Magnificent Millwall sit at the top of the Championship
Published:Millwall have made a mockery of what looked a tough start to life back in the Championship to top the table with a goal difference of plus seven two games into the new season.
Not content with spoiling the party at Ashton Gate last week by beating Bristol City 3-0 on the day that the summer’s highest profile Football League signing David James made his debut, they stuck four past Hull, who drew away at Tottenham and Man City last season.
The dominant victory at the New Den, with all four goals coming in the opening hour, fired out a warning that their phenomenal home record is not League One exclusive, however Kenny Jackett’s men are 25/1 outsiders to finish first and achieve successive promotions.
Pre-season favourites Middlesbrough are out to 8/1 to win the title and already trail Millwall and QPR, new 9/2 frontrunners, by five points after being held a goalless draw at Leicester.
That wasn’t the only big clash in the division to finish level, as Portsmouth and Reading, Ipswich and Burnley and Doncaster and Bristol City, who conceded a last-minute penalty, were all forced to settle for a point.
Swansea were Saturday’s biggest victors outside of London, their 4-0 triumph over Preston being their heaviest win at this level in 30 years. They’re 22/1 to claim top spot under new boss Brendan Rodgers.
A relegation tussle may await the team that they defeated, as Preston are the only side yet to get off the mark. Progress at Deepdale has been limited ever since the rash decision to sack Alan Irvine last December.
Another club in turmoil are Sheffield United, who sent Kevin Blackwell packing after the 3-0 home loss to QPR and former manager Neil Warnock. The Blades, who are expected to promote coach Gary Speed, are 25/1 in the title betting.
Which teams have caught your eye? See the full Npower Championship 2010/11 Betting Odds market.
