EFL Championship promotion odds and prediction: Good value on the Foxes?

The 2025-26 Championship season is now two games old and although it is still far too early to be able to call who is going to win the league and who is going down, there have already been some interesting results. 

It's been an alarming start for Ipswich Town, who have failed to win either of their opening matches following relegation from the Premier League last season. On the flip side, it's been an unexpectedly brilliant start for Stoke, who are just one of three teams to have a 100% record.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the main candidates for promotion based on the latest Championship promotion odds.

Best EFL Championship promotion odds

For clarity, the odds for EFL Championship promotion are totally different from the EFL Championship winner odds. Of course, these describe two different markets, as three teams gain promotion, while only one can win the league.

In any case, here are the latest Championship promotion odds:

A closer look at the top promotion candidates

Ipswich, Southampton, Leicester

Ipswich have picked up just two points from their opening two matches, but they remain the favourites for promotion due to their deep squad and the quality of their manager. In fairness to them, they have faced Birmingham and Southampton so far, which is far from an easy start.

Southampton are on four points after two games, while Leicester are on three after beating Sheffield Wednesday and losing to Preston.

Sheffield United

While the aforementioned teams have seen their betting odds stay the same or shorten, Sheffield United's have lengthened after they were thrashed 4-1 at Bramall Lane by Bristol City on the opening day and then beaten again by Swansea last weekend.

New head coach Ruben Selles is already under huge pressure, and he desperately needs defensive reinforcements if they are to stay in the mix during the early weeks of the season.

Coventry

Meanwhile, Coventry City – another of the teams that reached the playoffs last season – have already played in a match of the season contender. After drawing their opening match 0-0, the Sky Blues went away to Derby County and won 5-3.

Frank Lampard did an excellent job last season and will now be keen to push them one step further to promotion.

Surprise package for EFL Championship promotion possible?

Stoke City are worth keeping an eye on after winning both of their first two match of the season. Their opening day comeback win over Derby County was particularly impressive, and Mark Robins has form for overachieving at this level.

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