Boro missed out on play-off glory this season but could go one better next time around.
Middlesbrough are the most-likely team to win the Championship behind the three relegated clubs, according to bookies.
The Teesiders lost to Villa in the play-off semi-finals, but enjoyed a decent season under Garry Monk and current boss Tony Pulis.
A summer of correct recruitment will be crucial for Boro’s chances but bookies believe they will be fighting at the right end of the Championship come May 2019, making the club 10/1 to win the Championship, behind Swansea, Stoke and West Brom who are all 8/1 best price.
Only 5% of bets however have gone on Boro to win the Championship, with punters preferring to back Bristol City (25/1), who are surprisingly the best-backed team with 45% of all total bets.
