Championship Play-Off Odds: Southampton 13/8 favourites

Updated: September 13, 2024 at 12:25 pm GMT+1

Southampton have emerged as the favourites to achieve promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, edging past Leeds after contrasting ends to the season.

Russell Martin’s side are 13/8 favourites to emerge triumphant at Wembley on Sunday 26 May, having beaten third-placed Leeds on the final day of the season to go into the play-offs with the slight edge.

They must first get past West Brom in the play-off semi-finals, starting on Sunday 12 May, before facing either Leeds or Norwich in the Wembley showpiece.

Leeds had been strong favourites to go up automatically but a drastic loss of form towards the end of the season - they lost four of their last six league games - means they have been leapfrogged by Saints and are now generally priced at 6/4 to go up - though you can find them at equal odds to Southampton.

Betfred logo
Betfred
Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

Championship Play-Off Odds

Here is a look at the best odds on the market for each side, with Southampton backed as favourites by the majority of the bookies.

TeamBest OddsBrand
Southampton13/8Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Betfred, Ladbrokes
Leeds13/8bet365
Norwich9/2William Hill, Betfred
West Brom5/1Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, Coral, Ladbrokes

While Leeds are still seen as in with a strong chance considering their third-placed finish and the strength of their squad, Southampton are clearly backed by more bookies to seal a return to the Premier League with Leeds generally priced at 6/4.

Norwich and West Brom are clearly third and fourth in the running having finished sixth and fifth respectively.

Championship Play-Off Fixtures

Here are the four semi final fixtures, with dates and kick off times listed.

FixtureDate & Time
Norwich vs Leeds - first legSunday 12 May, 12pm
West Brom vs Southampton - first legSunday 12 May, 2.15pm
Leeds vs Norwich - second legThursday 16 May, 8pm
Southampton vs West Brom - second legFriday 17 May, 8pm
FinalSunday 26 May, TBD

Southampton Promotion Odds

None of the sides heading into these play-off matches are exactly in good form, and you’d argue that Southampton are only marginal favourites because of the win at Elland Road on the final day and because Leeds’ form has been that bad.

They are clearly a good side - no side goes unbeaten for 25 games in a season without being a good team - but they have already shown on two occasions this season that when the pressure is on them, they don’t exactly deal with it well.

Russell Martin has done a good job in what could have been difficult circumstances, but his emotions tend to get the better of him on the touchline and in high-pressured environments such as these, will that be a good thing?

They are unbeaten against the other three sides which will give them confidence and in West Brom probably have the team they would want to face first up, but they are by no means runaway favourites.

Betfred logo
Betfred
Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

Leeds Promotion Odds

About six weeks ago it appeared certain that Leeds would go up via the top two, having beaten Leicester 3-1 to help claw back a 17-point deficit from the Foxes and they even went top during the last international break.

Since then however, Leeds have won just two of their eight matches - they haven’t been the only ones to choke with the pressure on - and most alarmingly of all, they look bereft of ideas and confidence.

What was a water-tight defence earlier in 2024 has conceded nine goals in their last three and the exciting attack they once had is barely functioning.

The return of Patrick Bamford and Dan James should help them against Norwich, and Daniel Farke will be hoping the Leeds side who has shown themselves to be the third best side in the league this season will prove more than enough for rivals - though they have failed to beat either West Brom or Southampton this season.

bet365 logo
bet365
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets
#Ad. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

Norwich Promotion Odds

Norwich held off the advances of teams around them to secure the final play-off spot, and had been heading into the final round of games in good form until a minor blip towards the end.

Like Leeds and Southampton, they head into the play-offs down on confidence having lost to Birmingham on the final day and draw at home to Bristol City and Swansea before that, making it three without a win.

They rely heavily on their home form and those two draws may hurt them, especially with their away form being pretty poor all season.

The Canaries will fancy their chances of getting at Leeds in the first of the play-offs, but they are likely to play a style of football that should suit the Peacocks and with two defeats to them already this season, are clearly up against it.

18+. Play Safe. Online only. For new UK register customers using promo code G40. Deposit & place £10 cash single bet (min odds 1/2) on sportsbook (excl. Virtuals). Get £40 in Free Bets (4x£10), valid for sportsbook (excl. Virtuals), 7 days expiry, must use in full (£10 each). Not valid with deposits via PayPal, Neosurf, Paysafe, Apple Pay, NETELLER, Skrill, ecoPayz, Kalibra/Postpay or WH PLUS Card. One per customer. Full T&Cs apply. www.gambleaware.org #ad

West Brom Promotion Odds

Last but by no means least, we have West Brom as the outsiders for promotion via the play-offs.

