Southampton and Leeds favoured in promotion odds after goalless play-off first legs

Southampton and Leeds United remain the clear favourites in the Championship promotion betting odds after the first legs of the play-off semi-finals took place over the weekend.

Sunday's action left the status quo largely unchained as a result of a pair of goalless draws, with Norwich City unable to force an advantage against Leeds, while West Brom held the Saints.

Let's take a look at how the Championship promotion betting odds have slightly shifted.

Southampton - 6/4 for promotion, from 13/8

The bookmakers have nudged Southampton just ahead of Leeds in the latest Championship promotion betting odds after the first legs both ended without a single goal being scored.

Southampton were without key player Che Adams at The Hawthorns, and it is unclear whether or not the Scotland striker will be ready to return for Friday night's second leg at St Mary's.

"We are really positive about Friday," said Saints boss Russell Martin when asked about Adams' chances of being available to play against West Brom. "Hopefully he’ll be back involved."

Southampton beat West Brom twice in the league this season, including a 2-1 home victory back in November in which star striker Adam Armstrong hit a late winner. And while they went down 1-0 against Stoke on the last day, they previously won three in a row at home during the run-in.

Leeds - 11/8 for promotion, from 6/4

Like Southampton, Leeds will be happy to go into a home second leg on the back of a 0-0 draw, but UK bookies see them as second favourites in the Championship promotion betting odds.

Chances were few and far between at Carrow Road on Sunday as neither goalkeeper had a save of note to make in a cagey game between two teams that ended the season in poor form.

Leeds won home and away against Norwich in the regular Championship campaign, with Patrick Bamford scoring the only goal when they met at Elland Road in January.

West Brom - 6/1 for promotion, from 11/2

The Baggies have been pushed out slightly in the Championship promotion betting odds after they could only draw with Southampton.

West Brom have only won away at Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United and Plymouth Argyle - three of the bottom four - in 2024, so it is hard to see them making it to the final.

Norwich - 7/1 for promotion, from 11/2

The Canaries head to Yorkshire on the back of four games without a win, and it will be tricky for them to triumph in front of what is sure to be a deafening crowd at Elland Road on Thursday.

Norwich could also be without key attacker Josh Sargent after the United States international limped out of the first leg.

"I haven’t spoken with him [Josh Sargent] or the medical department, but he wasn't able to carry on," said Norwich City's manager, David Wagner, who said the "tough guy" could be fit for Thursday.