Five games into the new Championship season, people are pondering which club might lift the crown in May. It's too early to make definitive statements but the outright market is very much there for the taking with 5 pound betting sites offering some fantastic odds on some big-hitters and early frontrunners.
Some of the more predictable contenders are right up there at this early stage, but some very strong starts from some clubs, perhaps a little underestimated going into this campaign, have well and truly put the cat among the pigeons.
As things stand, in mid-September, here and the five clubs currently backed by bookies to win the EFL Championship title and that much-coveted promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds United (15/8 favourites)
Despite a very lacklustre start to the Championship season, Daniel Farke's team remain top of the list with bookmakers.
They finished third last season, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion and were forced into the playoffs. They comfortably navigated the semi-finals and reached the final at Wembley, where they were defeated 1-0 by Russell Martin's Southampton.
Many experts are tipping them to come back stronger this season, after managing to hold on to some of their brighter stars, including the likes of Willy Gnonto. However, just two wins from their opening five games leave them in ninth place, and already five points off the pace.
If they want to win the title and return to the Premier League automatically, Leeds will need to improve soon. It is still early days in the campaign but a strong start is imperative if you want to win the title. Watch this space.
Burnley (11/2)
Scott Parker's Burnley have also underwhelmed slightly, given their resources, but 10 points from 5 games is still good going and usually an indicator of an automatic promotion.
Vincent Kompany was unable to keep The Clarets in the Premier League last season, and since he has made his shocking move to Bayern Munich, Parker is at the reigns.
An experienced yet still young coach, with a great track record of achieving promotion from the Championship, Parker is tipped for big things at Burnley and expectations are high.
Their away defeat to Sunderland last month was rather disappointing, but given the performances The Black Cats have put in since is ageing well.
Their victory over Leeds at the weekend, in what was thought by many to be an early title-winners play-off, will no doubt do wonders for the confidence of Parker's side, and it's difficult to see how bookies can put Leeds above them in this list. Burnley, while not the best value on this list, could well be worth a shout as a safe bet to clinch the title.
Sheffield United (10/1)
The Blades had a torrid time in the Premier League last season, finishing rock bottom and recording one of the worst points tallies in English top-flight history.
Nevertheless, Chris Wilder has gotten them out of this division and into the promised land before and it's very easy to see him doing the same again.
Sheffield United currently sit in sixth place on nine points and well in the race for the Championship title. They have a squad more than capable of challenging and like the other clubs on this list, a manager well-versed in winning promotion at this level.
The first of three clubs on this list with amazing value at 10/1, Sheffield United are very much worth backing at this early stage.
West Bromwich Albion (10/1)
One of only three teams in the division to remain unbeaten thus far, Carlos Corberán's Baggies are enjoying a phenomenal start to the 2024-25 Championship season.
Top of the league with four wins and one draw from their opening five games, West Brom have been on fire. However, there will be some doubts over whether they can maintain this blistering start throughout a long and arduous Championship season.
Beaten semi-finalists in last year's playoffs, West Brom do have quality in their ranks, and Corberán is an exciting young coach seemingly capable of helping them reach the Premier League, but backing them to win the title itself would certainly be bold.
Nonetheless, West Brom are currently top of the table and they do look like the real thing. The price is a fantastic one and many fans out there will certainly be considering it.
Middlesbrough (10/1)
From one young, ambitious manager to another, Michael Carrick has done a sublime job at Middlesbrough. The Manchester United legend has rejuvenated the club and given the fans the belief that they can make a return to the Premier League.
The bookies share that belief, with some trepidation, hence the price. Many experts will be tipping Boro to at least challenge for the playoffs this season, as they did last campaign before narrowly missing out.
However, those bold enough to back Carrick's men to clinch the title will be rewarded with a very juicy price indeed.
