Two games left. Just 180 minutes of football remain for most Championship clubs this season. The top two has been decided with Burnley and Sheffield United returning to the Premier League and the relegation places are still undecided, but we are turning our attention to the chaotic race for the play-offs.
Betfred have priced up the chances of promotion for each of the play-off contenders, and we’ve run through the prices and chances of the remaining teams in the mix.
Middlesbrough - 7/4
Luton Town - 9/4
Coventry City - 6/1
Sunderland - 8/1
Millwall - 9/1
West Brom - 16/1
Blackburn - 20/1
Norwich - 50/1
Preston - 100/1
Swansea - 125/1
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Middlesbrough - 7/4
Michael Carrick’s men are favourites to get promoted through the play-offs which is intriguing given they are four points behind Luton Town, who they lost to on Monday. They are guaranteed to finish third or fourth, most likely fourth, and therefore will face fifth place in the play-offs.
The reason for their favourites tag is the football that Boro play. They’ve been simply superb since Carrick came in and play the most captivating football in the division when they are on top form. They should be able to reach the final no matter who they come up against over two legs, and then will likely face a rematch with Luton in the final. It might be boring but we are backing Boro to go all the way at 7/4.
Luton Town - 9/4
Luton offer excellent value given they are likely to finish third and therefore on paper face the weakest side in the top six. They have been seriously impressive under Rob Edwards and have now achieved their second consecutive top six finish in the Championship. The Hatters will hope they have learnt from last season’s loss to Huddersfield, and are aiming for the Premier League for the very first time. Their rise from non-league to the top flight would be one of football’s finest tales.
Coventry City - 6/1
Who would have thought the Sky Blues would be in the play-off picture with two games to go? Having been bottom of the table after seven matches, had their first three home matches postponed due to the issues with the pitch at the CBS Arena, and been handed an eviction notice by the stadium’s new owner Mike Ashley - it’s been one hell of a season for Coventry. But Mark Robins has kept plugging away and they’ve found form over the second half of the season. Now they are up into fifth, with Birmingham (H) and Middlesbrough (A) still to come. They are currently 6/1 to go up, and if you fancy Luton or Boro to flop in the play-offs, there is big value on offer. With a whole host of injuries, we aren’t sure they have the squad depth to go all the way however.
Sunderland - 8/1
The Black Cats are The Sportsman’s outside pick for promotion. Tony Mowbray’s men picked up a huge three points at the Hawthorns last time out and now face two winnable games on paper to secure their top six spot. They face a miserable Watford outfit at the Stadium of Light before travelling to a Preston side that should be out of the running come the final day. This young side have flourished despite a season- ending to Ross Stewart and they could cause an upset in the play-offs too.
Millwall - 9/1
Millwall have fallen away in recent matches, when they had a three-point cushion between themselves and the chasing pack not so long ago. What is most surprising about the last two games is that they have faced Birmingham at home and Wigan away, managing 0 points from two matches against sides near or at the bottom of the league.
Next up is another relegation-threatened side, Blackpool, on Friday night. Lose that and it could be curtains for Gary Rowett’s men before they host Blackburn Rovers on the final day.
West Brom - 16/1
WBA’s midweek loss to Sheffield United may have been expected as the Blades sealed promotion, but it also gives them a mountain to climb. Carlos Corberan’s men looked in good shape, but back to back defeats have stopped them in their tracks. They face Norwich and Swansea in their last two matches and will now need to win both to give themselves a chance.
Blackburn Rovers - 20/1
A 95th minute equaliser by Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson was followed by an injury time own goal from Dom Hyam against Preston. Those four dropped points were damaging for Rovers, while watching Burnley celebrate the title at Ewood Park was sickening. Their games in hand have now disappeared however all hope is not lost. Luton come next, and they’ve already secured their play-off spot. A good result there could put them back in contention travelling to Millwall on the final day. 20/1 seems like a generous price.
Norwich City - 50/1
Norwich fell apart at home to Swansea and their good form at the start of David Wagner’s reign has disappeared. They’ll need a huge performance at West Brom to keep their hopes alive, but they do have a kind final fixture against Blackpool at Carrow Road to finish. If that isn’t a dead rubber, the Canaries’ price will shrink rapidly.
Preston North End - 100/1
Preston haven’t won any of their last three, but they face a Sheffield United side who have nothing to play for and will have enjoyed a big party on Wednesday night. It isn’t unthinkable that PNE win there, which will make their final game against Sunderland an absolute barnstormer.
Swansea City - 150/1
The in-form side in the division may have left it too late. They could well win their final two games but that would only take them to 68 points, meaning one win for any of the other contenders in the top eight would eliminate them from the conversation. It isn’t impossible though.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
