up at present, perhaps a nice E/W opportunity.

However, if you would prefer to look at them for promotion, the odds are not as generous. The Wearside team currently sit just above Evens to be promoted, which is certainly not a great price.

Nine points below them is their North East counterparts, Middlesbrough. Michael Carrick's team have not lost in their last five - but four results have been draws, which has cast them effectively out of a title picture.

A play-off place is still very feasible, and the 4/1 odds on their promotion could be interesting, definitely.

The sixth spot in the division is currently taken by West Bromwich Albion, but I can not see them remaining in the picture after Carlos Corberan departed for Valencia. Blackburn, Bristol City, Norwich, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday could, therefore, be looking to pounce.

I'd certainly be avoiding any bets on anyone below Middlesbrough for now though, as I have gripes with each team.

Exciting Relegation Scene

The relegation picture has not really thrown us much this season, but it is starting to show more signs of excitement, definitely.

At present, there are only nine points separating 16th and 24th, and this gap may shorten if teams are not able to pick up form heading into the second half of the season.

Plymouth sit bottom of the division, and after sacking Wayne Rooney, there will be some hope that things can get better for the Pilgrims. However, the squad lacks quality, and I cannot see them steering clear of the drop unless they have a good January. Even then though, staying up will be a challenge.

Cardiff and Hull take up the final two relegation zone spots, sitting on 23 points, but they are also joined on this tally by Portsmouth, who sit outside the relegation zone. Questions can be asked of all three currently, but I'd be more confident of Hull's chances than the other two.

Coventry may have aspirations to rise above 16th, but they must keep an eye on those below them with a drop being possible if they are not careful. Oxford, Derby, Stoke and Luton will all have to be more wary though, with them hovering above the relegation zone.