With a brand new Sky Bet Championship season looming, we take a look at what Sky Bet are saying regarding the favorites for the title, promotion, the playoffs and relegation.
The Title:
It’s Leeds United who are the favourites to top the table for the 2019/2020 season with odds of 9/2. Despite the playoff disaster last season, Bielsa has committed himself to another season at Elland Road with the imperative target of promotion for the club. Recently relegated Fulham are second favourites with odds of 7/1, with fellow relegated side Cardiff 3rd favourite in the list with odds of 10/1.
Automatic Promotion:
Outside of Leeds United, Sky Bet has Fulham the favoruites to secure the league’s second automatic promotion spot, with The Cottagers aiming to make an immediate return to the top tier under newly appointed Scott Parker. With the club tying their marquee striker Aleksander Mitrovic down to a new 5 year contract, as well as the addition of Ivan Cavaleiro on loan from Wolves, the West London side look a good bet to bounce straight back. Cardiff and West Brom are 2nd and 3rd favourites to secure 2nd spot and automatic promotion, with odds of 9/2 and 5/1 respectively.
Playoff Winners:
Excluding the aforementioned sides favourites for 1st and 2nd spot, Cardiff City are the favourites to clinch promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs, with odds of 11/1. The Bluebirds will be hoping that Neil Warnock can keep up his incredible track record of Championship promotions, and fire them back yet again for the second time in three years. West Brom and darkhorses Brentford are 2nd and 3rd favourites, with odds of 11/1 and 12/1.
Relegation:
Newly promoted sides Barnsley and Charlton are two of the favourites for the drop back to League One, alongside Reading with odds of 9/4, 5/2 and 3/1 respectively. The Tykes are back in the second tier after an incredible season in League One, topped only by an even more incredible Luton, with Charlton clinching promotion in dramatic fashion through the playoffs. Never the less, with the shear financial power and size of many clubs in the division this year, it’s likely the two will be unable to compete, especially with Charlton’s off-field problems still ongoing. Similarly with Reading and their Financial Fair Play issues, making it extremely difficult for Jose Gomes to bringing in new players, with only Joao Virgina coming to the Madjeski on loan from Everton. This could mean a torrid time ahead for The Royals.
