Bookies Remain Undecided

Last updated : 26 April 2006 By Gary Calder

With this year's play-offs likely to as fiercely contested as ever, the Bookmakers are finding it difficult to establish just who the favourites for the final promotion place are.

Leeds United are many people's fancies to make a return to the top flight for the first time in two years, while Crystal Palace, relegated last season, do appear to have a number of big game match winners amongst their ranks that could tip the scales in their favour.

Do not discount Preston North End or Watford though!

Billy Davies' Preston North End, who reached the play-off final last season before losing out narrowly to West Ham United has just lost six times throughout the regular season, and Watford could well surprise everyone with their goal scoring prowess, which has seen the front three of Marlon King, Darius Henderson and Ashley Young notch 49 goals between them this season.

It really is anyone's guess as to who will claim the last Championship promotion place and join Reading and Sheffield United at English football's top table for the 2006/07 campaign, but should you fancy a flutter we have the latest odds, kindly supplied by William Hill.

Leeds United: 12/5

Crystal Palace: 12/5

Watford: 5/2

Preston North End: 3/1