Championship Promotion Betting Odds

We could be in a position where my two title contenders are in the play-off race and vice versa. Like I say, it's tough to call, especially at the top.

Now, we're changing this section - as mentioned earlier - to focus on their top 8 prices. I'll mention their promotion price too, but it'll be a focus on their play-off price.

Now, top 8, play-offs? What?

Well, if you missed the news, the Championship will now have a six-team play-off structure. Fifth will play eighth and sixth will play seventh.

The winner of those games, in that order, will play fourth and third, in a standard play-off manner. Confusing? Maybe. Entertaining? Definitely.

Sitting in third, I've got Middlesbrough and this is who I think could also challenge for a spot in the automatics. I've been quite confident about them in recent years and here we go again.

Nevertheless, I just cannot see a reason not to think highly about them. Yes, they've lost Hayden Hackney, but they remain a fantastic team with a great core.

Investment has been high again and the signing of Will Lankshear is really promising, but more on that later.

The signs were there last season and I think those foundations will only have gotten stronger in pre-season. It could be another strong season on Teesside for the Boro.

For what it's worth, 4/1 with Betway for them to get promoted doesn't look terrible.

Next up, I've got Bristol City and I understand why there may be a bit of scepticism about this pick. However, I think the Robins can certainly aim high.

The appointment of Michael Skubala is a big one, especially after his work with Lincoln last season. However, he has taken a major step forward here.

With a big budget available to him, he has already begun to build a nice squad - on top of the players he inherited - as shown with the signings of Lorent Tolaj, Lisav Naif Eissat, Sam Tickle and Sam Greenwood, among others.

I think they are in a great position and the 3/1 price for them to get a top 8 spot looks generous.

Burnley feel like an obvious pick here, considering everything. However, it is largely dependent on the rest of their summer window.

After all, they have a few potential outgoings and that could massively affect their squad.

As it stands, though, I think they will just be outside of the title race this season. I like the appointment of Nicky Hayen - who impressed in Belgium recently - and there is a base for success there.

I just worry about how the potential outgoings will affect them.

Norwich have seemed to get the backing of everyone ahead of this season and it's difficult to oppose that at this moment in time.

There has not been much business done this summer, but there hasn't really needed to be any. Indeed, they ended the season fantastically and Phillipe Clement has got them playing some fantastic football.

Inheriting the team on Matchday 16 in 23rd, he managed to steer his side to a ninth-place finish. A fantastic turnaround and with a full season to operate, you'd think highly of their chances.

Sitting seventh, I've got Southampton and I was largely on the fence about them. However, I just think they'll have too much quality.

Tonda Eckert is certainly not the most popular man in the EFL, but he remains a fantastic coach and him staying at the club is a major statement.

Additionally, the window has been really solid. Keeping Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin is huge, whilst the addition of Lewis Dobbin looks a major coup.

We cannot ignore the obvious elephant in the room, though. They start this season with a -4 points tally and that could be a problem. Yet, the squad just looks too good to make that a non-issue.

Aiming higher could certainly be on the cards for them, but 4/5 looks a nice enough price for me to focus on them here.

Finally, I'm going for another of their play-off threats last season in Millwall and they are perhaps the nicest price of the lot at 9/5 for a top 8 spot.

Yes, last year's third-place team are 9/5 to finish in the play-offs again.

They have recruited fantastically so far this season, adding quality from Europe in Mathis Servais and Taïryk Arconte. However, the additions of Elkan Baggott and Kyrell Lisbie also fill me with confidence.

Alex Neil - as shown last season - is a fantastic coach and whilst it might not be the most attractive football in the league, it is among the most effective.

I cannot believe the price they are at, so I'm happy to back them here.