Bookmakers have released odds for 57 attackers to win the Championship Golden Boot this season, and the list features a conspicuous absence: no West Bromwich Albion player is among the favourites. The omission has raised eyebrows among Baggies fans, given the club's attacking pedigree.
Favourites and Odds
According to Betway, the current favourite is Middlesbrough's Chuba Akpom, who scored 28 goals last season to win the Golden Boot. He is priced at 8/1 to retain the title. Other leading contenders include Coventry's Viktor Gyökeres (10/1), Burnley's Nathan Tella (12/1), and Sunderland's Ross Stewart (14/1). The list of 57 players covers all 24 Championship clubs, but West Brom is notably missing.
West Brom's Scoring Woes
Last season, West Brom's top scorer was Brandon Thomas-Asante with 9 goals, followed by John Swift with 5. No Baggie reached double figures, which may explain the bookmakers' skepticism. A spokesperson for Betway commented: "It's rare to see a club with West Brom's history omitted from the Golden Boot betting, but their lack of a consistent goalscorer last season has led to their players being overlooked."
The Baggies have struggled in front of goal, with only 44 goals in 46 Championship matches last term – the lowest among the top half of the table. New signing Josh Maja, who scored 5 goals in 15 appearances for West Brom after joining in January, is considered their best bet, but he is not among the 57 listed.
Impact on West Brom's Season
The omission could be a psychological blow for West Brom's attackers, but it also reflects the club's need for a prolific striker. Manager Carlos Corberan has been linked with several forwards in the transfer window, including Swansea's Michael Obafemi and Watford's Vakoun Bayo. If the Baggies are to challenge for promotion, they will need at least one player to emerge as a Golden Boot contender.
Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many calling for a marquee signing. The odds list serves as a stark reminder of the work ahead for West Brom as they prepare for the new season.
Other Notable Omissions
West Brom are not alone in being overlooked. Other Championship sides without a player in the top 57 include Rotherham United, Huddersfield Town, and Stoke City. However, given West Brom's stature and history of producing top scorers – such as Dwight Gayle (23 goals in 2018-19) – their absence is particularly striking.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on West Brom's attack to see if anyone can prove the bookmakers wrong.
