Aston Villa have been installed as joint favourites to lift the English Championship title next season in the latest bookmakers’ odds.
Leading bookmaker SkyBet have priced the Midlands outfit at 7/1 alongside Middlesbrough to win the second-tier title during the 2017-18 season and earn promotion to the Premier League.
The club struggled to make an impact in the Championship last season, following their relegation from the Premier League, and finished 13th in the table and 18 points adrift of the play-offs.
However, Steve Bruce’s side have been backed to show considerable all-round improvements next season, having been named as favourites to lift the league title, ahead of relegated duo Sunderland and Hull.
Both manager Bruce and Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia have repeatedly declared their intention to see the club competing back on England’s biggest-stage, and with the right approach this summer, they could do just that.
They splashed the cash last summer on an entirely new-look first-team squad, but it failed to bring about the desired effect, and they could take a more cautious approach this year as a result.
But it would take more than just a few summer additions to make Aston Villa worthy title contenders.
Meanwhile, Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich are the next-best priced sides at 9/1, while Sunderland (12/1) and Hull (14/1) are left trailing the pack.