Southampton Out, Middlesbrough In: Boro Now Favourites For Promotion To Premier League

In a dramatic turn of events, Southampton have been expelled from the 2025/26 Championship play-off final after ‘Spygate’ and reinstated Middlesbrough are favourites to clinch promotion to the Premier League.

William Hill News look at the updated situation ahead of this Saturday’s play-off final following news that Southampton have been kicked out of the playoffs, though reports suggest that Saints are likely to appeal the decision.

While the stage is set for both the League 1 play-off final and the League 2 play-off final, the Championship play-off final has a grey cloud hanging over the contest – and we’re just over 72 hours away from kick-off!

EFL Championship Play-off Final Tie Winner Odds:

• Hull City – 29/20
• Middlesbrough – 1/2

All eyes will be on Wembley Stadium for Saturday’s big match, with the winners destined for the promised land of the Premier League and a huge pay day to boot.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “A remarkable turn of events which has seen Southampton expelled from the Championship play-off final over ‘Spygate’ sees Middlesbrough take their spot at Wembley, and we make them 1/2 favourites to get the better of Hull. The Tigers are 29/20 to stop Boro from making a Premier League return.

“We’re not quite paying out on the Championship semi-final tie between Saints and Boro just yet – Boro were never settled as a loser while the EFL charges were ongoing, and we’ll wait to see whether Saints’ appeal is successful before settling Tonda Eckert’s side as the loser. It’s fair to say, we’ve never seen a situation quite like this one!”

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*