IT'S one of the toughest title races to call – the English Championship is a gruelling 46-match race to the finish. It's a marathon not a sprint and there will be plenty of twists and turns throughout the campaign.
Relegated clubs QPR, Reading and Wigan are in the top six in the betting and the winner should come from them or Bolton, Nottingham Forest or Watford.
If pushed to pick one it would have to Wigan under new boss Owen Coyle. So far the only star man he's lost is Aroune Kone to Everton so the bulk of the squad who won the FA Cup but were cruelly relegated remain.
Wigan have made good signings too in Grant Holt from Norwich, Marc-Antoine Fortune from West Brom and James Perch from Newcastle and they should go close. They are a best 12-1 with the likes of Paddy Power and William Hill.
Reading boss Nigel Adkins has brought in the likes of Royston Drenthe, Wayne Bridge and USA international Daniel Williams and he’s got strength in depth. Adam Le Fondre will score goals and Reading are third favourites at 9-1 with William Hill and Ladbrokes.
Bolton ended last season strongly under Dougie Freedman, just missing out on the play-offs, and should be contenders again at 9-1 with bet365.
At the other end newly-promoted Yeovil are 11-10 at Ladbrokes to go down but I reckon they'll enjoy their first adventure in the Championship and survive. I reckon Doncaster, under Paul Dickov, face a tougher test with a smaller squad. They are 5-2 at BetVictor to take the plunge.
There are plenty of specials about and I like top North West club from William Hill, Go for Forest at 13-8 ahead of Leicester, Derby and Birmingham.
For top scorer I't take an each-way punt on Derby's Johnny Russell. He signed from Dundee Utd for a bargain £750,000 as Celtic hummed and hawed over making a move.
Russell hit 13 in the SPL last season despite injury problems and should go on to bigger and better things. He's netted four goals in three pre-season games and at one-quarter the odds for a top-four place is worth a look at 40-1 with BetVictor.
Favourite in this market is Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes but the Scotland star may not get as many chances with a team tipped to struggle. He is 8-1 (various) while Le Fondre is 14-1 with Ladbrokes and also worth an each-way look.
Recommended Bets
Wigan to win the Championship
(12-1, various)
Doncaster to be relegated
(5-2, BetVictor)
Nottm Forest top Midlands club
(13-8, William Hill)
Russell ew top scorer
(40-1, BetVictor)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
I didn’t know Russell had left Dundee Utd, i thought it was just Daly….maybe i should buy a Record more often
John, if you want to know everything about Scottish football you should buy it every day.
Cracking price on Johnny Russell, very good player who could be another one Celtic live to regret not signing after doing the same with James McCarthy and Steven Fletcher in previous years.
The 40/1 on offer is a cracking price considering Jason Scotland managed to top the scoring charts in this league not so long ago.
Hank, I really liked Russell at Dundee Utd and was surprised Celtic didn’t take the plunge for under £1m. Still a lot to prove but knows the way to goal and his lightning quick.
The price on Wigan is very tempting but their Europa League campaign will be forcing them to play Thursday and Sundays very often this season and thats not something I can see a Championship team doing well after all the travelling.
Clarkey, I might be wrong but I reckon Wigan will exit Europe early. There’s no way they’ll risk promotion for a Europa League run and I’m sure Coyle will play a weakened team.
Av taken wigan to with chelsea wolves portsmouth and celtic. 10 pound acca. Pays around 9 grand if it comes in.
Alex, beers will be on you then come May.
Hope i can get more than beers for you.
If remy stays at qpr then qpr to win the championship at 6/1 has to be the bet. I doubt remy stays tho
Didn’t even look but remy championship top scorer is 25/1 with bet365. Thought he would be alot shorter then that. I still doubt he will stay but if he does then that’s got a great chance. He got 6 in 14 appearances last season so got to fancy him filling his boots in the champo