First Division Title Odds - 2004/2005

League Odds
By Chris O'Brien
May 31 2004

Bookmakers across Great Britain have wasted no time in releasing league championship odds for the 2004/2005 season. Cardiff City are 12th favourites to lift the First Division title, priced at 21/1.

The bookmakers have wasted no time in announcing the odds for the 2004/2005 season, with several major British firms releasing championship winning odds for all four divisions only hours after the final play-off final, won by Huddersfield Town on penalties, was done and dusted with. All odds below are provided by William Hill, although they follow a similar trend across all bookies.

Cardiff City have been made 12th favourites to lift the First Division crown, indicating that we are predicted to enjoy another mid-table finish, priced at 12/1 to go up as league winners. Play-off final losers West Ham United are favourites for the title despite major personnel changes expected at Upton Park over the summer, with the London outfit 6/1 for the ultimate success.

Relegated duo Wolves and Leicester City are second and third favourites to go down respectively, with play-off losers Sunderland fourth favourites at 9/1. Leeds United are priced at 13/1 to make a quick return to the Premership via the league title, whilst many people will be fancying a flutter on Ipswich Town at 15/1. Rank outsiders include Burnley at 81/1, and Rotherham United, Gillingham and Crewe Alexandra who are all priced at 101/1.

Other odds of interest include Arsenal favourites to retain the Premiership crown, priced at evens, with arch-rivals Bristol City favourites to win the Second Division title after yet another play-off disappointment this term. Speaking of arch-rivals, the Jacks are also 12th favourites to win their division at 19/1!

The complete odds are as follows:
West Ham United - 6/1
Wolverhampton Wanderers - 13/2
Leicester City - 15/2
Sunderland - 9/1
Wigan Athletic - 11/1
Reading - 12/1
Millwall - 12/1
Nottingham Forest - 13/1
Leeds United - 13/1
Ipswich Town - 15/1
Sheffield United - 17/1
Cardiff City - 21/1
Coventry City - 26/1
Queens Park Rangers - 34/1
Stoke City - 41/1
Plymouth Argyle - 41/1
Derby County - 41/1
Watford - 51/1
Preston North End - 51/1
Brighton & Hove Albion - 67/1
Burnley - 81/1
Rotherham United - 101/1
Gillingham - 101/1
Crewe Alexandra - 101/1