Carlos Corberan has turned them into a function, rather than thrilling, Championship side but they have been in the top six pretty much all season and deserve their place there despite threatening to be hauled in by the chasing pack.

Again, they are another side who tailed off significantly in the final weeks with just two wins in their last eight - they lost three on the bounce to Sunderland, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday before beating Preston on the final day - which means no one will be full of confidence heading into these fixtures.

What counts against them is their two losses this season against Southampton. They are unbeaten against Leeds and won one, lost one against Norwich so if they can get past Saints in their semi-final, they will fancy their chances at Wembley in a one-off fixture.

bet365 logo
bet365
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets
#Ad. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

More Football Betting Offers

Advertiser Disclosure:

Content on this site will contain reference to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you view ads or click on links to those products or services.

Neptune Play logo
1
Neptune Play
Bet £20 and Get £20 + 20 Free spins
18+. New Players Only. Min. £20 deposit and bet on odds 1/1 or greater required. Extra bets and bonus spins are issued within 24 hours of the qualifying bet being settled. Extra bet valid for 14 days, stake not returned. Bonus spins are valid for 24 hours, only available on the Book of Dead game. Wagering Required on Bonus Spins: x15. Terms and Conditions apply
Livescore Bet logo
2
Livescore Bet
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
*New members only. £10+ bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals) at 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days on sportsbook only. 2x£5 Free Bets for Bet Builder only. Stake not returned. T&Cs + deposit exclusions apply. **UK and Irish horse racing win/each-way bets placed after 9am on race day. Max enhancement £50k/day. Rules and exclusions apply. Click here for full T&Cs.. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware®. 18+
Tote logo
3
Tote
Bet £10 Get £50 in Bonuses
Claim Offer
New customers online only. Valid with code B10G50 on registration. Bet min £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€10 Sports Bet, 2 x £/€5 Sports Acca and 50 Free Spins. 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Full T&Cs apply.
Betway logo
4
Betway
Up to £30 Matched Free Bet + £30 Uber Eats Voucher
*New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Earn a £30 Uber Eats Voucher on successful Acca qualification. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. 18+ GambleAware.org. Bet the Responsible Way. Full Terms apply
BoyleSports logo
5
BoyleSports
Get £40 in Bonuses + Early Payout on 2 Goals Ahead
18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. T&Cs Apply 18+. Applies to bets placed on match betting ahead of kick off. Get paid out as a winner if your team goes 2 goals ahead even if they win, lose or draw. 90 mins only. Applies to Singles & Multiples. Max €/£50k on losing selection. Account & payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.
Bet442 Sport logo
6
Bet442 Sport
Bet £20, Get £20 in Free Bets
18+. New customer only.Min deposit £20. Maximum one £10 Free Bet & two £5 Bet Builder Free Bets. Quailifying bet must be placed at odds of Evens (2.00) or greater. Paid as bonus tokens: Tokens 1 Min odds Req: 4/5 (1.800, token 2 & 3 are valid for Bet Builder only and are subject to min odds of 2/1 (3.00). T&C’s apply.
Betfred logo
7
Betfred
Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to £100 | Min. deposit is £10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet with an active bonus is £5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Cashback is cash with no restrictions | Skrill & Neteller deposits excluded |
Will Jackson

Will Jackson

Former sports journalist, formerly of PA Media, who spent years on the road specialising in football and cricket before moving behind a desk. More recently a PR manager before moving into the world of content and marketing with the Gambling.com group.

Top Bookmakers

BETFRED
Betfred Sign-Up Offer and Promo Code
Read Review
Kwiff Logo
Kwiff Review, Free Bets and Betting Offers 2025
Read Review
Spreadex Sports Review & Features Insight
Read Review
bet365 logo
Bet365 Review and Feature Insights
Read Review
William Hill Sports Logo
William Hill Review & Sign Up Offer
Read Review
Best CopyBet Sign Up Offer & Bonuses 2025
Read Review
BetWay Review & User Opinion
Read Review
jeffbet Logo Webp
Jeffbet Review, Sign Up Offer & Bonuses for September 2025
Read Review
Pick your bet type