The Championship betting is dominated by the three teams that were demoted from the Premier League last season, and Leeds appears to be the best pick in the futures market.
Who do Bettors Favor?
According to the best bookmakers (and you can check out our top sportsbook reviews here) it is clear that Leicester is the favorite with bettors going into the new season. The former Premier League winner is rated at +500 with Leeds and Southampton also prominent in the betting. Behind those three, Middlesbrough, West Brom, Ipswich, Norwich and Watford are also contenders, all at odds below +2000 with most sportsbooks.
| Championship Winner |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester | +350 | +500 | +400 |
| Leeds | +650 | +750 | +750 |
| Southampton | +700 | +800 | +800 |
| Middlesbrough | +900 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Norwich | +1600 | +1400 | +1600 |
| Ipswich | +1600 | +2000 | +1600 |
| Watford | +1800 | +1400 | +1800 |
| West Brom | +2000 | +1400 | +2000 |
| Stoke | +2000 | +1600 | +2000 |
| Sunderland | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
OSB Championship Betting Briefing
Every club aims to play at the top level, but the competition in England is more fierce than others. Because many second-tier clubs have a long history in the top flight or have previously played there, the Championship season is always extremely competitive. With the value of promotion to the Premier League coming to around £200 million, it is also the richest second-tier league in the world.
While betting on the Championship, there are a few things to keep in mind, most obviously the fact that winning the league and getting promoted are two separate futures markets. The clubs that finish third through sixth compete in a playoff round to determine the winner, with the top two teams receiving automatic promotion.
Another factor to keep in mind is that demoted Premier League teams obtain "parachute payments" to assist them in meeting their Premier League obligations in the interim and to recognise the salary disparity between the two leagues, which gives relegated teams a significant advantage.
OSB Championship Favorites
After a lengthy period of success in the top division, including that illustrious Premier League victory, an FA Cup, and a stint in the Champions League, Leicester City's relegation last season came as a shock. The way that the club has responded makes it obvious that the team is betting everything on this season and does not have a long-term rebuild in mind.
Enzo Maresca has been tasked with leading Leicester back to the top, and there have been some eye-catching additions, including Callum Doyle, who was very productive for Blackburn last season, as well as Harry Winks and Conor Coady. On the other side, certain important players have left, most notably James Maddison, while there are obvious questions about Maresca's qualifications in a league that is renowned for being difficult to win.
Southampton, another of those three relegated teams, is probably going to play some entertaining football under new manager Russell Martin, but the team he inherited is of uncertain qualitiy and Martin's past performances show that his sides are entertaining to watch but frequently fall short.
Leeds United therefore appears to be the best pick out of the three favourites in the Championship Futures betting. Leeds decided to take a different path after the dismal 2022–23 season, and new head coach Daniel Farke has a strong record in the Championship after twice promoting Norwich City to the top division. In addition, the Leeds roster has a lot of talent despite recent turmoil, so if we can rely on Farke to maximise the potential of the players at his disposal, a Championship win is possible.
OSB Championship Contenders
Demoted Premier League teams frequently prosper in the Championship but every season there are battle-hardened clubs that have been in the second tier for a season or more that can provide a strong challenge.
Middlesbrough is the most intriguing of these Championship contenders. After a shaky start to the previous campaign, Chris Wilder was fired, leaving Boro in disarray. However, under ex Manchester United player Michael Carrick, the side has grown into a compelling and potent force. The team's rapid improvement took it to the playoffs last time and and with the addition of several talented players. Boro appears to be a solid betting choice.
Norwich City Expected to Push
Under David Wagner, whose credentials in the Championship are undeniable, Norwich City will be expected to mount a serious push this season. Yet while the squad has no lack of talent in its ranks, it finished in the mid-table positions last season and with a great deal of work to do, Wagner may find the playoffs is the limit of his team's range.
West Bromwich Albion was once a Premier League regular but is now facing its fifth season out of the last six in the second tier and it is noticeably underpowered when compared to some of its competitors, and Albion's slender chances would become nearly nonexistent if Carlos Corberan were to be hired by a Premier League team. And, despite having a good team, Watford's success is always a risk due to the club's turbulent leadership.
Sunderland is the other team that you might consider including in your portfolio for Championship futures betting. The team's performance under Tony Mowbray has been impressive, and with a number of new arrivals this summer, the Black Cats can improve on their top-six finish from the previous campaign and contend for the Championship in 2023/24.
Best Online Sportsbooks to Bet on Championship
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