CAN MIDDLESBROUGH MAINTAIN THEIR PROMOTION PUSH? LATEST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE ODDS

Middlesbrough have had an excellent start to the current campaign. After 12 games, Kim Hellberg's side sit top of the table, two points clear of Swansea in second. Last time out, Boro secured an excellent 5-1 away win at Bolton, showing their attacking quality when going forward. New signing Will Lankshear has played a crucial role in attack, scoring 11 goals this season.

Boro have been difficult to beat this season, losing just once in their opening 12 matches. They've also looked brilliant going forward, and if they can maintain this level, they will fancy their chances of securing promotion to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough's start has seen them emerge as one of the favourites for the Championship title, with Boro currently priced at 9/4 to finish top of the table.

Their odds of securing promotion are even shorter at 8/15, with that market also covering the possibility of going up through the play-offs. There is still a long way to go in the season, and Boro will need to maintain their form if they are to return to the Premier League.

MIDDLESBROUGH'S PROMOTION CHANCES

Middlesbrough have scored 27 goals in their opening 12 matches. Boro are averaging 2.25 goals scored per game and have found the net in every league fixture so far.

Their home form has also been impressive. Kim Hellberg's side are unbeaten in six matches at the Riverside Stadium, winning four and drawing twice. They have also picked up three wins from their opening six away matches.

However, there are still some concerns defensively. Middlesbrough have conceded 17 goals in 12 matches and have managed just two clean sheets. Although their attacking performances have been enough to get results so far, Kim Hellberg will want to see his side improve defensively if they are to maintain their promotion push.

ARE MIDDLESBROUGH WORTH BACKING FOR PROMOTION?

One thing worth considering is how Middlesbrough will cope with the pressure of being among the favourites for promotion. We've seen plenty of Championship sides start well before struggling later in the campaign. Hellberg will also need to make full use of his squad, particularly during the busy winter period.

Personally, I think Middlesbrough are better suited to a promotion bet than an outright title bet. Finishing first will be difficult with the likes of West Ham and Wolves, but Boro have put themselves in a good position to challenge for a place in the Premier League. At 8/15, Middlesbrough's promotion odds are very short, so there isn't a great deal of value in backing them as a single. However, I think they could be worth including in doubles or trebles to boost the overall odds.

CAN MIDDLESBROUGH GO ONE BETTER THIS SEASON?

One player who will play a big part in Middlesbrough's promotion push is Will Lankshear. The 21-year-old joined from Tottenham in the summer and has enjoyed an excellent start at the Riverside Stadium, scoring 11 goals in his opening 12 Championship matches.

Lankshear has been in particularly good form recently, scoring twice in Boro's 5-1 win over Bolton. He is currently the Championship's leading goalscorer. Keeping hold of him and making sure he stays fit will be important for Kim Hellberg as the season goes on.

Something else that stands out is how Middlesbrough finished last season. Boro were also on 25 points after 12 matches but ended up finishing fifth, winning just four of their final 15 league games. They then lost to Hull City in the play-off final, so there will be some pressure to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again. Overall, I fancy Boro to go up this season, although I'd be more confident about backing them for promotion than to win the Championship outright.