The race for the Championship title is proving to be one of the most exciting in living memory and the betting market has shifted in the wake of an enthralling Christmas period.
Table-topping Leeds produced a couple of stunning comebacks to win against Aston Villa and Blackburn either side of Christmas Day, although those exertions appeared to take a bit out of them as they then suffered a shock 2-0 loss at home to Hull before they started 2019 with a thumping 4-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Marcelo Bielsa's men are still favourites to win the Championship as they are two points clear of Norwich, although their price has drifted slightly to 11/8.
Norwich weren't at their very best over the festive period as they have now won just one of their last five games, drawing three and losing one, and they are currently 4/1 to win the title.
Despite the relative struggles of the leading pair in recent weeks, the rest of the chasing pack have struggled to put consistent pressure on them as the race for promotion to the Premier League continues.
West Bromwich Albion had a prime opportunity to move into contention but drew with Sheffield Wednesday and then lost at Blackburn on New Year's Day, with Darren Moore's men now 9/2 to win the league. The Baggies are currently fourth in the division, three points adrift of Norwich.
Sheffield United had a tricky time of it leading up to Christmas but came into their own during turkey season as they have won all three of their matches since Boxing Day, scoring nine goals in the process. Chris Wilder's men occupy third place in the table and are just four points behind Leeds, with Betfred cutting their title odds from a pre-Christmas 16/1 to their current price of 6/1.
Could the Blades return to the Premier League for the first time since 2007?
Championship Title Odds:
- Leeds: 11/8
- Norwich: 4/1
- West Brom: 9/2
- Sheffield United: 6/1
- Derby: 14/1
- Middlesbrough: 20/1
- Aston Villa: 33/1
Odds subject to change and courtesy of Betfred.
One team who are beginning to appreciate just how difficult it is to get back to the top-flight after being relegated to the Championship are Aston Villa. The Villans are into their third season of life in the second tier and they have been touted for a push for promotion after losing just one of their last eleven games in the league.
However, Dean Smith's men have drawn four of their past six outings and their Championship title odds have drifted from a pre-Christmas 14/1 to their current 33/1. The play-offs seem to be the most likely route to promotion for Villa, who are tenth in the league following their 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.
He's bagged 15 goals this season
On fire!
#AVFC
