Championship relegation betting 2011/12

In recent years, relegation favourites have usually been the teams promoted from the Npower League 1. However, last season bucked that trend with all sides finishing comfortably in the top half, with Norwich even achieving back to back promotions. It seems that this may in fact carry on this season, with at least 2 of the promoted teams looking strong and not among the favourites from the drop. Of course, other teams among the favourites to go down are those that struggled last season in Doncaster, Barnsley and Coventry.

Championship relegation odds

Barnsley are the current favourites for relegation from the division after struggling last year, finishing in 17th place, and consequently losing their captain Jason Shackell to Derby over the summer. Although they have strengthened with the money from that transfer by bringing in 4 players, only one of those in Miles Addison is proven at Championship level. This, along with the fact that new manager Keith Hill hasn’t managed at Championship level before appear to be the main reason why the Tykes are the current joint favourites. Best odds 2.88 with Coral.

Doncaster: The other team in line for the drop is fellow Yorkshire club Doncaster Rovers. Rovers finished last season just one place above the relegation zone, despite a good start to the season when they could have been pushing for the play-offs. Their main problem last season was their defence, which saw them concede 81 goals, more than 2 of the relegated teams. In an attempt to rectify this, Sean O’Driscoll has brought in defenders Tommy Spurr from Sheffield Wednesday and Richard Naylor from Leeds. This may add a bit more defensive stability, but you feel their main hopes of survival will depend on the fitness of striker Billy Sharp, who has been prolific for Rovers, when fit, in recent seasons. Best odds 3.0 with Coral .

Peterborough United are another team among the favourites to struggle this season, but with slightly longer odds of 3.5 available at Skybet. Promoted from League 1 last season, the Posh have also lost their top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith to Brighton and have openly admitted that they cannot attract proven Championship players because of their wage structure. They have though, invested in some good young players such as Nicky Ajose from Manchester United and loaned other Manchester United youngsters. It remains to be seen though, if they are able to make the step up in the Championship. Best odds on relegation 3.5 with William Hill.

There are other teams that look likely to be in and around relegation trouble this season and may well be worth a bet. Coventry City currently hold short odds of 3.0 with Sportingbet, as they also fell apart in the second half of last season and have since lost 3 of their key players in Marlon King, Aron Gunnarsson and Keiren Westwood. Crystal Palace are also fairly short odds of 3.4 with Unibet after also just avoiding relegation last season, but they have strengthened their ranks in preparation for the new term.

Read our Championship winner betting preview and Championship Golden boot.

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