Championship preview: Can Wrexham defy the odds for a Premier League leap? | OneFootball

The Championship kicks off on Friday, Wolves hosting Blackburn in an opener to a promotion race tipped to be fierce. Wrexham begin on Monday away to Cardiff City, and they face long odds if the Premier League is to follow.

According to NY Times, West Ham United head the markets at 7/4 for the title and are odds-on for promotion after relegation, having kept Jarrod Bowen. Wolverhampton Wanderers are 6/4 for promotion, Middlesbrough 5/2, with Burnley fourth favourites for both title and promotion.

Wrexham are rated ninth in both the title and promotion markets, at 20/1 and 11/2 respectively, reflecting respect for their rise yet caution about the step up.

Their ascent from the National League to the Championship has been remarkable, and their profile has soared.

The Cardiff clash carries added edge, a derby on opening weekend, and Wrexham are 9/5 to win. It offers an immediate gauge of whether they can handle rivals with momentum.

The field looks imposing, with West Ham, Wolves and Burnley bringing recent Premier League experience, and Middlesbrough, Southampton, Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield United all fancied ahead of Wrexham.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have built a project on ambition, investment and growth. “Welcome to Wrexham” has amplified their profile, but the verdict will be settled on the pitch.

Source: NY Times

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”